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LAST CHANCE EXPRESS
Regeneration of inter-regional train travel is still on the cards thanks to a recently announced inquiry into the passenger rail network. Save Our Trains spokesperson Dr Paul Callister says that although the timeframe for the enquiry is yet to be confirmed the Transport and Infrastructure Committee offers a chance to reset decades of decline in the rail system. “Services have been run into the ground through decades of deliberate decline and bias towards road and air transport. This inquiry offers an eleventh-hour chance to reverse the decline of our rail network.”
STAND AND DELIVER
A healthy crop of candidates is contesting the Wellington local body elections. With postal voting closing on 8 October, the public are encouraged to swot up on who’s who. Wellington City has nine choices for mayor, with incumbent Andy Foster being challenged by Paul Eagle, Kelvin Hastie, Tory Whanau, Ellen Blake, Ray Chung, Chris Duffield, Barbara McKenzie, and Donald McDonald. There are 54 people vying for the 15 seats around the council table. HIGH-UPS
Taller residential buildings in Porirua are up for discussion with newly drafted changes to the district plan being offered by the city council. Medium and high density housing areas up to six stories, and rezoning land for development in Pukerua Bay are proposed. Council Environment and City Planning Manager Stewart McKenzie said “Our city is growing, and this means some of our planning rules have to change to allow for greater housing density and more housing choices.” Submissions are open until 12 September. SKY IS GOING GREEN
Sky Stadium has sought funding of $39,500 to investigate renewable energy switches. This investigation would cover changing the venue’s lighting to low-energy LEDs, and converting cooking appliances and heating from gas to electric. If it is approved, the council’s Low Carbon Acceleration Fund will absorb the cost. In February this year the council expanded the amount of funding on offer, reflecting the increased value of the 255,660 carbon credits they hold.
Spiegel Fest
A TARANAKI EVENT LINE-UP LIKE NO OTHER
Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival
A MERE MAYOR
Mayoral chains are jangling as elections loom around the Wellington region. Porirua has four choices for mayor including incumbent Anita Baker. Hutt City has three including current mayor Campbell Barry. Veteran mayor of 21 years Wayne Guppy has four candidates snapping at his heels for Upper Hutt, and Kapiti Coast’s race is wide open with six people looking to replace K Gurunathan who is not seeking reelection. Over the Remutaka Ranges South Wairarapa is still reeling from a 29% rates rise, and there are three candidates hoping to topple incumbent Alex Beijen. Carterton’s two-horse race pits current mayor Greg Lang against previous two-term mayor and former NZ First MP Ron Mark.
H 2 NO
Flawed research is being used to justify Three Waters reform according to economic consultants Castalia. Federated Farmers spokesperson Sandra Faulkner used Castalia’s analysis at a select committee in August, saying ‘We believe strongly in keeping the local in local government and are opposed to a centralisation agenda.’ According to Faulkner even the government’s own Infrastructure Commission has found that there is no relationship between the size of a council and the efficiency of council activities. Bigger may not be better at driving down costs. WOOD YOU INVEST?
Now in its second generation of planting, Forestry Enterprises celebrates 50 years of sustainable forestry investment in 2022. The Masterton company has grown to manage 20,000 hectares of radiata pine for 6,500 investors. With forests in Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay, and Gisborne it is the country’s biggest forestry investment company. The company is clearly in for the long haul, and in July employee Graeme Tindall notched up 25 years’ service. GRIM AND BEAR IT
A slew of extreme weather events around the world is making New Zealanders edgy this year. Concern over the impact of climate change is most acute in Aotearoa, according to global market research and public opinion specialist Ipsos. We topped a list of 32 countries, with 81% of respondents worried about climate change in other countries and 76% worried about impacts here. The Ipsos survey noted a significant rise in our collective concern from previous years.
Taranaki Arts Trail
Taranaki is known for its world-class events. With a stacked spring events line-up, now is the time to plan your ultimate escape to Taranaki. Come for the arts, culture or gardens, and stay for the picture-perfect scenery, decadent dining, and fascinating local history.
WHAT’S ON Feastival Taranaki - 1-4 Sept | Taranaki Arts Trail - 28 Oct-6 Nov Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival - 28 Oct-2 Nov | Spiegel Fest - 10-20 Nov
