I'm beginning to think that a love of freedom, openness and democracy is a "gut" thing i.e., you either have it, or you don't. Mayor Trewavas, those who would chose totalitarian China over the USA, Wokesters (with all their aspirations for "hate speech" prohibitions etc.) are all instinctively antidemocratic and relativist when it comes to basic freedoms. At core, they actually want authoritarian government that generates and controls "official" narratives
Yes, we had an example here when Jacinda assumed a smiling dictator-style role during the Covid crisis. While most, if not all of us initially wanted to do what was best for "the common good", after a while some of us got sick of being told what to do and felt like rebelling against some of the "dictates". What amazes me, is the large number of people who still think she was our saviour, and would - even now - do whatever she told them to without questioning the dictate.
V odd the proportion of NZers who still put Ardern on a pedestal. There's no objective doubt that she and her government/administration did much more than RESPOND to COVID. They tried to use COVID to scare the populace, control the media (strings-attached Public Interest Journalism Fund), entrench race preferences etc. Same deal with the Christchurch Mosques Massacre - with Ardern's State-funded (still State-funded) "Christchurch Call" - a naked global Leftie attempt to curtail free speech.
I was surprised to learn InternetNZ is a supporter/funder. From their latest published accounts (to Mar24)
Can't copy/paste!*!
Near the end it states they have an obligation to pay cash to the ChCh Call Advisory Network and DECA, and that they're providing secretarial services to those two.
AND I didn't know this:
Supporting community capability building in mis- and disinformation
In 2023–24, we received time-limited funding of $750,000 from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to support efforts by communities in building resilience against the harms of mis- and disinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Initiatives are developing domestic expertise and capability, as well as education and community outreach activities.
This is a very sad and dire situation. I suspect it is happening unobtrusively across many councils.
Ngai Tahu have taken the Canterbury Regional Council to court for control of water with Chris Finlayson their legal council. Cantabrians wait the outcome with bated breath as the presiding judge does not inspire confidence for a democratic settlement. .
Well done for highlighting this serious issue John. As someone who grew up in Taupo and loves the lake and it's tributaries it is unbelievable that it has come to this. I have just spoken with my 85 year old mother who resides in Mere Road and she was completely oblivious to the issue! These overpaid, behind the scenes bureaucrats have far too much influence although the elected councillor's need to stand up to them. Mr Gardner was right to go public with his concerns over the lack of public consultation however he sounds like a wall-flower when describing his dealings with the unelected bureaucrats as "intimidating".
It is never too late - the ratepayers should be shouting down the doors of the mayor's office, picketing hard! Trewegas' admission to Hosking that the council may not consult with the community even if that is how the majority of councillor's vote is an alarm that should be tolling louder than Big Ben. Decisions need to be delayed until after the October local election so that the council that is elected and which will have the responsibility of implementing whatever is decided has the ultimate say on the issue.
Unbelievable that any Mayor would initiate this without consultation with his citizens!
He didn't come across v well on Newstalk ZB either......
OMG, it's really scary to acknowledge the reality that we're heading towards becoming New Zimbabwe
I'm beginning to think that a love of freedom, openness and democracy is a "gut" thing i.e., you either have it, or you don't. Mayor Trewavas, those who would chose totalitarian China over the USA, Wokesters (with all their aspirations for "hate speech" prohibitions etc.) are all instinctively antidemocratic and relativist when it comes to basic freedoms. At core, they actually want authoritarian government that generates and controls "official" narratives
Yes, we had an example here when Jacinda assumed a smiling dictator-style role during the Covid crisis. While most, if not all of us initially wanted to do what was best for "the common good", after a while some of us got sick of being told what to do and felt like rebelling against some of the "dictates". What amazes me, is the large number of people who still think she was our saviour, and would - even now - do whatever she told them to without questioning the dictate.
V odd the proportion of NZers who still put Ardern on a pedestal. There's no objective doubt that she and her government/administration did much more than RESPOND to COVID. They tried to use COVID to scare the populace, control the media (strings-attached Public Interest Journalism Fund), entrench race preferences etc. Same deal with the Christchurch Mosques Massacre - with Ardern's State-funded (still State-funded) "Christchurch Call" - a naked global Leftie attempt to curtail free speech.
Looks like State funding for the ChCh Call ended this month John
https://www.techpolicy.press/the-christchurch-call-to-action-loses-its-government-funding-thats-a-good-thing/
BUT
I was surprised to learn InternetNZ is a supporter/funder. From their latest published accounts (to Mar24)
Can't copy/paste!*!
Near the end it states they have an obligation to pay cash to the ChCh Call Advisory Network and DECA, and that they're providing secretarial services to those two.
AND I didn't know this:
Supporting community capability building in mis- and disinformation
In 2023–24, we received time-limited funding of $750,000 from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to support efforts by communities in building resilience against the harms of mis- and disinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Initiatives are developing domestic expertise and capability, as well as education and community outreach activities.
This is a very sad and dire situation. I suspect it is happening unobtrusively across many councils.
Ngai Tahu have taken the Canterbury Regional Council to court for control of water with Chris Finlayson their legal council. Cantabrians wait the outcome with bated breath as the presiding judge does not inspire confidence for a democratic settlement. .
Well done for highlighting this serious issue John. As someone who grew up in Taupo and loves the lake and it's tributaries it is unbelievable that it has come to this. I have just spoken with my 85 year old mother who resides in Mere Road and she was completely oblivious to the issue! These overpaid, behind the scenes bureaucrats have far too much influence although the elected councillor's need to stand up to them. Mr Gardner was right to go public with his concerns over the lack of public consultation however he sounds like a wall-flower when describing his dealings with the unelected bureaucrats as "intimidating".
It is never too late - the ratepayers should be shouting down the doors of the mayor's office, picketing hard! Trewegas' admission to Hosking that the council may not consult with the community even if that is how the majority of councillor's vote is an alarm that should be tolling louder than Big Ben. Decisions need to be delayed until after the October local election so that the council that is elected and which will have the responsibility of implementing whatever is decided has the ultimate say on the issue.