A new number one threat to environment
I have previously stated that Minister Jones is the biggest threat to our environment. However, I must now include Minister Bishop in that category.
Not content with making less than earth-shattering changes to the Resource Management Act, including fast-tracking projects that have maximum negative impact on the environment, together with blocking very good proposed legislation (for example, Otago Regional Council’s Plan 6A, that would, at the very least, improved the quality of waterways and the like across this region), Bishop and his cronies now wish to destroy regional authorities.
The idea is that it will be possible to bring together local authorities to form identities similar to the totally unworkable (look at what is happening in the outer regions such as Mahurangi) Auckland Super City.
My personal opinion is that this will, despite the claimed savings, cost more because of the loss of local expertise that will have to be covered by (normally horrendously expensive) "consultants" who will have to substitute for, and may very well in some cases actually be, talent that was available in-house to the regional authorities.
The plan also assumes that groups of local authorities can/will work together — witness the issues around Local Water Done Well — and that there will not be a tendency for any group to be dominated by the largest council (again see the Auckland Super City), or perhaps by the most charismatic/persuasive mayor.
The losers in all this will be we New Zealanders as we watch the environment degrade and regional/local issues (maybe even bus services) become worse.
Not getting my vote
Minister Shane Jones had just called elected ORC members "demonic egg beaters" — not appropriate behaviour from a minister in government.
Whilst one may not always agree with our elected representatives it is not a good look for ministers to be labelling said representatives in such a manner. The lack of respect shown is appalling and I for one will certainly not be voting New Zealand First at the next election. (Actually I've never voted for them even when Mr Peters had a great head of hair).
Mr Luxon needs to get his ministers under control and in this case apologise to the people of the ORC and those who voted them in.
Greater area
Steve Munro’s article "Use of land a matter of perspective" (Opinion ODT 26.11.25) gives an interesting overview on the changes in Central Otago over history, as well as possible changes still to come.
However, there is an error in the 800ha value given for the area that could be inundated around Lake Onslow if the pumped storage scheme proceeds. This is the area of the present Onslow reservoir. Depending on final specifications, the expanded lake may be as large as 8000ha at maximum level. This is about three times the size of Lake Dunstan.
Luxon’s fluffers have his jacket on a shoogly peg
Prime Minister Luxon's fluffers in the media definitely have their work cut out to distract from his failing premiership. The highly-touted meeting with Trump seems eons ago. Even there, Luxon's diplomatic coup was simply being shorter and balder than the president. The announcement of Michelin coming to New Zealand was similarly overhyped, as a rare positive in a tsunami of bad news.
The country faces record emigration to Australia, a nine-year high unemployment figure, millions wasted securing inferior ferries, chaotic water reforms, failed boot camps, watered down safety and environmental protections, a crumbling health system, etc, etc. Even Labour's talk of a capital gains tax does not appear to be the bogey man National desperately needs. Luxon's "hands-free’' leadership style has enabled his coalition partners to pursue divisive and extremist policies, allowing him to be relentlessly focussed on securing the next selfie. Now, as Luxon's blue jacket hangs on a very shoogly peg, one can almost feel sorry for him. In a world dominated by personality politics, he is at a distinct disadvantage in not having one.
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