Government ignores lessons of Christchurch in weakening seismic compliance

Repertory Theatre 05 September 2010, a day after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake (R. Glennie) When New Zealand went to bed on 03 September 2010, probably no one had given the slightest thought to a seismic odyssey beginning in Canterbury in the small hours of the following morning. Fewer still imagined the horror it would unleash … Continue reading Government ignores lessons of Christchurch in weakening seismic compliance

The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment

Twizel landfill - an example of waste infrastructure in rural N.Z. (R. Glennie) You have probably seen the adverts promoting 100% Pure New Zealand. Nice glossy adverts with somewhere like Milford Sound on a clear day with Mitre Peak reflecting nicely in the water. They look great and are certainly effective at drawing people in. … Continue reading The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment

Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand

When I was in my last year at high school - some 25+ years ago - there was a documentary on television that Mum and Dad thought I should watch. It was about Ireland's stunning turn around from a relatively lack lustre economy to a booming info-technology driven place. It must have been well watched … Continue reading Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand

Ferry announcement a step in right direction

The announcement by Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, that the new Cook Strait ferries will both have railway capacity is a step in the right direction. As a maritime nation split between two large islands and a host of smaller ones, we cannot afford to have no railway connection between the North and South Islands. … Continue reading Ferry announcement a step in right direction