Scheme a tax, pure and simple
There are many people around the Waitaki district who are justifiably peeved off about the Government's clean-car discount scheme that's dominated headlines recently.
I've been...
Transport challenges pressing
As we pass the shortest day and start thinking about spring, we still have a few challenges in front of us.
For us at the...
Reckless phone use no laughing matter
It's not just vehicle drivers that cause crashes when distracted on our roads.
Don't get me wrong, I carry two phones it's not a burner...
Cautious sense of relief, optimism from businesses
A quick nosey through business reports and predictions tells me that New Zealand small businesses are doing pretty well in the global shape of...
Chance to put community back in driver’s seat
Local government is under the spotlight, but in my view, proactive conversations regarding the future of the sector can't come soon enough.
Councils are currently...
Chance to honour Prince Philip, servicemen and women
This month has been a busy one for the Waimate district, with some high-profile events taking place and many turning out to pay their...
Health restructure alarming
Torrential rain earlier this month played havoc in Oamaru affecting many businesses.
This included my electorate office, which was flooded and was closed while the...
Time both levels of govt worked together
Once again we have come together to commemorate Anzac Day and, following last year's Covid restrictions, large crowds turned out for the services held...
Life has its own pace on the Chathams
As I organised my group of 20 to the Chatham Islands, I was told to just "chill".
Things have a way of working themselves out.
This...
Make more ‘good old ordinary’ connections
A year ago, we were in lockdown.
I can't remember whether we had just ordered a box of River-T wine or had just finished drinking...
Happy farmers at hearing winter grazing regulations not implemented until 2022
What a month March has been!
From toing and froing out of Alert Level 1 and 2, through to announcements about a transtasman bubble announcement...
March Hare disappointment made up for by Bushtown Steam Up Day
It's been an intriguing month for many within the Waimate district, with Covid-19 alert levels coming back into play and then within a matter...
Never be afraid to let your imagine run wild
We all have visions and dreams.
They give us purpose and fuel our efforts to make them real.
Imagination is a force. It is a human...
Wild, wonderful Chatham Islands
Anyone who casually drops into a conversation "I've had 19 great white shark encounters" immediately gets my respect.
This is a yarn I had with...
Question is: who’s the source of the story?
Let's talk about talk.
When I was a child, my dad would often tell a story about how he got his first import licence.
Apparently, back...