Links :-
Various Links – Warren Slater and others of local interest and subjects of importance.
Many Politicians use words that many people do not fully understand, making them feel important; one of these words used frequently is GLOBALISATION.......Understanding Globalisation in simple terms
Is this OUR Politicians? The Haircut - (an interesting article)
Donkey Wisdom - (an interesting read)
An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.
That Old Chestnut - interesting article by Reg Bourne Menshealth - 12 Nov 2009. A great article every man, over the age of 40, should take the time to read to understand Prostate Cancer.
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Council Elections 2010 - Onerahi Orbit September 2010. Check out my concerns
We asked four mayoral candidates to answer leading questions - Scene Magazine - September 2010.
See the different syles on offer.
Mayoral hopefuls put to the test - Whangarei Leader 7th September 2010. Mayoral candidates were asked 3 questions.....see what they had to say.
Election Time & things are getting hot.
Some interesting letters are flying into the media:- (see below)
Election year - Whangarei Leader - (Clyde Korach) 7th September 2010
Puppets - Whangarei Leader - (Brian J Craig) 7th September 2010
Mayoral race - Whangarei Leader - (C Fryer) 7th September 2010
Get ready to tune in for Elections10 - Northern Advocate (Craig Cooper) 4th September 2010. A Channel North & Northern Advocate initiative to keep the people of Whangarei informed for the upcoming election and the choices available to them.
Community excluded ( M.B.Hicks) - Northern Advocate 1st September 2010. Just another comment which reflects the unsavory culture in council management that the employers (ratepayers) experience. TIME FOR A CHANGE !!!!! It flows from the top down. It must be stopped to protect the "good staff" there from this continual bad attitude before it's too late.
Words fly as mayoral race heats up - Whangarei Leader 31st August 2010. Public now aware who is behind who in one particular case, but the question WHY big business is behind him, still remains
unanswered. Link to the Puppet Free Zone video.10min
Whangarei Bars angry at reduced opening hours - TV3 Nightline - 25th August 2010 ... Link to youtube video also Whangarei bar and restaurant owners are furious the local council has voted to impose tougher rules on licensed bars and restaurants........... Isn't it a sad state of affairs that it takes a protest to fill the public gallery at Whangarei District Council. What does that tell you.
Get back to basics (Chris Carter) - Northern Advocate 15th July 2010 - a letter of support in response to an earlier letter.
Two urgent problems (M McDonald) - Northern Advocate 15th July 2010 - another letter of support in response to an earlier letter.
Camera keeps a check on councillors - Newstalk ZB -Yahoo Xtra - 15th July 2010 - Congratulations Mayor Rick Cooper for bringing the decision making into the homes of the people the decisions normally effect.
Whangarei Tourist Hot Spot - Northern Advocate 10th July 2010 - As some in the media see Whangarei at present. Let's change the perception by addressing these issues.
Different view - Northern Advocate 5th July 2010 - a letter of support in response to an earlier letter.
Clarity call on events centre - Whangarei Leader 29th June 2010.
I relayed to the Leader, when asked, some of the many comments that have been made to us (some also from inside) in regards WHY the Northland Events Centre Trust is being treated different to the Whangarei Tourism Trust, Whangarei District Airport & Northland Regional Landfill Ltd by not having a 'Statement of intent'. WHY? WHY? Is it the $840-00 it saves? If we are that "cash strapped" why are we spending in areas, that to some, are less important?
Mayoral hopeful - Whangarei Leader 29th June 2010. In brief - A local man, who hasn't been seen around council or at submission processes, joins the race for mayor. Who are the business people behind him?
Time to Become Involved - Farming Lifestyles - Friday 4th June 2010. An interesting article by Ian Walker, a most respected Northland Regional Councillor, who on many ocassions 'says it as he sees it'. Could this also mean 'speaks the facts' or 'tells the truth'?
Northland councils persist with doomed unitary proposal - Radio New Zealand - 2nd June 2010. The Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide has poured cold water on the hopes of two Northland council's to become unitary authorities.
Some cold hard facts exposed - some sources and investigations are unreliable and far from the truth. Get the facts now from a reliable source.
It's Al as in Emerson - by Alan Emerson - The New Zealand Farmers Weekly - 31st May 2010. (is this the same little ol New Zealand that we all grew up in, or is this a new regime of bully tactics to silence those willing to speak out?)
Seven-hour council saga - Northern Advocate - 1st May 2010 (Don't get exited! It is not possible at WDC unless the closed door room is possibly not available, or public excluded bulb is burnt out . This is just a normal FNDC meeting as they have a longer concentration span.)
No council bullying, says mayor - Northern Advocate - 29th April 2010 (Keep watching as examples are due to be made available in the public arena shortly - then we will see who tells "Porkies")
Clarification - There is a misquote in this article...It was not Mr Slater that said 'he has publicly called us whingers, whiners and wafflers'
Does this need a "Name & Shame" column? What do you think?
Articles in Bream Bay News - 29th April - regarding the McKinlay Report of Unitary Authorities in Northland and the Whangarei District Council "Road Show" on same, from different perspectives. Worth reading - May help you make an informed submission, which closes 31st May.
See page 2 - Editorial
See page 4 - Letters - 'Appalled at political bickering'
See page 12 - 'This is about personalities and it shouldn't be'
Link to submission forms.
Aim for outstanding! - (outsatnding in your field, not out standing in the rain, as some may think) (A must read article) - Jeroen Jongejans - Business Advocate April 2010.
Who owns the Port Nikau Land? - An insight to ownership - Northern Advocate News15th April 2010.
An Opinion worth reflecting on by Alan Emerson - The New Zealand Farmers Weekly - 12th April 2010.
Link to article where the Mayor's comments make one believe the councillors are not aware of what is happening.
Interesting comments from an ex Whangarei District Councilor, Mr Frank Newman (Does he have have more of an inside view to council than the great unwashed of us outside?) I attend those meetings, what category do I come into? Roll on October, then I may have more answers.
The importance of Northland Regional Council as a "watch dog" (See 'Close Up' 11 March 2010) over local District Councils and maintanence of essential basic infrastructure. (will Whangarei be next with its failing infrastructure? eg over 40 Sewage spills last year into the Whangarei Harbour)
An example of a Northland Regional Council due diligence warning of "Drought Conditions"
Northland Regional Council Press Release on Kaitaias Water situation
Should LOGOS be played with ? (view original on WDC website) - if so, do you think they should get it right? (see Modified Version that may tell a truer story)
NRC Press release - UNITARY AUTHORITIES PUSH DRIVEN BY SELF – NOT PUBLIC – INTEREST, NRC CLAIMS - March 2010
KDC Press release - Kaipara Harbour Key to Kaipara's Future - 3rd March 2010
Road Safety Strategy - a new policy is released by Government to hopefully make our roads safer - see the submission statement I made to "Safer Journeys" back in October 2009.
MP's a sorry bunch - Frank Newman - Breaking Views.co.nz - a very interesting article and some need to take note
Binding Referendum Song - Better Democracy NZ - Interesting listening. 'It appears very few elected representatives want to listen, they think we only have a say every three years - and only then'
Mayoral egos lord it over rest of us - The Rural Advocate - 18 December 2009. - Awesome comments and a good read from Ian Walker (NRC Councillor & Chairman of Farmers New Zealand) - A man with 3 I's. Intelligence, Integrity and Insight, who is bold enough to call things as they are. My type of person.... congratulations Ian.
Regional chief thanks critics - Northern Advocate - 12 December 2009. Is is not just the whingers, whiners, wafflers,council critics and those with political aspirations that have their suspicions about the way some in Whangarei District Council operate on their projects???? Let's just wait and see what happens. See Northern Advocate 10 December 2009 article.
In protest Margaret Hicks & David Lourie left the Whangarei District Council meeting on Wednesday 25 November, when they were refused speaking rights wanting to ensure safer beaches for everyone , during the discussion on 'vehicles on beaches'. -
Article from Newstalk ZB - 26 November 2009.
Looking for a great gift for someone - Auckland Zoo 'Zoom Tours' - a most fantastic experience and many to choose from.... a must to do if visiting Auckland - Trust Me, I absolutely loved the morning with the primates. (see photo above)
Mayor's insult riles couple - Northern Advocate (makes Headline) - 21 November 2009
Council ignores protests, approves controversial Whangarei land sale - National Business Review - Friday 30th October 2009
Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide announces review of Dog Laws hopefully making Councils more 'Dog Friendly' - A break-through making it easier for law abiding dog owners to enjoy their animals without fear - Listen to Audio clip Newstalk ZB 6th October 2009
10 Things the Alcohol Industry Won't Tell You About Alcohol - Public Meeting 29th September 2009 - to be Hosted by Mayor Stan Semenoff (sadly, he was unable to attend, which possibly jeopardised his chances to address some of the more recent local issues he so much wanted to sort out)
Supporting NEST (Northland Emergency Services Trust) Northland Rescue Helicopter - See Supporters Information - See Supporters Letter - See Trade Me Auction details.
Please listen,Mr Mayor - The Whangarei Report - 13 August 2009
Millions being wasted in community consultation,says Whangarei Mayor - The Whangarei Report - 13 August 2009
(Mayors comments on cost of LTCCP for consultation. Does he like to listen?)
Where credit's due - The Whangarei Report - 13 August 2009 - (praising the correct people?)
Like rust - rates never sleep - Northern Advocate - 11 August 2009
Unwanted dogs to be destroyed by lethal injection - Northern Advocate - 8 August 2009 (It is finally about to come to fruition)
Bridge an extravagance while harbour polluted - Radio New Zealand News - Thursday 9th July 2009 (Where lies councils priorities?)
Whangarei playing field attracts retailer interest and hefty price tag - National Business Review - Friday 12th June 2009
Twin-city concept spurned by public - Northern Advocate - 5 June 2009
Report critical of animal care - Northern Advocate 3 June 2009
Warren & Pat have campaigned on this since early 2007 and are still proactive - see WDC Submission on Animal Welfare
Entertainment sans the hospitality - Wayne Deeming - The Whangarei Report - 4 June 2009
Dissappointment with CEO's actions - L.Craig - The Whangarei Report - 4 June 2009
There has to be a forest somewhere - The Whangarei Report - 28 May 2009 - See response from Wayne Deeming
Hackles rise as some stay seated - Northern Advocate - Tuesday 28 April 2009
Warren & Pats 30/50 Submission
30/50 Document WDC
Syers: Failing to stand offensive - The Whangarei Report - 30 April 2009
Councillor stands for chamber rules - Whangarei Leader - Tuesday 28 April 2009
Call for another option - Whangarei Leader- Tuesday 21 April 2009
Option 5 - An answer to Whangarei District Council LTCCP submission where they have stacked the answers for what they want! - Thursday 9 April 2009
Council sewage claims “a joke” after latest spill – Radio NZ News - Monday 2 March 2009
Membership List - Alpaca Association of New Zealand - Current
Anger over harbour sewage snub - Northern Advocate - Friday 30 January 2009
Whangarei Harbour protest - Frog Blog - Sunday 14 December 2008
Heritage guest comments - (Phantom of the Opera, after prize package)- Saturday 1 November 2008
Question on Crime Prevention - Election 08 - TVNZ - October 2008
Question on Referenda to John Key & Helen Clark - Election 08 – TVNZ October 2008
Dog control is back on track - Northern Advocate - Thursday 13 March 2008 - (Worth the effort put in to force a council review into the situation)
Declaration of Election Results – Whangarei District Council – Wednesday 17 October 2007
Your vote 07 – The Results – NZ Herald – Sunday 14 October 2007
Whangarei District Council Mayoral Race - GE Free Northland – Sunday 7 October 2007
Morningside Election meeting 10 Sept - Can Poor People Own Dogs in New Zealand – Tuesday 25 September 2007
Exclusive Poll - Mayoral race leader revealed – Northern Advocate – Saturday 22 September 2007
Whangarei Elections Heating up – whaleoil.co.nz – Wednesday 19 September 2007
Responses to the Mania Health PHO Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Questionaire – September 2007
Questionnaire – Local Body Elections in Northalnd – Tiaho Trust – September 2007
Election Questionnaire – living streets.org.nz – September 2007
Election of Mayor profile – Whangarei District Council – September 2007
Race is on for public vote – Stuff – Whangarei Leader – Monday 27 August 2007
Christie standing for Mayor- Stuff – Whangarei Leader – Monday 13 August 2007
Whangarei District Council pisses off McDonalds - whaleoil.co.nz - Saturday 7 July 2007
Submission to Whangarei District Council - re dog control – NB see pages 19/20/21 Thursday 26 July 2007
Mayoral meddling in Whangarei - whaleoil.co.nz - Sunday 1 July 2007
Dog holes shock - Northern Advocate - Saturday 19 May 2007
Dog Holes Opened - Campbell Live TV3 - Thursday May 17 2007
Owners rally to challenge dog control after attack – Northern Advocate –Tuesday April 24 2007
Assistance at Whangarei A&P Show - Alpaca show – Kaipara Pines Alpacas- 4 December 2006
Other links of interest :-
Integrity Action – A most interesting website monitoring local government
Save Our Harbour - The voice of the Whangarei Harbour supporters
Ngunguru Sandspit Protection Society Inc. - The society's mission is to support protection of the the natural, cultural and historic values of Ngunguru sandspit so it is enjoyed, valued and cherished now and by future generations.
Web of Evidence: What They Don't Want You To Know
Whale Oil beef hooked – Top ranking “political commentary with bite” website
Newman - Frank is an ex WDC Councillor who has 'Ears and a Backbone'
Better Democracy NZ - Steve Baron - Mission to 'promote binding referendums to help strenghten our representative democracy.'
Whangarei District Council
Northland Regional Council
Resource Management Act
Local Government Act
NZ Parliament – Contact List
New Zealand.govt.nz
New Zealand Legislation
Office of the Auditor general
Letters to the Editor – New Zealand
Minister of Fisheries - Hon Phil Heatley – MP Whangarei (Email)
Minister of Local Government - Hon Rodney Hide
- Leader Act (Email)
Political Parties:-
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealand First
Progressive Party
ACT New Zealand
The Maori Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealand Labour Party
N Z National Party
Monitoring Reports – Northland Regional Council
ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS - Annual Monitoring Report 2006-2007 - Northland Regional Council
ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS - Annual Monitoring Report 2005-2006 - Northland Regional Council
ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS - Annual Monitoring Report 2004-2005 - Northland Regional Council
ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS - Annual Monitoring Report 2003-2004 - Northland Regional Council
ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS - Annual Monitoring Report 2002-2003 - Northland Regional Council
You may wish to link this website to your site - please do so.
If you would like us to link your website to this one please make contact to - warrenslater@xtra.co.nz
"I was once told that anybody could become a Mayor; I am beginning to believe it !"
