Why is growth seen as more vital than climate?
Why do politicians prioritise issues like the economic growth and the cost of living over climate change? In doing so they are guilty of short-term thinking, and fail to respect and care properly for our environment.
They will be more likely to attract potential voters who currently see politics as irrelevant to them if their priorities change to better reflect our changing world and the actions we need to take. Right now these issues are being sidelined.
This government is guilty of failing to discuss or to act to reduce the impact of climate change, which is already affecting all of us.
The effects include: extreme and unpredictable weather patterns; landslips; houses which are uninsurable because they were built in areas which are prone to repeated flooding; resetting of the Doomsday clock to reflect that global risks have increased; heatwaves; increased demand for fresh water worldwide ... Column space also continues to be given to people (like Santana’s chairman) who deny what climate scientists have been saying for decades.
No country will be immune from this — including New Zealand. Surely humankind can do better than this?
[Abridged — length. Editor.]
Thanks but no thanks
I really appreciated the comments made by MP Mark Patterson in his opinion piece (ODT 2.2.26) regarding the proposed Santana mine in Central Otago that there are the estimated 400 direct jobs and 350 indirect jobs in Otago, "permanent well paying jobs that New Zealanders (many currently based in Australia) are applying for in their hundreds," and that "the proposed mine site will barely be visible to most, occupying but a tiny slice of Otago."
He should be asking himself what are the reasons behind so many people applying for these positions? And what if anything has he done to ameliorate this lack of employment?
His second comment is typical of our politicians; out of sight, out of mind, and to hell with the consequences.
Balanced, rational
Another balanced and rational view on the proposed Santana gold mine from Mark Paterson, following on from that of Miles Anderson (29.12.25), demonstrating the considerable economic and social benefits from this development .
The emotive outpourings from the naysayers detailing the major environmental degradation, visual intrusion and accumulation of toxic substances from modern gold mining activities are simply not borne out by the facts in New Zealand with the checks and balances, consent and compliance conditions that are now required.
It is also noteworthy that a major component of of the wonderful visitor and tourism experience in Central Otago has much to do with the the remnants of the 1860-90 gold rush — think Arrowtown, Cardrona Hotel, Vulcan Hotel etc.
Trains tops
It is brilliant that passenger trains are returning to the south.
When I drove to Christchurch recently the traffic was basically end to end. Investing in train travel gives a net benefit in reducing carbon emissions and, importantly, in reducing the costs involved in road traffic accidents. It will also encourage more tourists to visit, and it will be a great service for our local community too. I can’t wait for my next train trip.
The truth test and testing the NZ Parliament
Given my Welsh heritage I note with interest — and approval — that the Welsh Senned (parliament) is considering a ban on lying during elections (BBC News).
One Conservative MS (MP) warned that such a ban could "inadvertently restrict legitimate debate", while supporters of the ban "argued that it could help rebuild trust and confidence in political institutions". I am inclined towards the latter view.
I wonder how a proposal for a ban on lying during elections would go down in the New Zealand Parliament?
Anti e-bikes?
Why do I feel that, somewhere, somehow, an automobile industry lobbyist is cashing in the overtime to destroy the humble e-bike?
I have noticed a large uptick in anti-e bike rhetoric ranging from "they're too powerful" to "kids are traveling in packs like gangs" to "the kids are dying". The latest laughable gambit — from the US, of all places — is you need to get a license and insurance in some states to ride one. It’s OK to own a gun, but God forbid you should ride an eco friendly form of commuting.
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