A glorious waste of money for the titillation of perverts
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- Date published:
9:28 am, February 8th, 2014 - 70 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, len brown, local government -
Tags: accounting, Bevan Chuang, Cameron Brewer, cameron slater, Denise Krum, Dick Quax, john palino, jonolists, Linda Cooper, perverts, Sharon Stewart, SkyCity
The fiasco of the wet dick and the perverts shuddered to a conclusion yesterday with the direct bill of around $250,000 for the cost of the council ordered external audit of the Mayor during his stupid affair with Bevan Chuang.
The question now has to be why in the hell this massively expensive and apparently unconstrained external audit was ordered on behalf of the council presumably for the councillors when there was no evidence of any corrupt wrong-doing? Surely the process the council should have followed should have been to see if there had been a suspicion of any issues in the mayoral office using their own resources first. They should have done it in any case to figure out the scope of the audit. How many emails, phone calls, txts, and financial transactions. All things required for constraining cost blowouts.
But it just looks like some perverts in council authorised wasting a pile of ratepayers money for the titillation of the media and their own political pleasuring. The only apparent constraint on what Ernest & Young looked at was a time limit. Instead of concentrating on what they were asked to do, looking at the use of council resources during the affair and if the Mayor had used undue influence on behalf of his lover – they branched out into looking at the wife’s finances.
Despite the vindictive posturing by the campaign members of the losing challenger John Palino who leaked the information through their campaign managers son (Cameron Slater) and the mayors opponents on the council. This audit revealed nothing of any particular interest to Auckland taxpayers. Of course this didn’t stop the perverts because it turned out that some hotel rooms paid for out of their own money by the mayor’s wife and mayor had been upgraded and some free rooms given.
Somehow the auditors Ernest & Young managed to include these upgrades by hotels to a customer as being a cost to the council? Ridiculous. It is a common practice by the whole hotel industry to upgrade rooms. Where the rooms aren’t already booked then the cost is cheap for the hotel as it consists largely of a better grade of soap. Hotels will commonly automatically do this for good customers like the mayors wife Shan Inglis to retain them. See my previous post “Skycity: they’re toxic“.
There was no cost to the council in any of these transactions. Len Brown, like councillors Cameron Brewer, Dick Quax and most likely others should pay a lot more attention to declaring gifts received in their private lives. But that is so that the ratepayers can see what kinds of organisations are trying to influence them.
Len Brown was completely correct when he pointed out on the release of the hugely expensive auditors report…
An inquiry into Auckland Mayor Len Brown’s affair with Bevan Chuang went into detail he never expected and may have gone too far, Brown says.
“It’s become clear I don’t have a private life at all … and that’s difficult to come to terms with,” he said.
A review of the affair and whether Brown used council resources to fund it, or if he used his position to Chuang’s advantage, was released today.
It found that while Brown had received free hotel suites and upgrades valued at more than $40,000, he did not abuse his role or use ratepayer money inappropriately.
A largely unrepentant Brown told Fairfax Media he and his wife, Shan Inglis, had laid everything on the table for the auditors – including their personal expenditure records – something that had not been expected.
“It was well outside what was originally intended. We didn’t think it would have gone into that type of detail,” Brown said.
The report was supposed to have been about Chuang – the two questions around resources and influence, he said.
“And it came back with a big fat no to both. Not a dollar of taxpayer money was used at all. It was all about our personal expenditure.”
Brown said the issue was mainly one of process – he should have been more careful and got better advice on whether accepting free rooms and upgrades were over $300, the cap on the council’s interest register.
Indeed…
As a ratepayer, I’m quite irritated that Len Brown was taking free rooms from SkyCity at the same time that he was also working with them on the proposed white elephant conference centre. This was to be paid for by further bilking addicted gamblers. That is an incredible cost to Auckland over the long term to get something of little value. Knowing that the same organisation to benefit from this could have been also trying to influence the process with gifts is why the gift register was set up.
But quite how this got into the expensive frame of reference for the auditors is a question that ratepayers need to ask of the councillors. From an outside view of it especially the jump from the estimated bill of about $100,000 to the final bill of about $250,000, it appears that the audit wasn’t properly scoped by the council.
Somehow despite being cleared of the waste of council resources and funds or using undue influence on behalf of Bevan Chuang. The council has now got Len Brown to cough up $40,000 of his own money to an enquiry that he didn’t order and which showed him not to be at fault. That in itself really shows what this is really about. Pure dirty politics.
It reeks of the type of perverted dirty machine politics that shouldn’t be allowed in NZ. It started with a New Jersey style political campaign hooking up with the demented end of the local blogosphere Cameron Slater, hooked into the media hysterics like Patrick Gower and the other jonolists of the TV3 team, and petered out in a fiasco.
Curiously I suspect that it has actually enhanced Len Brown’s political chances in the next local body election. Who else would want to get into a political campaign where this type of perversion of the political process is the norm? I suspect we can expect only the dumpster diving perverts who conceal their foul nature behind a facade of respectability.
Perhaps this is why councillor Dick Quax, a vocal opponent of the mayor, sounded like a complete dork on Checkpoint yesterday.
[audio:http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ckpt/ckpt-20140207-1718-auckland_councillor_dick_quax_discusses_mayors_contribution-048.mp3]I’m going to be fascinated by what the other opponents of the mayor say over the next few days. I tend to agree with The Irascible Curmudgeon about where the real questions lie.
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Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...4 days ago
- ECE no place to cut corners
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...4 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...4 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...5 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...5 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...5 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...5 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...10 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...4 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...4 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...4 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...4 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...5 days ago
- Signs of the hīkoi: More than just ‘words on cardboard’
The placards seen at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti conveyed "huge kōrero with immediacy", expert says: "People know the power of the word." ...6 hours ago - A final Ode to .. King Luxon
Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...13 hours ago - A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker
Spinoff editor Mad Chapman and books editor Claire Mabey debate Carl Shuker’s new novel about… an editor. Claire: Hello Mad, you just finished The Royal Free – overall impressions? Mad: Hi Claire, I literally just put the book down and I would have to say my immediate impression is ...15 hours ago - Survive to 25 (December, that is)
Christmas and its buildup are often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to make it to Jesus’s birthday and find the little bit of joy we all deserve. Have you found this year relentless? Has the latest Apple update “fucked up your life”? Have you lost two ...15 hours ago
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Despite overwhelming public and corporate support, the government has stalled progress on a modern day slavery law. That puts us behind other countries – and makes Christmas a time of tragedy rather than joy, argues Shanti Mathias. Picture the scene on Christmas Day. Everyone replete with nice things to eat, ...15 hours ago
- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...17 hours ago - NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities
The New Zealand government coalition is tweaking university regulations to curb what it says is an increasingly “risk-averse approach” to free speech. The proposed changes will set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues. Each university will then have to adopt a “freedom of speech statement” ...17 hours ago
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This report reflects that gap in our dealings overseas, and it shows that legislators, the public sector and businesses need to walk the talk. ...1 day ago - Government quietly scraps waste minimisation policies
The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme. ...1 day ago
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Pacific Media Watch The union for Australian journalists has welcomed the delivery by the federal government of more than $150 million to support the sustainability of public interest journalism over the next four years. Combined with the announcement of the revamped News Bargaining Initiative, this could result in up to ...1 day ago
- Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...
The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...1 day ago
- Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period
The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...2 days ago
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One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...2 days ago
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MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...2 days ago
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Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...2 days ago
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Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...2 days ago
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A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...2 days ago
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A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff. ...2 days ago
- Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished – minister
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Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland's North Shore City Ann Hartley has died. ...2 days ago
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The Government announced the end of the programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to acess bowel cancer screening at 50-years-old. ...2 days ago
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The government has confirmed its plan to break up Te Pūkenga / New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and re-establish independent polytechnics. ...2 days ago
Making Len contribute is horrendous because :
-he was effectively cleared
-poorer people will hesitate to run for public offcie if they have to pay when they are in the right if they get involved in something like this.
-enquries into things to protect the public purse (think Rodney Hide) are a cost borne by taxpayers to keep the system honest.
I posted this back on the 15th of Jan but don’t know how to link it. It appears to be the CEO who went off the ranch doubtless encouraged by some councillors? but there doesn’t seem to be any ratification of the spend. Fix this up if you like. and I was spot on the final bill- pats own back!
“- last meeting of old council 26 September 2013
– local body election day 12th October 2013
-Inquiry announced on 21 October 2013 by the CEO
-Inaugural meeting of the new Council 29 October 2013
Nothing that I can find in the minutes of the governing body from 29 October refers to any authorising of the inquiry. Nothing in the inquiry terms of reference refers to the council authorising it.
The CEO probably has some powers over the transition period but he still has to follow the rules. (Otherwise he could give a contract to his mates to build a new harbour bridge). See Penny below
Was he ever entitled to spend the funds?
Can a CEO in this position hands out a “job for the boys” no tender etc?
Why did he usurp the incoming council on this matter?
Why did the terms of reference include finding the security guard – there is no financial issue for the ratepayers there, that was just purient.
Yes it will be more than $100,000 probably closer to $250,000 for a question mark over a couple of hundred dollars. That’s just waste.
If I was a ratepayer I’d be looking for some personal liabilty from the CEO.”
[lprent: Right click on the date of the comment, and copy the link. Added ]
Ultimately as a ratepayer I cough up money to the council and I expect the councillors to make sure it is spent wisely.
The CEO may have ordered the enquiry with no apparent bounds. However he is not directly responsible to me. The Councillors are.
I agree -if any CEO does this on his own account Coucillors should be asking why. A complaint to the Auditor general if such a thing is possible. And if I was an Auckland ratepayer I would be frothing at the mouth.
$250,000, Ouch! thats a knee trembler of a bill for ratepayers, particularly given the enquiry outcome (nice little earner for corporate snoopers and nitpickers Ernst & Young).
what it signifies is the emergence of creep politics and right wing sleazeballs who believe that like bill o’reilly in america that they are bigger than the actual winners of the elections because they have god on their side. They are nutcases with immense guilt complexes who want to ensnare everyone else in their own psychodrama.
Its pretty ugly to have all this evil in the name of Jesus.
Didn’t that Quax fellow stand for Mayor? Amazing that anyone other than his Mum would vote for him. What an interview!
I don’t understand why the Mayor should pay for the investigation. If I was accused of a crime would the Police be able to send me a bill when it was found that there was no evidence of my wrong doing? If so, the Police would be on to a great money making venture which would far outclass radar income! They could cover the Nz National debt in no time.
Many defendants plead guilty to charges laid by the police because they can’t afford to defend them. Others go broke proving their innocence, even though this is supposedly not required. The situation that you describe does effectively exist, but it’s lawyers who send the bill, not the coppers. NAct cutbacks on legal aid have made the situation worse.
The ‘F***ed in the Head Five’ should have to front up financially. $20 000 from each seems pretty reasonable when someone who cost the ratepayers nothing for his rush of blood to a lower region has to front up with $40 000. It may remind Quax and Co. that ratepayers are not liable for their perverted principles. The CEO should also have to front up with the $150 000 cost over-run caused by his incompetence. Stephen Town’s effort spectacularly proved the lie to the peanuts/monkeys mantra.
Last night, on the Paul Henry show, Metro editor Simon Wilson questioned why didn’t the Auckland City Council get the Auditor General’s Office to do the investigation.
A – it would have been cheaper, and B – it would have stuck to the task, not been so random.
Still, when you’re looking for s**t, you need every last pore and orifice poked just incase it’s in that last little shred that some evidence might finally turn up.
Not getting the Auditor General was passed by for an idea as taking too long. You have got to pay for efficiency, and by God you will, say the opportunistic RWNJs.
One minute they will be prating on about how rates shouldn’t rise above inflation, that is measured inflation, which has ben held down to about 2.5%. They will declare that the other Councillors are spendthrifts and they will be far better. Then they drop this bill on Auckland, saying it is a far, far better thing they do, considering that Len Brown takes pleasure in more than one woman. Even Jimmy Carter lusted in his heart.
Then there is the thing about friendliness with the casino crowd. I bet it was them that led Lennie astray. A straight up and down guy seduced by that spurious glamour. He should have had a group of hotels to grope in. That he utilised strictly in alphabetical order. People like to think that their Mayor is not in bed with casino bosses.
So they shoul stick him for $50,000, extra for being green. And save everyone $250,000. Oh it’s too late to do that, that’s right. Efficiency costs. These Councillors have come too quickly and now there is that long letdown while they scrape up the money for the bill, $50,000 between them. Or they should. Everyone then has paid for their pleasures. Seems fair. Then they can all have their sex on a level playing field. And set up their tight scrums where they can do no harm to innocent ratepayers.
Didn’t you know that the Auditor-General Lyn Provost is a shareholder in Sky City?
Penny Bright
So what you’re suggesting is that she’s as bent as any of the five who laid the complaint?
Hardly surprising, given Nationals distortion of the credibility game.
Don’t you know that assuming everyone is corrupt says something about you and nothing whatsoever about them?
These 5 are just warming up.
I think that that is a most deceptive title for this piece.
When I read the title I thought that you would be joining Deborah Russell in her attack on Air New Zealand’s new safety video. You might even have shown us some of the models.
Then I discover it is yet another story about that irredemiably grubby little mayor of your city.
Shame on you!
Title is fine although I suspect the panty sniffers that went for Mayor Brown won’t like it.
The controversy is fading – Brown has taken his lumps, and devolved much Committee power to Hulse. The term is largely restabilised. Further outrage is futile.
Are we ready for Mayor Brewer in 2016?
A strong Left needs to build the file on him.
Chicago/New Jersey politics will not go away now in Auckland.
And it’s time to build Brown’s successor.
Penny shows she has the right leadership mettle to be the next Mayor – but sooner rather than later.
Perhaps David Cunliffe or somebody should have quiet word in Len’s ear as he is doing no favours for Labour in the election year and it will increase.
Superb post LP, in every respect.
I’m with others calling for Councillors who demanded this to pay the damn bill.
I also saw a billboard for that Denice Krum was still up yesterday. Shouldn’t it have come down?
The one in Penrose? Yes it should have
These five like to present themselves as financially prudent right wingers, keeping rates under control, being responsible and making sure public funds are spent on core council services.
How fucking dare they stick Auckland with this outrageous bill that they have run up for their own ends.
Make them pay it themselves.
On reflection, considering how much gets spent on roads of notional significance, the titillation of perverts is a far more glorious way to waste money.
Roads of notional significance. Brilliant.
Those roads are critical to market efficiency. Hopefully it is just the start of a massive road building programme.
roads for the sake of roads are not critical infrastructure. It’s forbes&coates work schemes, not infrastructure building.
Actually, it’s worse than F&C – at least their goal was jobs, not a fast route to their personal holiday homes.
Besides, in this country we need more rail.
+100 McFlock.
…what is the Labour Party stand on these roads? ( I know where the Greens stand)
…….millions or billions of dollars wasted which is desperately needed elsewhere:
…ie free high quality State Education for all , including special education for those who need it
…..more money for ALL teachers!!!( not just NACT crony principals)
…..Continuing Education reinstated ( remember NACT axed this and gave the $80 million directly to private schools)
…..free public transport and upgraded rail system
… upgraded public health…state funded doctor’s visits and dental care
Most of them are less efficient than doing nothing. You RWNJs really do have a strange notion of “economic”. Invariably, it isn’t.
Dogmatic ideologue is dogmatic. Yawn.
PS: can’t remember who coined “roads of notional significance”. If S Rylands were more awake, he might have noticed the substantive criticism embedded in the quip, and yes, I agree, it’s brilliant, but sadly not mine.
FYI
PUBLISHED ON THE NBR:
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/auckland-mayor-pony-ey-report-sf-151618
errr… the PROCESS for an investigation into an alleged lack of compliance with the Auckland Council Code of Conduct is CLEARLY set out in s.8 ‘Compliance’.
The process should have been for the constitution of a “Conduct Review Independent Panel’ by the GOVERNING BODY, from names of suitably qualified persons RECOMMENDED by the CEO.
Not for the CEO to make up his own process and pick his own people!
Don’t believe a word I say?
Try reading it for yourself!
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/codeofconductelectedmembers.pdf
Penny Bright
_____________________________________________________________________________
PS: When I applied for speaking rights to raise the failure of the Ernst and Young ‘Report’ to follow the process set out in s.8 ‘Compliance’ of the above-mentioned Auckland Council ‘Code of Conduct’, I was unlawfully denied, so I just took them……
‘Faint heart never won fair go!’ (as it were 🙂
Auckland Council Governing Body meeting 30 January 2014, Auckland Town Hall:
http://www.allaboutauckland.com/video/2821/penny-bright-defies-speaking-rights-order
No, Penny.
The inquiry was a colossal waste of money at the behest of a small and contemptible minority of curtain-twitching, panty-sniffing, National Party member embodying, gutter-level losers and Cameron Slater.
Ugly harridans of Salem all of them. Would be poetic to find some dirt on them and hound them. Already Brewer’s shown some chinks with that still not adequately explained corporate funded jaunt to the GC.
I think there’s a perfectly adequate explanation as to why corporations give favours to politicians. They do it for the money.
I’m pleased that the vast cost of the review has finally been getting some coverage.
Its probably the most actually outrageous thing about the whole ‘affair’ so to speak.
Because ‘leave’ has not yet been granted by the ‘conflicted’ Attorney-General Chris Finlayson for the private prosecution against Mayor Len Brown for alleged bribery and corruption, the following affidavit I prepared is not subjudice – because the matter is not (yet) before the Court.
Why do I support Mayor Len Brown being charged with alleged bribery and corruption?
I suggest you read the FACTS and EVIDENCE for yourself:
http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LEN-BROWN-PRIVATE-PROSECUTION-2full-affidavit-penny-1.pdf
I’m very concerned at the ‘turd-polishing’ going on here, in defence of what I consider to be indefensible.
In my considered opinion, both Mayor Len Brown and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse are working in the interests of the 1% – unelected corporates and property-developers – whose mechanism for corrupt corporate control of the Auckland region, is via the unelected Committee for Auckland.
How many Auckland Council (and CCO) contracts are going to member companies of the Committee for Auckland?
How can it possibly be ok for the former CEO of Auckland Council, Doug McKay and now the current CEO, Stephen Town to be members of the unelected, invitation-only, $10,000 membership fee per year, Committee for Auckland?
Don’t you get it?
The main purpose of the Ernst and Young Report, was, in my considered opinion, to help protect Mayor Len Brown from possible criminal prosecution.
How on earth apparently NOBODY noticed, or took any notice, of the DUE PROCESS for dealing with non-compliance with the Auckland Council ‘Code of Conduct’ (s.8 ‘Compliance’) is utterly beyond me.
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/governingbody/codeofconductelectedmembers.pdf
Where are all the so-called lawyers?
What is your ‘considered opinion’ on the ‘Rule of Law’ applying here?
How can it possibly be proper for the (former) CEO of Auckland Council, to make up his own process and appoint his own people?
I’m not a lawyer – but I’m not stupid and I can read – and if I think something is NOT right, I will ‘have a go’.
Penny Bright
+100…..Go Girl !
-101
No, you certainly ain’t no lawyer Penny, which is perhaps how you have never grasped that suspicion is not evidence.
hoom
Agree..Quarter of a million dollars is another example of corporate fraud and nothing we ratepayers can do about challenging it.
WRONG.
On Monday 10 February 2014 I shall be laying a formal complaint with Auckland Central Police against former Auckland Council CEO Doug McKay under Crimes Act 1961 s.107 ‘Contravention of Statute’.
Penny Bright
“Prosecute him!” said the Queen.
“Who?” asked Alice.
“It doesn’t matter! Just prosecute someone!” said the Queen.
No doubt some poor sod will be bearing the cost -How many nurses pay p.a. is that btw?
5 or more
You cant be fucking serious. He was caught fucking his mistress in a council office, of course, that depends on whether you believe bevan, but ffs, you cant write this off as merely an attack on the left. What new standard are you going to hold a right wing mayor to? its ok as long as the mistress isnt council appointed and spent any council funds, but you know fuck her on the conference table?
Seeing as how it’s none of your business who the mayor or anyone else has sex with, it seems your only complaint is misuse of council furniture.
Kinda puts all that outrage in perspective, doesn’t it?
+1
+1
The early bird gets the worm.
And what does that have to do with him performing hist duties of being mayor?
It is just titillation for a pervert.
We aren’t perverted like yourself with your nose firmly stuck in other peoples panties. That is why we don’t write stories about the slip and slide of other peoples private lives, including right wing politicians (lots of stories)
Only Cameron Slater acts like that much of an arsehole.
Interesting perspective and one which I disagree with.
Just interested what your perspective would be if the mayor or one of his staff was outed for watch pornography while at their place of employment ?
What would your perspective be if he stole paper clips, or was drunk all the time, or any of the other infinite variety of things which aren’t consensual sex between adults and therefore none of your business?
“What would your perspective be if he stole paper clips, or was drunk all the time, or any of the other infinite variety of things which aren’t consensual sex between adults and therefore none of your business?”
My perspective would be that he would be unfit for the position of mayor of Auckland, pretty much as my opinion is of him at present.
So everyone who has an affair at work should be sacked?
Everyone who eats their lunch in the office should be sacked? That’s also a personal activity.
WRT porn the usual rules are that you cannot watch through the office servers. If you are on your own ISP connection then it’s the same as watching at home. Pinching paperclips is theft, let us criminalise the entire country?
lol…everyone who eats their lunch at the conference table should be sacked
Good tinfoilhat you have stated your firm belief. Now we can expect to hear no more from you on the matter.
And further, have you considered the wisdom of a tinfoilhat in bright, hot summer? Your head and brains are probably being over-cooked. It would be wise to put on another, aerated, shady hat.
This is an unofficial health warning.
Actually f—–g mistresses and other ‘young’ ladies on office furniture is a well known activity amongst the rich and/or powerful. I know of a high profile legal beagle of yesteryear who had a penchant for performing on his office desk.
+1 Jared….it wouldnt be so bad if he was young and handsome…out of control hormones and all that ….but no…he is old and wizened ….and certainly old enough to be wise enough to know better…… just a randy old dog getting his bollocks off…plus ….he could have at least had the decorum to choose a discreet, refined, non two- timing, non right-wing ,non social-climbing, non-ambitious, non- blabbing mistress…. and go to some private bedroom to get his rocks off
…a Mayor of NZs largest city who is this incautious and indiscreet is out of control and needs further investigation imo
it would be funny… but ….. there is too much smoke around that casino/ convention centre getting the go-ahead ( preying on the most vulnerable Aucklanders)…..and the other goings on at the commercial and cultural heart of Auckland.
…so any money spent on opening up the can of worms is worth it imo……so good on Penny Bright …for applying a lot of sunshine and heat !
( and I am not a panty sniffer and I am not Patricia Bartlett)
Just the tiniest amount of epic age bias and hypocrisy in your comment, much?
SQWARK!…or is it SQUAWK?
In my considered opinion, on Mayor Len Brown’s watch, and with his assistance, Sky City has been able to set up a money-laundering factory in the heart of Auckland City.
Ever stopped to wonder why Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Economic Development Stephen Joyce haven’t had anything bad to say about Auckland Mayor Len Brown?
http://www.pennybright4mayor.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LEN-BROWN-PRIVATE-PROSECUTION-2full-affidavit-penny-1.pdf
Wake up folks and smell the cat poo …………….
Penny Bright
Your opinion is not evidence. You have no case.
Spotlight needs to stay on the devious banks jnr (brewer) who leads this cabal with the media and political connections at his disposal.
A snake of an individual who is very much at home on the nact team.
Yes, I too think he should pay. Might deter further episodes like this.
Doug makay has served his masters well, where will nacts ‘corporate headkicker for hire’ show up next?
Exceeded his powers, ensured EY had the maximum leeway possible, dumped the bill on akl ratepayers, so long suckers, thanks for the cash.
The issue here, in my considered opinion, is NOT whether Mayor Len Brown committed a SIN – but whether he committed a CRIME.
Whose interests have Mayor Len Brown, (and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse) been serving?
If you haven’t yet checked out http://www.committeeforauckland.co,nz – membership – I respectfully suggest that you do.
Penny Bright
“Sentence first! Then the trial!” said the Queen.
What a fucking idiot. I think I’m going to do a review of how Jordan Williams came to be such a fucking idiot, and then bill him for it.
I finally got around to writing another post for TDB. In essence that is what I said, but at more length.
Penny not so bright how about going after the pike river boss’s that’s a real crime .