Go Gareth!

You've got my vote, mate! This latest post from you on water and who's doing what with it, is gold. Look at this:

"Secondly, much can be done at the level of local government. Local governments are responsible for implementing resource management laws and have powers (and the legal obligation) to set their own environmental targets. However there is no escaping the conflict between polluters and the public at the local level and if the overall message coming out of Parliament is soft on polluting, it can make it hard for local bodies to find the courage to set tough standards"

This is just what we are battling on our council and somehow, Mr Morgan has it sussed. Here's more:

"Eventually Parliament may reconnect with the public will on fresh water – and the 2014 election may be the catalyst for that – but in the meantime it is pretty clear that those who can make a difference should get on regardless. What is needed then is a joining of the dots across local government and community groups to make the efforts of both more effective. Community groups and local councils could collaborate on a much greater scale than they do at present both within each community and across communities. The onus for taking this step towards greater collaboration and connection sits with councils who have both the resources to engage with other councils and communities and a legislated responsibility to protect the environment."

This is excellent stuff from Gareth Morgan. I'm liking his style - not at all afraid to call it how it is. Read his entire article here and think, if you are so inclined, about what he's proposing.

Cracker

He's one for ripping off the sticking plaster, is our Paddy!
He quotes:
  “Secrecy, being an instrument of conspiracy, ought never to be the system of a regular government. “
and is just hitting his straps now.
To watch Paddy undo the local councils, follow his blog.
I do.

A party of 12

If there were raps on the door with staves, tall and pointed hats removed to reveal flowing grey locks and pipes puffed upon, I didn't hear, see or smell them but there were twelve of us in the room and we did sit in an Avalonish circle and tell our tales.
It wasn't the Shire but a High Council of a sort, in the Chamber of Environment Southland this morning.
No hobbits or dwarves either, though most were shorter than me, bar Maurice, who's shorter than none!
The informal get-together of the new councillors was a relaxed affair, at times and set the scene for many a future meeting I'm sure. We didn't take our places at the High Table - that's for the formal meeting in 10 days time when we'll get to cast votes and assume mantles (some of us), lick wounds (those who miss out on plum roles) and generally get used to our places around the table. There will be swearing too, in that is, oaths taken and then it'll be down to business!
3 women, 9 men. Polished wood furniture and paneling and earthy subjects to tease out. Water on the table. Decisions to be made, questions posed, points argued. The crossing of swords perhaps!
Rather than writing a book, I'll post my thoughts here. From inside the chamber. Of secrets.