An open mind with which to speak freely
Regarding Gerry Eckhoff’s letter (ODT 16.7.24) I would like to respond on a number of points.
Firstly, it’s fantastic that heritage is being debated by the public. Opposite Mr Eckhoff’s letter it was notable to see amongst the opinion pieces a lament for lack of heritage action in our city with suggestions on how we could speed up protection. The writer, Lois Galer, will be pleased to know that the Heritage Action Plan, recently passed by council, is working to address many issues raised, with 35 actions to implement.
The DCC is in partnership with heritage experts to facilitate the actions, including increasing protection via heritage listings.
Re my understanding of the vital need to maintain public confidence in due process, I can assure the public that I absolutely work to ensure transparency and accountability in our council processes which I believe is reflected in procedure changes, including the move to public workshops and stronger processes around annual plan decisions.
Councillors are required to come with an open mind, not an empty mind. Voters would expect free speech around platforms that councillors were elected on and that they would have confidence that their views are being taken into account when decisions are made.
Decisions can be manifestly seen to be done as all meetings are livestreamed and available online.
Finally, all councillors might very well sit in judgement of plans they have helped draw up, as all councillors are responsible for contributing to and adopting the majority of DCC plans. Declarations of interest are publicly available.
Full information needed
The spotlight that Sue Kedgley, a former Wellington city councillor, shone on the issues involved in the debate on whether Dunedin City Council should sell Aurora Energy (Opinion ODT 9.7.24) is criticised by Brian Smith (Letters ODT 13.7.24).
Ms Kedgley detailed the course of events in which Wellington City Council sold Capital Power to an overseas organisation and it was subsequently resold another three times in the space of only 10 years, each subsequent sale at a considerably higher price. Ms Kedgley stated, and not refuted by Mr Smith, that the sale by WCC resulted in power increases of 600% to consumers over those 10 years due to the subsequent sales which inflated the value of the Capital Power company. Power prices are partly set on the value of each electricity network company, which is a matter that should be addressed by the regulating authority.
Mr Smith speculates that the increase in prices for Capital Power in each subsequent sale was because each new owner had invested in upgrading the network but Ms Kedgley categorically stated that the original purchaser did not invest in any upgrading and that there had been little obvious investment by successive owners in the network other than standard maintenance.
It is important that the DCC seeks and receives reliable independent advice on the advantages and disadvantages of a sale of Aurora Energy and that the Dunedin and Otago public are kept fully informed of all of the advice that has been sought and received before any decision is made.
Fondly recalled
The late Billy Ibadulla was one of a kind. He instilled confidence and self belief as well as essential skills into many young cricketers over the years. He was a legendary coach, a wonderful asset to cricket in Otago and a true gentleman.
Blessed be the landscapers and planners
So much has been written and said, for and against, the recent upgrading of central George St. I am writing to add my voice of support and to particularly compliment the landscapers and gardeners on the marvellous plantings that are now maturing and flourishing. Today I was delighted to see hellebores flowering amongst native plantings in beds near the Wall Street Mall. The planting of city streetscapes seems often reduced to white roundabout roses and silver flaxes, so to see seasonal flowers is a welcome addition to the beautification of our city. Very well done landscapers and planners.
Death to euphemism
I must be one of the only two avid readers Elspeth McLean claims to have (Opinion ODT 10.7.24) and I'm with her on her campaign against the use of death denying euphemisms. Hardly a day goes by when anyone named on the "hatched, matched and dispatched" page has died. I just wish someone can be said to have "died peacefully".
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@odt.co.nz
