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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Alley, Quinn to contest mayoralty
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley. PHOTO: ODT FILES The race is on with two candidates putting up their hand for the mayoral chains in Central Otago. It will the first election either contestant has faced because sitting mayor Tamah Alley was appointed by her fellow councillors following the resignation of her mentor Tim Cadogan. Mr Cadogan left office at Labour Weekend last year, timing his resignation to avoid a by-election as it was within a year of the next round of local body elections. Mrs Alley, a former police officer and two-term councillor, was appointed by the district councillors at a meeting on October 30. Before being appointed as interim mayor, Mrs Alley was the only Local Government New Zealand zone chair who was not a mayor or deputy mayor. Challenging Mrs Alley is Roxburgh resident Mark Quinn. He is the founder of Challenging Councils — a movement set up to reclaim control over local government decisions and ensure councils are operating in a fair and transparent manner. He could not be contacted yesterday. Mr Quinn's LinkedIn profile says he worked as a self-employed troubleshooting business consultant, as a quotes administrator for Mitre 10 in Rangiora, and as a shellfish manager for Talleys in Motueka before being self-employed for the past 10 years. Currently, Mr Quinn has an almond orchard in Roxburgh. He has been travelling the country holding meetings for Challenging Councils. Challenging Councils' website says it is time for action and to hold councils to account for rising rates and council debt. It says Challenging Councils is not political, incorporated, funded or conspiracy theorists.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: electricity, Gaza and elections
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including the high cost of electricity, moral leadership on Gaza, and do good intentions make a good candidate? Clean energy means yes to your backyard There is a universal belief that us Kiwis are being exploited by the gentailers, including its part-owners, the government, by high electricity prices. A driver of this is constraint of supply. Why then, when expansion of low-cost electricity is offered, it is opposed by the public? I am referring to the Helios Energy solar farm proposal between Ranfurly and Naseby. Of 179 community submissions, opposition outnumbered supporters 6 to 1. Objections included concerns about noise pollution, glint and glare from the panels but focused principally on fire safety and gas emissions if the panel ignited. Locals also lamented the noise and vibrations generated briefly while 10,000 metal stakes were installed. These factors are vastly eclipsed by the alternative, business as usual, generating 20% of our electricity from burning fossil fuels, which globally are estimated to kill 3-6 million people annually by air pollution and heatwaves. Photovoltaic electricity is very inexpensive and extremely safe, particularly when the biggest danger, falling off the roof during installation, doesn't apply in this instance. Our need to decarbonise our electricity supply must not be stymied by Luddites, nimbys and pedants. Vale Jo Millar A mighty totara has fallen with the death of Jo Millar. Jo was a tireless advocate for her community and particularly the elderly. She fired up over issues and when she spoke she made sure people listened. Her life was a selfless one of service. She had fire in her belly and a real need for fairness and better living conditions and lower costs for pensioners. RIP Jo. I will miss you. Beg to disagree In the strongest possible terms I disagree with Lynne Newall's opinion "that it is not the Dunedin City Council's business to support a party in government backing sanctions against Israel" (Letters ODT 3.7.25) Ever since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza I have been hoping that our city council would show some moral courage to voice their opinion on the atrocities Israel imposes on Gaza. Now at last the council breaks their silence and shows some moral leadership. I applaud their decision, I salute them, and hope many more councils follow their example. Appeasement costs The government was swift and decisive in sanctioning Russia over Ukraine and providing support to Kyiv, but has equivocated shamelessly with endless angry Winston weasel words over the Gaza and West Bank genocide and the illegal attack on Iran by Israel and the US. Robert Patman ( ODT 14.7.25) is right. This revolting appeasement of Trump will come at a cost. Cowardly equivocation and silence makes our nation complicit in the crimes. Our foreign policy has plumbed new depths. How about a terrier? Re: the proposed mural, ( ODT , 10.7.25) I very much admire art in all its forms and wish myself that I was gifted in the field. I love the subject proposed but the dog depicted is, I believe, of the wrong breed for Dunedin. With its very much Scottish heritage, I would love to propose tartan and the depiction of black and white Scottish, Westie, or Cairn terrier. Road to council is paved with good intentions I read Steve Walker's letter ( ODT 18.7.25) with a certain amount of scepticism. I have no doubt Steve, and indeed all councillors and candidates, are well intentioned fully believing in what they stand for: indeed Steve painted a wonderful campaign picture around it. Good intentions are not the core issue however, all candidates have them. I believe independents have the freedom to draw from a cross-section of views and beliefs that aren't tied to a central ideology. Let's face it, all parties have something good to offer and an independent can choose from all options to specifically target what is best for our city overall. Endorsed candidates are somewhat akin to chickens within a fenced run: they can wander a bit but aren't going past the boundaries. There's no free lunch and if candidates aren't toeing the party line the endorsement will inevitably end. They are tied to party ideology and the bottom line is they stay under that party's umbrella. The good thing about democracy though is that as voters we can decide which option we support and I encourage all voters to get out and do exactly that come election time. Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: parties on right, bulldog art, rugby
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including parties on the right, opposition to bulldog art and rugby spoiled. Right hand and what the right hand is doing The old cliche that the right hand doesn't know what the left hand's doing, to describe incompetent management, needs a tweak with this coalition government. The right hand doesn't know what the other right hand is doing, or maybe the other. On the National hand we have Minister for Tourism, Louise Upston, touting growth targets of 5 million international visitors a year by 2034, with a majority of those visiting the Queenstown-Lakes District. On the NZ First hand we have Minister for Regional Economic Development, Shane Jones, touting growth targets that involve cratering the landscapes that those visitors come to see and actively enjoy. There is absolutely no sense that this government knows anything about cause and effect, conflicting values, limits to growth, and environmental risk assessment for the future of New Zealanders. Ms Upston and Mr Jones have 10 children between them and several mokopuna. Their future and those of mine depend, not on the bottom line of Australian mining companies or traffic-jamming and sewage drowning in Queenstown, but on caring for our priceless environment whose only bottom line is preservation. Philip Temple Dunedin Thanks, but You were gracious enough to publish my letter regarding this mining venture (18.7.25), where I rebutted two opinions I considered emotive and poorly considered. However, I object to your heading ''Mining is great'' which suggests I am an advocate for this activity at any cost. Mining is never great for any environment. My letter was an attempt to put another view in front of people who do not look at both sides of an argument before committing themselves to a cause. Gavin Dann Alexandra Responsible behaviour Comments by Damian Spring, Santana CEO (ODT 15.7.25), are telling. Mr Spring confirms that they have run an industrial processing plant in ''temporary buildings'' for four or so years without ever applying for consent. The works he now proposes will involve major earthworks, visual amenity impacts, and facilitate traffic volumes for his entire mining workforce of well over 250 people. The non-consented approval path he seeks is a choice to fly under the radar. Not answering the many questions we have posed and lack of any meaningful engagement with the community just confirms this further. It is worth reminding your readers that Santana is a tiny Australian company that has never built an open-cast hard rock mine, and almost entirely relies on external consultants in their development of this project. Questioning its plans and behaviour to date is not only justified, it would be irresponsible not to. Rob van der Mark Sustainable Tarras Community housing Thanks to G. Nicol (Letters ODT 17.7.25) for raising the issue. Those who supported the proposed new community housing build were: Walker, Laufiso, Garey, Benson-Pope, Mayhem and O'Malley. David Benson-Pope Dunedin Dogged opposition I am appalled by the decision to have a mural of a British bulldog. They are badly designed brachiocephalic dogs. They have trouble breathing during exercise because of enlarged uvula and small nostrils. They suffer from heat stress. Many need caesareans to give birth due to the puppies' big heads. Popularising this breed of dog is not in the interests of animal welfare. Sheenagh Tinkler Palmerston North The modern game day is a load of rubbish How to spoil a test match. Let the Sky showbiz frenzy team organise it. First, a man with a booming voice and a mic that can be heard all over Hamilton. A music device that drowns out the slightest sign of crowd spontaneity with explosions of music and instructions what to think. Smother the referee's instructions, spectator conversation and, in case attention is diverted from the razzmatazz, the game in play. Orchestrate, orchestrate, control, control. Abandon class. Aim for crass. Christopher Horan Lake Hawea Lights out I have noticed that the latest subdivision in Tomahawk, 45 sections of 'prime' real estate, has turned on the streetlights, of which there are 22. That is 22 new lights burning bright in a subdivision where 15 sections appear to have been sold but not a sod has turned a sod yet. For whom do these lights glow in the gloom of our night? Perhaps a solitary dog walker who otherwise may stumble off the sidewalk? For this subdivision is empty of life yet it is burning power, to what purpose I ask? Owen Kreft Dunedin No to plonkers on the council I have always been fascinated by the argument that politics have no place in local politics (John le Brun, Letters 15.7.25). Dunedin is unusual in having minimal participation by people who name their political affiliation. Personally I'm grateful to those who do - whether I support that affiliation or not. They are prepared to tell me straight up, simply by saying Green, Labour - and now Act New Zealand - the values they hold and will demonstrate around the council table. Some candidates I then easily dismiss from my potential list and others I will put to the top. That does leave a whole lot where I'm reading between the lines to find out more and hoping I don't either help elect a plonker by mistake or, worse, someone who is covertly aligned to a party whose values I don't support. Gio Angelo Belleknowes Well, yes, but In other times I might agree with V. H. Markham (Letters 17.7.25) that a city council should confine itself to local matters. Unfortunately, in this time - now - a genocide is happening. Thousands of unarmed civilians have been killed. Those remaining are at risk of detention and incarceration in a concentration camp. When very similar things happened in my parents' time, 80 years ago, the world eventually stood against it. Three common sayings come to mind: 'We didn't know'' and ''Never again.'' The third is the legal and philosophical adage ''Qui tacet consentire'' implying that ''He who is silent gives consent.'' I wish to speak out against the genocide of the Palestinian people. I am pleased that my city council has seen fit to speak out. I would dearly love my government to speak out - but they are silent. What will we say in five, 10, 80 years time? ''We didn't know''? Dorothy Browne North East Valley Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
‘Otago is being overlooked'
A new medical school will be established at the University of Waikato. File photo The government's backing of a third medical school at Waikato is yet more evidence it cares little about Dunedin, opponents say. Health Minister Simeon Brown said yesterday Cabinet had approved $82.85 million in government funding towards the project, with the university chipping in more than $150m. The numbers differ from National's policy heading into the 2023 election. Then, it pledged $280m for a third medical school at Waikato University, with the university to raise a further $100m. The school would also open in 2028, a year later than National had promised, but still with an initial roll of 120 students. The University of Otago and University of Auckland — which run the country's two existing medical schools — had submitted to the government they could train more medical students for significantly less than the cost of establishing a new medical school. Megan Pōtiki. PHOTO: ODT FILES Otago Polytechnic executive director Dr Megan Potiki said she was surprised by the decision, "which even Treasury had described as unaffordable". "Otago Polytechnic has concerns about the potential impact on clinical placements for our nursing ākonga [students], and on the long-term security of our industry-leading nursing programme." Dr Potiki's comments come after the government's decision to place Otago Polytechnic in a federation model rather than being fully stand-alone. "It appears Otago is being overlooked by this government with their recent decisions, and Otago's proud tertiary track record is being undermined." Otago University, which had been strongly opposed to the idea, yesterday had a mixed response. . Megan Gibbons. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Pro-vice-chancellor for health sciences Prof Megan Gibbons said the university was disappointed the government did not follow the alternative and more cost-effective option of further increasing the intakes into the country's existing medical schools. "However, any investment that supports growing and sustaining the health workforce is a step towards strengthening care for our communities — particularly in rural and under-served regions." Otago was committed to working alongside others in the sector to ensure the best outcomes for the health of all New Zealanders, she said. Auckland University dean of medical health services Prof Warwick Bagg would not comment on that university's previous opposition to the plans. Instead, Prof Bagg looked towards the positive. "Today is a historic day for medical education in New Zealand. The government has made its decision, and the good news is the extra 120 students." Others were not so sanguine. Bryce Edwards. PHOTO: ODT FILES Director of The Integrity Institute Dr Bryce Edwards issued a scathing assessment of the decision that said it had been political rather than one made in the best interests of the health system or the education system. "It's a stark contrast to have the new Dunedin hospital really restrained in its build and essentially funds cut back, producing a less than optimal new hospital at the same time that $83m is going to be spent elsewhere in the health system that, frankly, very few experts believe is a good spend of money. "The people of Dunedin and Otago should feel aggrieved." Taieri MP Ingrid Leary, of Labour, said nothing about the decision had been transparent. "There's nothing rational about it either. "Given the cuts to the new Dunedin hospital, the vindictive and appallingly communicated decision last week by Penny Simmonds regarding Otago Polytechnic, and now this decision that effectively kneecaps our medical school, it is clear that Christopher Luxon and his three-headed government don't care one iota about the deep South." In August last year, Treasury shared the concerns of the existing medical schools saying the plan was unaffordable and that there were other ways to achieve the government's goal of increasing the number of rural GPs. Green MP Francisco Hernandez said the government had committed to yet another irresponsible, white elephant project. "The quarter of a billion dollars on just capital costs for a third medical school would have been more responsibly spent on boosting the number of doctors that Aotearoa needs from tried-and-true training facilities at Otago and Auckland." University of Waikato vice-chancellor Prof Neil Quigley said it was "a landmark moment for New Zealand". "We will be offering a programme that selects and trains doctors in a fundamentally different way and will complement New Zealand's two existing medical schools."
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Noel Leeming 'perplexed' over misleading advertising charges
Photo: ODT Files The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against retailer Noel Leeming over what it says is a misleading price matching promotion. Noel Leeming is a subsidiary of The Warehouse Group. "For over a decade Noel Leeming has prominently promoted their 'Price Promise,' which is their commitment to match any competitors' price. We believe their price promise claim was misleading and in breach of the Fair Trading Act," Commerce Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan said. "We believe Noel Leeming's price promise had many limitations and conditions which weren't made obvious to customers and made any price matches difficult to obtain. "Fine print should not contradict advertising claims or be used to conceal important information which could be critical to a person's decision to buy goods or services." Noel Leeming chief operating officer Jason Bell said the company "firmly" maintained it had not committed an offence and would vigourously defend itself against multiple charges of misleading customers under the Fair Trading Act. "We're perplexed by the Commission's claim that price matches were difficult to obtain, when over 250,000 Kiwis saved money with our Price Promise between 2019-2021," he said. "Our terms and conditions are fair and presented just like other retailers, and when we can't price match, we often don't get the sale." Callinan said Noel Leeming had previously been one of the regulators most complained about traders involving a range of issues raised by consumers. The commission had also filed charges against Noel Leeming regarding promotions where the advertised product or price was different to what could be purchased. Other charges against Noel Leeming involved incorrect or misleading information about consumers' rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act, when customers complained about faulty products. "We expect big businesses to be clear and honest in their advertising," she said. "Consumers should be able to trust the information they receive when they are buying goods and services." The maximum penalty for a single breach of the Fair Trading Act was $600,000 for businesses.
