I was able to tell those present that I’d just been advised the licensing application had been withdrawn late that afternoon. The hall erupted in applause. People were delighted to know that in the space of less than a week, we had defeated this outrageous proposal.

My office had in the last four days printed hundreds of submission forms for people to lodge their objection. By this afternoon, more than 189 objections had already been lodged. A liquor licensing officer told our meeting it was the most he had seen in such a short space of time.The Ashburton-based liquor retailer advised he was pulling the application.

This illustrates the power of a community which is galvinised and ready to work together. The school, parents and local businesses all rallied, getting submissions signed and alerting their networks.

The rapid response was needed as current liquor licensing laws favour the applicant. The Government inherited a bill which would have given communities much more say in granting such licenses. It chose not to pass any such legislation before the election. We have won this battle but the sooner Parliament passes saner liquor laws the better it will be for all communities

Stalwart F+ B campaigner Lesley Shand first introduced me  as the ACT candidate - profuse apologies followed – before time-signalling our comments by squeezing on a stuffed cloth kea.  There was more to come, admittedly interspered with some serious questions  to us on issues like DOC staffing, marine reserves, water and mining. 

Three of us – myself, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and the Green’s Eugenie Sage, had considered, often detailed answers for audience of about 60. 

United Future Wigram candidate Ian Gaskin said he’d been given a clean slate by leader Peter Dunne to speak.

He then variously stated that:

We could solve our fuel needs by growing seaweed and turning it into oil

that DOC was not needed and should be folded into the Ministry of Agriculture or perhaps Tourism NZ

and that fracking Canterbury’s landscape with pressurised water and chemicals may not extract enough gas or oil so perhaps a nuclear device might assist

I wonder if these are official United Future policies?

The man was yelling about John Key and Work and Income. John Key looked across at Phil Goff and Annettee King and said something like “You should be ashamed of yourselves” – as if Phil or Annette had engineered this.

When the House returned to business, Phil made reference to what Key had said and suggested he should apologise.  Key sat there looking embarrassed but said nothing.

Then some Nats took exception to what Phil had said! A group of them left the Chamber shouting at Labour MPs. We responded.

Point is: the man was clearly acting beyond self-control. Security did a great job. We all got a fright. It should have stayed there. To suggest responsibility lay with Labour is a disgrace.

“Back in the 1980s and 1990s, tax rates for the rich were far higher, and my percentage rate was in the middle of the pack. According to a theory I sometimes hear, I should have thrown a fit and refused to invest because of the elevated tax rates on capital gains and dividends.

I didn’t refuse, nor did others. I have worked with investors for 60 years and I have yet to see anyone — not even when capital gains rates were 39.9 percent in 1976-77 — shy away from a sensible investment because of the tax rate on the potential gain. People invest to make money, and potential taxes have never scared them off. And to those who argue that higher rates hurt job creation, I would note that a net of nearly 40 million jobs were added between 1980 and 2000. You know what’s happened since then: lower tax rates and far lower job creation.

Meanwhile, here was this gem in the bottom end of Bernard Hickey’s column in last weekend’s  Herald on Sunday http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10744940 entitled Capitalism, Top heavy and toppling. Hickey noted that in the US the 1 percent of top earners like Buffet now collected 20% of national income.

“In New Zealand, the share of income going to the top 1 per cent also more than doubled after the mid-1980s to nearly 14 per cent of income by the early 2000s. Last year’s tax cuts will have worsened that,” wrote Hickey. “The trickle-down theory will not be enough to save capitalism. Even the biggest capitalists are realising that now.”

Stephens sees very little residential construction currently going on – insurance issues and wariness of further aftershocks. October this year will see the earliest repair work on houses on stable land damaged in February, along with roads and sewerage. A little commercial reconstruction is forecast next year but in the CBD is unlikely to begin before 2013. Stephens says demolition will take another year – just the first of a long series of hurdles before CBD reconstruction can begin. Only once the city plan is confirmed by Government next January will individual owners know their zoning and be able to design and obtain consent for an appropriate building (or sell the land), let alone start construction work. 

 Stephens says “..one suspects that early 2013 is an optimistic start date for reconstruction in the CBD.”  That’s a dark prospect. The council will in coming days unveil its draft plan for the CBD. There simply has to be some capacity for parallel processes to allow the planning and consents for new or reconstructed buildings to start moving. If we don’t see a serious start to CBD rebuilding for more than 18 months it will prove too long for many businesses.

Tonight’s  TV converage of the city council’s announcement today said it all. Chunks of concrete strewn everywhere; a hallowed turf which looked lunar; walls at jaunty angles.  The Hadlee Stand is worst hit and will be demolished.  The future of the Paul Kelly Stand and the new Deans Stand, the opening of which I attended last year as local MP, appears uncertain, although repairs are being suggested. Both have dropped around 300-400mm. If repairs ensue,  one method would be driving piles down 25 metres to reach solid ground.

I hope that AMI Stadium might be repaired but it feels a bit like those delays after February 22 before the RWC Games were confirmed as not proceeding. Engineering reports and costings are due at council by October.

Interestingly, todays’s announcement on AMI’s uncertain prognosis  (and on the other blow  - the looming demolition of the Chch Convention Centre) was made by Cr Sue Wells, resplendent in her pink flouro jacket.  Mayor Bob and CEO Tony Marryat were on this morning’s flight to Wellington.

That’s because this week, affidavits have been filed in the High Court by an unlikely trio - Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce CEO Peter Townsend, Solid Energy CEO Don Elder and Wigram MP Jim Anderton. Each says Cr Aaron Keown cannot remaining on the CEO appointment panel when he has made public and repeated statements in support of current CEO Tony Marryatt, who is seeking reappointment. Mayor Bob Parker  stood down after making similar supportive comments.  Keown, an ACT candidate at the last election but whose ideology often leaves people confused, has already refused to stand down in the face of advice to do so from legal supremo Mai Chen and a majority vote of council itself.

He  is now contesting the issue (who pays legal fees unclear) in  court by the end of the month.

Today as it happens, the Office of the Auditor General was in front of the Local Government select committee on a report it’s done on  local authority members and, yes, conflicts of interest.

In response to my questioning, the OAG said issues of bias and pre-determination arise quite frequently in local government and required careful management. It said that such issues risk legal challenges being made to the courts, especially where a vote is close. (It is in Christchurch).The OAG said it is looking at how to respond to a number of  complaints about Cr Keown.

The last thing we need in Christchurch at this time is an on-going wrangle about the CEO appointment process which leaves the council dysfunctional. The OAG’s guidance on these matters is explicit and deserves to be heeded. You can’t sit on a determination if you have already determined.

Ironically, the updated guidance from the OAG on conflicts of interest was sparked by a complaint I lodged against four then-Environment Canterbury councillors who voted against part-charging farmers for water management when they had water rights interests. The complaint was upheld but fed claims about ECAN being ‘dysfunctional.’  This view was  promoted by some, including senior figures in the government and Christchurch City Council.

My brother Paul who lives in London (aka Fred Bear) got a spam help letter recently from “John” and decided to have a bit of fun…

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 06:06

To: undisclosed recipients: Subject: Help!!!

I’m sorry for this odd request because it might get to you too urgent but it’s because of the situation of things right now, I’m stuck in Madrid, Spain right now, I came down here on vacation with family, we were robbed, the situation seems worse as bags, cash, cards and my mobile phone was stolen at GUN POINT, it’s such a crazy experience for me, I need help flying back home, the authorities are not being 100% supportive but the good thing is i still have my passport but don’t have enough money to get my flight ticket back home, please i need you to loan me some money, will refund you as soon as I’m back home, I give you my word. John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: “JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 3:35 AM

John, How terrible! How much do you need and how do I get it to you?

Is Nonsensica OK? Fred

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 08:41

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

Please I need you to loan me 1000 euros, I will pay you back right as soon as I’m back home, I promise.

John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 3:46 AM

John, Are you OK? The email doesn’t seem like you.

I asked how my sister was and you said nothing. You haven’t even said where you are staying so how can I get the money to you? Your mobile isn’t working. How can I ring you? Fred

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 08:51

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

I’m in an extra tensed situation, she’s really down because of the situation, I can say less about our health state for now until we are back home, I’m writing from a public library, we dont have access to get on the phone but I want you to know that the most important thing right now is to get back home first, the espanyol police are not being of help, we are asking if they can help send you an email to testify to the situation of things. You can wire the money via Western Union, just go to any Western Union outlet that is close to you, send the money to my name

Name: John XXX City: Madrid Country: Spain

Kindly email me the confirmation number as soon as you are done, I will be happy to pay you back right as soon as I’m back home. I promise. John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 4:17 AM

Ok John, I am on my way to the shop in Cockandbull Lane that does Western Union because I’m having trouble doing it online. Money should be sent within thirty minutes. Please confirm when you have it. Give my love to Nonsensica. Fred

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 09:21

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

I will wait for your email with transfer details so I can pick it up here, you can email me the receipt once money is sent. John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 5:27 AM

John, money now transferred. You will need to show your passport.

Will be going to the Wild Goose Chase shortly with the Rudd-Herrings but Kidder has given me his Poppycock so you can still email or call using his number.

Cozen, Bunco and Kidder send their love to Nonsensica and look forward to seeing you soon. Fred

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 10:30

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

Have been waiting for your email, I need the confirmation number to pick up funds here, Please email the confirmation number for the transfer, I will extend all the love to Nonsensica.

Thank you so much. John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 5:56 AM

Sorry, forgot to send the number. It is MTCN 639 140 2654.

Mary Chase and Phool Serrand just rang. They said if you need any more money they could both send 500 euros. Fred Bear

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 11:13

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

There is a problem with the MTCN, Please I need you to check the number again and give it to me correctly, check the receipt and email me the correct MTCN. John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 7:13 AM

Sorry!!! It is MTCN 639 740 2654. This must be the last thing you needed with all the gulling you have been through.

Fred

Sent from my Poppycock

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 12:29

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

There is problem somewhere, the WU agent said it’s better if you scan the receipt of the transfer, then I can take it there, they will fix it and I can have access to the money.

John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 7:46 AM

Hi John, I think it may be the keyboard on the Poppycock which I’m not used to, especially for digits.

I’m at the Wild Goose Chase and don’t have the receipt and no scanner at home because Kidder has taken it with him to Misle Ading

It will be easier if I get Mary Chase and Phool Serrand to send the money. I’ll ring them now. They’re on their way to Obbsfuskate and should be able to find a Western Union outlet in the next twenty minutes.

You’re having a hell of day. So sorry.

Fred

Sent from my Poppycock

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 12:55

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

Okay, I will be waiting for your email.

John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 8:10 AM

John, I can’t get through to Mary Chase and Phool Serrand. I think they must have turned their mobiles off when they went into Our Lady of The Perpetual Subterfuge!

All is not lost. The landlord of the Wild Goose says he will send the money from the shop across the road if you will repay him by the end of next week with 15% interest. But at least you will have your money without further delay.

Do you agree?

Fred

Sent from my Poppycock

From: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Sent: 21 July 2011 13:15

To: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

Okay.

John

From: VF V Subject: RE: Help!!!

To: JohnXXX287@yahoo.co.uk Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 8:37 AM

John, Spanish libraries seem very generous with their Internet facilities compared to the London Borough of Numpty.

I made the mistake of telling Conn, the landlord, that I didn’t even know you and Nonsensica had gone to Spain. Now he wants to know how I know it’s you and not someone using your email.

He’s wants you to email something only you would know about yourself. I suggested the name and breed of your last dog, not the current one, and he’s happy with that.

Fred

I would have thought it deserved some media coverage but despite a cute photo op outside Parliament, it looks like this only appears to date on their Facebook page.

Good on them for putting the effort into getting up the website. Generation Zero are calling for zero carbon emissions by 2050 and binding targets en route.  NZ’s current goal? 50%. of 1990 levels. On current tracking we have about as much chance of reaching that as our 2020 commitment of reducing to 10 or 20 percent below 1990 emission levels. (In fact we are increasing.)  Across the ditch, Julia Gilliard’s carbon tax has set a 80% reduction target. And Britain’s Tory government has a similar goal. In fact there, it’s bipartisan.

Yet Gillard’s plan is going down like a bucket of sick under the constant attacks of Tony Abbott (who bowled former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull because he tried to back Labor’s earlier wider-ranging, less subsidising ETS.)

Generation Zero’s guru is James Hansen, who visited here recently. I’m currently reading the book he has devoted to his grandchildren – effectively Generation Zero.

As Australia illustrates, the politics and potential outcomes of this debate are horrible. Attempts to encourage/require change from our carbon-fueled lifestyles are politically fraught; not doing so puts the very existence of Generation Zero – and their grandchilren – at extreme risk.

If you want examples of our own Julia or Tony choices, look to the differences between Labour and National on agriculture in the ETS or whether lignite mining in Southland should proceed.