fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 04 September 2020 06:22

Short-termism

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: While not wanting to spend too much time sympathising with Aucklanders, Milking It can’t avoid noting how absurd it is that our biggest city has been drenched with rain over recent weeks, yet its dams were run so low, residents still aren’t allowed to use their garden hoses and are still asked to keep showers short.

This failure to plan far enough ahead to ensure infrastructure keeps up with population growth is a symptom of the short-termism that has long infected NZ government, at a national and local level.

Whether it is roads, ports, zoning or water storage, the failure to plan ahead is evident throughout the country.

The solution is harder to find than the problem, but could include longer election cycles, a full overhaul of the RMA, and a better standard of public servant!

Featured

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.

Biosecurity award for M. bovis work

A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…