April 7, 2009
As part of its “reform” of the Resource Management Act (RMA), the National Government is proposing creation of an “Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA). The full scope and authority of this body is not yet clear. Hopefully a robust and unhurried debate over its functions and powers will occur. So far, the one role of EPA [...]
April 6, 2009
Unbeknown to most of the public, water rights are now commonly sold in Hawke’s Bay, in effect putting a price tag on the region’s water. What’s the water worth? Only the parties involved in these commercial transactions know … no public reporting of prices paid is required. In fact, there’s no regulatory oversight of the [...]
April 3, 2009
If the weekend is your time for lighter reading (enough of that issues stuff!), try these articles from the new April edition of BayBuzz Digest … Whiteboards Will Do — Brendan Webb’s humorous take on the councils’ budgeting process It’s Only Papier-mâché — Tim Gilbertson in his caustic style says we’ve got our heads in [...]
April 2, 2009
Or did he refuse the job? BayBuzz has learned that Bill Gates, philanthropist and Microsoft founder, was considered by the Napier Council for the post of Chief Executive. What is not clear is whether the job was offered to Gates and declined, or whether the Council passed him over in its extensive search for alternatives [...]
April 1, 2009
Councils’ budgets and ten-year plans (LTCCPs) are hitting the streets, with the public consultation period beginning now. The April BayBuzz Digest is also hitting the streets and contains several articles reviewing Councils’ spending priorities and programs. Here are the first three articles to look at: And the Winner Is? by Councillor Wayne Bradshaw reviews the [...]
April 1, 2009
Recently, MP Chris Tremain convened and co-hosted with Mayor Barbara Arnott a public forum to discuss the future of the Wellesley Road Centre and the health care dispensed from that facility. The turnout was strong … and so were the opinions expressed. In his regular commentary on Radio 2ZB, Robin Gwynn summed up the meeting [...]
- Andrew Reyngoud on DAM(N)! A half-billion dollar water storage scheme
- Margaret Donnelly on WATER. What's all the fuss about?
- Elizabeth Sisson on 'Dump Council' campaign
- Paul Bailey on Cows in Karamu Stream
- Rob Pharazyn on Cows in Karamu Stream
- John J Harrison on 5 mayors in HB ... 'Yeah right' says Tui
- Anne Parker on Let's get Council meetings online
- Stuart Nash on 5 mayors in HB ... 'Yeah right' says Tui
- Kylie Fowler on Let's get Council meetings online
- Paul Bailey on Let's get Council meetings online
- ‘Dump Council’ campaign
- Cows in Karamu Stream
- Questions for HB ‘regional study’ director
- Let’s get Council meetings online
- 5 mayors in HB … ‘Yeah right’ says Tui
- Crucial Environment Court hearing underway
- Regional Council warns on pollution standards
- Democracy in action?
- 1+1+1 = 3 hours
- Councils’ reorganization survey results
