Archive for May, 2009

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  Hooray for Turei

  
  
  
  Metiria Turei is the new co-leader of the Green Party. The official announcement, made a couple of hours ago, is here. Congrats to Metiria and also to Sue Bradford.  Together they ran a dignified and mature campaign that involved the Party in some calm self-reflection. Spoiled for choice, the Party’s membership opted for Metiria in the end which [...] read more
  May 30, 2009 6:13 pm - 283 Comments
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  Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow…

  
  
  
  After 20 years it’s high time to reflect on the value of the “Tomorrow Schools” model and exactly who has benefited? This is particularly important when the new Government and especially their coalition partner are making worrying noises about reform of the public system. “Tomorrow’s Schools” was a Labour baby and ostensibly an opportunity for [...] read more
  May 29, 2009 12:10 pm - 21 Comments
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  Warm Healthy Homes Confirmed

  
  
  
  Ok, here’s the facts on the home insulation fund.  It’s effectively a bigger, faster programme than the one the Greens negotiated last year with Labour. It’s $323 million over four years.  Clever readers have deduced that $323m does not equal $1billion, but as Russel explained in the House this afternoon: there is only enough money in the [...] read more
  May 28, 2009 3:40 pm - 41 Comments
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  Insulating the Budget

  
  
  
  Well, it’s happened again. Budget stuff has leaked from Wellington, stealing the thunder of Greens and Tories alike ahead of tomorrow’s announcement. No one is immune, and all sorts of theories can develop about who may gain an advantage by leaking such stuff. First of all, after a thorough hop around the corridors of power, I [...] read more
  May 27, 2009 5:43 pm - 23 Comments
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  Granny’s Peculiar approach to Pecuniary Interests

  
  
  
  The Herald on Sunday ran a story this week claiming a ‘conspiracy of silence’ over MP expenses. Granny Sunday didn’t mention that the newspaper demanded an enormous amount of information and demanded it within 24 hours.   It also didn’t mention that the Green Party at least forwarded all 9 MPs’ pecuniary interest statements that cover some of [...] read more
  May 27, 2009 10:07 am - 41 Comments
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  There She Goes: Jeanette Steps Down

  
  
  
  As the Green Party AGM approaches, Jeanette Fitzsimons enjoys her last few days as the Co-leader of the Greens. I wondered what must be going through her mind as she readies herself to hand over the reins of power? What have been some of her highlights? Who are some of the people she most admires? [...] read more
  May 27, 2009 8:22 am - 94 Comments
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  It ended miserabLee….again

  
  
  
   More self-inflicted wounds for National’s Mt Albert candidate Melissa Lee yesterday when an attempt at humour went wrong.  She had to explain that a suggestion to shoot the media was not hers – it was someone else answering email on her behalf (really, your honour, I wasn’t there). Fortunately, a lamington stole the spotlight, but here’s the [...] read more
  May 26, 2009 1:59 pm - 26 Comments
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  Oakley Waterfall – Oasis of Calm under threat

  
  
  
  Tucked away in a valley that seems a world away from the concrete and asphalt of Waterview Straight is a spectacular local attraction. Oakley Creek Waterfall cascades into Oakley Creek, its distinctive roar creating a dramatic ambience. Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman’s guided tour along the Creek opened his eyes to its fragile ecosystem. Wendy John of [...] read more
  May 26, 2009 11:12 am - 4 Comments
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  The JAFA Roll

  
  
  
  This little gem was sent to Russel by Joe Bell of Golden Bay, and is used with his permission. I think the idea has merit and is worthy of some debate here. The intention of a Presidential-style mayor and elite council for Auckland is scary. Imagine instead an alternative model of inclusive ‘bottom up’ governance where the [...] read more
  May 26, 2009 10:21 am - 4 Comments
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  General Debate, 26 May, 2009

  
  
  
  Any specific predictions for what will be in the budget? read more
  May 26, 2009 9:08 am - 108 Comments