Now that Spring is here, it is difficult to think of a catchphrase to summarise the year so far.  However, in local Government there is one such phrase that we are getting all too familiar with, and that is ‘budget cuts’! While it appears...... Read More

To live a healthy life with a healthy mind, a good place to start is with gratitude. Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has and often requires a conscious effort to count one’s blessings. While this has been a turbulent and...... Read More

It’s great to be back at Covid-19 Alert Level 2, with some additional restrictions in Auckland, and to enjoy the fact that we can get around the city and that businesses closed under Level 3 can operate again. We want to see our status return to...... Read More

We are in uncertain times. No one can plan ahead as we have in the past, like organising an overseas holiday. The good part is that you can spend those dollars in New Zealand and help the local economy. It is important that we think and spend locally,...... Read More

An independent review, initiated by the Mayor of Auckland, of Council’s five Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) has highlighted a number of faults, along with a lack of adequate management controls. The damning report confirms inefficiencies with...... Read More

I would ask you to take a moment to reflect on your life journey. Who have been the important people who have supported you? Who have been the positive role models who you have aspired to be like? Who have been the people who have encouraged you in the...... Read More

Ten years with the Auckland Supercity model and what has Wellsford got to show for it? Not much. This is despite the hard-working efforts of the residents of Wellsford continually struggling and pleading to get projects started. As I have acknowledged...... Read More

This year my family and I are celebrating 50 years on the Hibiscus Coast. We certainly have seen and experienced a great deal of changes over the years but one thing certainly stays the same, and that is, that the community feeling and spirit ...... Read More

Great to meet with the NX2 Northern Express Group at Puhoi last week, getting updated on this tremendous roading project, world leading roadway design technology at our backdoor. A couple of nights later, however, attending a community meeting to discuss...... Read More

There’s been widespread publicity about the budget cuts that the Council is considering. It’s important that we make the best decisions based on good information and process. For me that should include exploring options and taking into account...... Read More