Red Alert

Posts Tagged ‘West Coast’

2011 beckons

Posted by Clare Curran on January 1st, 2011

2010 is over. I’m pretty much an optimist, but haven’t got a lot to say about 2010 that’s positive. Has been a hard year for many people; West Coasters and Christchurch people particularly. More New Zealanders are struggling. More are choosing to leave NZ for better opportunities.

It’s important to focus on the things that are good. I read just before Xmas that more NZers are heading to camping grounds for their holidays. Decisions that may be about affordability. But still, that’s a good Kiwi holiday. I hope you’re all having one of those.

Let’s try to make 2011  a better year.


Go the Coasters

Posted by Chris Hipkins on March 10th, 2010

hilton

Joined the big red ‘Axe the Tax’ bus in Westport yesterday morning. Headed down the cost via Reefton, Blackball and Greymouth before heading over to Christchurch. We were very warmly received all the way down the coast. Nobody wants to see GST increased.

Spoke to quite a few retailers who are concerned an increase in GST will act like a ‘double whammy’ by forcing them to up their prices while also reducing the amount of ‘discretionary’ spending money people have left over after they’ve paid for the essentials.

Funny moment at the Bearded Mining Company in Reefton where they handed us a hunk of lead that had been spray-painted gold – they call it National Party gold. Lots of disappointment with the Nats; Auchinvole will be a one-term MP.