what is?
Sounds like fun Spig.Do you get Classic Car (magazine)?
quick question: whats a semi decent hotel relatively central that wasnt damaged by the quakes? or am i going to have to venture out of the city zone
Grim for president
12 Months ago, I hated this city and couldn't wait to leave.While it's still extremely frustrating the way that Central Government (read; CERA, EQC) deals to, rather than with, Cantabrians, the last 8 months have shown some promise that vibrant and intelligent locals are going to make this city a pearl in Godzone's crown. Gap Filler, Life in Vacant Spaces, and the collective brilliance of our bohemian peeps (CPIT to be thanked for many of them) is quite the force to be reckoned with. I just hope that continued pressure on CERA and Central Government means Cantabrians will be more heavily involved in the decision-making process. A return to a democratically-elected regional council would be a start, but more broadly the powers-that-be ought to rethink the way by which they consult and seek local input; the technology exists for micro-consultation etc and all of these things will help to ensure that the decisions are made correctly in the first instance. The more that the decision making process is diffused, the better the decisions will be - and the more palatable to the people who actually have to live here after CERA packs up. It has been a tough time for many of us, and of course the economy has been a big factor in that. But it's essential that public servants and their organizations move away from their paternalism and start engaging with everyday people; if they want to do a good job, they're going to need our advice.In many ways, we are very lucky to have a 'clean slate' upon which we can build a 21st century city - and we must remember that our city was in a state of decline before the September 4th quake. I hope that we learn from our history and ensure we do not make the same mistakes again.Protip: roll Parker and Brownlee in their respective elections.
