DCHL financial result

NO-ONE BELIEVES TERRY DAVIES ON DVML RESULT AND FORECAST (when DVL debt is deliberately not mentioned)

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
DCHL Annual Result for the year ended 30 June 2014

This item was published on 30 Sep 2014

The Board of Dunedin City Holdings Limited (DCHL) is pleased to report the financial result for the DCHL group for the year ending 30 June 2014.

Highlights
● Profit after tax for the group was $12.5m.
● We have distributed to the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and its subsidiaries outside the DCHL group a total of $15.7m. This has fully met budget expectations and been achieved within the policy of not borrowing to pay dividends.
● Cash from operations remains strong at $30.1m. This was after paying the budgeted subvention payments of $7.9m to Dunedin Venues Limited.
● Total borrowings across the group have reduced by $4.7m to $621m.
● The financial result for the year reflects the hard work and focus of the staff and directors of the DCHL group of companies, which is much appreciated.

Profit after tax for the group was $12.5m for the year compared to $20.5m last year. This is a solid return for the year. The main difference between the 2014 and 2013 profit resulted from the 2013 year including a write up of approximately $7m in the value of the City Forests investment.

Aurora Energy Limited had a solid year, but profit was $1m less than last year due to the mild winter in 2013. Operating cashflow remained strong and was $4.1m higher than last year. 2014 also saw the company starting to increase investment in its asset base.

Delta’s profit was at a similar level to last year ($4.4m this year vs $4.6m last year). It has completed exiting its water and civil construction operations.

City Forests has had a strong year. Profit has reduced from $14.6m to $8.3m. This reduction in profit has been due to a lower write-up in value of the City Forests investment in the current year. The company paid a record dividend to Dunedin City Holdings Limited of $5.1m.

Taieri Gorge Railway experienced a small loss for the financial year of $51,000 compared to a surplus of $39,000 achieved last year. Operating cashflow remained strong at $433,000 and was also higher than last year.

Cash from operations has remained strong at $30.1m. Cashflow is the most critical measure as it is the basis for dividends and capital investment. The solid cash generation performance has also enabled the DCHL group to lower its net debt by $4.7m over the year.

Progress has continued to be made in restructuring the governance of the group. A number of directors resigned during the year and we need to thank them for their services. We need to specifically record the service of two directors who resigned this year after serving as members of the group’s board of directors for a significant number of years. Both Ray Polson and Ross Liddell resigned as directors during the year and contributed in a significant way to the development of the DCHL group in a wide range of roles. It is with sadness that I must note the passing of Ross in July of this year.

Given the normal operational challenges facing the members of the group the board of DCHL remain positive on the outlook for the group of companies.

Contact Graham Crombie, DCHL Chair on 0274 363 882.

DCC Link

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### ODT Online Tue, 30 Sep 2014
‘Solid’ results from DCC companies
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Holdings Ltd group of companies have delivered “solid” results, despite an $8 million drop in profits and another loss for the entity running Forsyth Barr Stadium, chairman Graham Crombie says.
Read more

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: Ch39 30.9.14 [screenshot tweaked by whatifdunedin] – Terry Davies

ODT on ERA hearing of claim and counter-claim | Lund South release

Updated post 6.10.14 at 7:55 p.m.

The long-running employment dispute between the owner of Dunedin construction company Lund South and its former Dunedin manager David Low returns to court in February 2015.

Last week the local newspaper offered stray comment which attracted a strong press response from Lund South. There is further news coverage today.

The full press release features below.

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How it began:

### ODT Online Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Former Lund manager wins in court
By Simon Hartley
The former Dunedin manager of construction company Lund South has won the latest in a string of long-running court battles over non-payment of bonuses; covering two years of his almost nine-year employment with the company. […] At stake was understood to be around $500,000 in bonuses and legal costs of at least tens of thousands of dollars.
Read more

The news item is notable for a lack of balance.

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█ Lawyers advise this is the extent of comments that can be made:

[ends]

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What appears today:

ODT Online Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Bonus dispute set to continue
By Simon Hartley
[…] In response to an ODT article last week about an Employment Court finding this month, [Russell] Lund said in a statement that despite earlier court findings the “substantive issues” of the case were yet to be heard in court. A substantive hearing would be held in February, when the Employment Relations Authority would consider Mr Low’s claim and Lund South’s “substantial counterclaim” against him, he said.
Read more

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It is extraordinary, in the context, Mr Low concedes at hearing that ‘during the disputed period he was not functioning at his full potential’ and confirms he has been ‘a disloyal employee to Lund South and commented negatively about the business to others inside and outside the business’.

Also at hearing, Mr Low says Mr Lund is ‘entitled to draw unfavourable comparisons’ between his performance and that of Lund South’s then Queenstown manager.

Other employees at Lund South may care to comment.

We can only wonder…..
It’s interesting that the judge has sealed evidence from the hearing. Assume from this the likelihood of forthright revelations and exposure of Mr Low’s situation in court next year. To that encounter ODT may deign to send an experienced court reporter able to grasp finer points.

David Low’s own advisers have commented that the majority of Mr Low’s claim is destined to fail and have urged mediation and compromise.

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█ Lund South Ltd v Low [2014] NZEmpC 173 [Judgment of Judge B A Corkill, 18 September 2014] (PDF, 152KB)

CONTRACT – Defendant informed of proposed changes to role in September 2008 – Proposed changes purportedly included cessation of defendant’s bonus entitlements – Changes not properly formalised in individual employment agreement until September 2010 – Defendant resigned with effect from June 2012 – Preliminary question as to whether defendant’s bonus entitlement ceased from October 2008 or continued until September 2010 – No agreement that defendant had agreed to stand down from role in late 2008 – Bonus continued until September 2010 when defendant was formally offered new position.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

“DCC entitlement” about to ramrod change at CBD #manipulation

For the groupies…..

Dunedin City council – Media Release
Help Shape the Future of Dunedin’s CBD

This item was published on 26 Sep 2014

Do you have a vision for the future of Dunedin’s central business district?

Whether you’re a retailer, resident or property owner, you are welcome to attend a free public workshop next week focusing on the future look and feel of the CBD. This discussion will build on feedback from earlier workshops on the Central City Plan (2011), the Warehouse Precinct Revitalisation Plan (2012) and Princes Street (2014).

The goal of the workshops is to hear people’s ideas and aspirations for the rest of the CBD, from the Octagon to the tertiary precinct, including George Street, lower Stuart Street and the surrounding streets.

These workshops and other comments received will feed into [WTH] transportation and amenity improvement projects in this area over the next decade.

[Oh no, not Mr Mentz AGAIN] Next week’s interactive workshop, which will be led by Kobus Mentz of Urbanism +, will be held on Thursday 2 October, 6pm to 8pm, at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

The DCC will also be working with the Otago Regional Council to look at the future location of a central city public transport hub. Feedback from the workshop will also link in with consultation on the central city cycle network.

█ [Love the extent of warning, all about bulldozing pre-envisioned DCC plans through via “Insider-Stakeholders”] Stakeholders in the area have been invited to a workshop on 1 October.

█ People [for rubber stamp duty] wishing to attend the public workshop on 2 October need to RSVP to centralcityplan @ dcc.govt.nz by Tuesday.

█ If you cannot attend the workshop, you can email your ideas and priorities for the future of the CBD to centralcityplan @ dcc.govt.nz [because DCC’s good at stealing your complementary ideas to push staff advancement and salaries, not to mention extending Mayor Daaave’s political agenda]

Contact DCC on 477 4000

DCC Link

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Related Posts and Comments:
24.9.14 Dunedin old boys, councillors & staff collude on 5-star accommodation
● 5.8.14 DCC staff-led CBD projects that impact ratepayers…
4.8.14 Cr Wilson’s integrity ‘in tatters’
23.6.14 DCC Annual Plan 2014/15 + Rugby and Rates
● 22.6.14 Vogel Street Heritage Precinct (TH13)
22.5.14 DCC Transportation Planning —ANOTHER consultation disaster
7.5.14 DCC Draft Annual Plan 2014/15 hearings
6.5.14 Roading network screwed by council staff
● 30.4.14 Octagon mud
21.4.14 Dunedin economic development strategy — low flying Year 1
1.4.14 HOTEL Town Hall… Daaave’s pals from… [April Fool’s?]
14.1.14 DCC: Hospital area parking changes #cyclelanes
24.12.13 Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.
4.12.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten greeted by DCC silence
17.11.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten’s alternative route
11.11.13 DCC: Councillors delegated street furniture decisions to staff
8.11.13 Dunedin Separated Cycle Lane Proposal
5.11.13 DCC, NZTA: Cycle lanes controversy
24.9.13 Mediocrity and lack of critical awareness at DCC
4.9.13 Draft Dunedin City Transport Strategy
8.3.13 Stupid bid for two-way highway ditched for now #DCC
31.10.12 Cull’s council takes business away from retailers

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: DCC Webmap – Inner city Dunedin

NZ Loan and Mercantile Building —what ESCO said!

Land Use Consent: LUC-2014-259
31-33 Thomas Burns Street, Dunedin
NZ Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd Building

█ Application LUC-2014-259 (PDF, 4.0 MB)

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[see related posts below] The consent hearing reconvened on Monday 22 September at 9:30 AM to hear closings of the city planners and right of reply for applicant Russell Lund. The hearing is now closed; commissioners Andrew Noone (chair), David Benson-Pope and Lee Vandervis are considering their decision.

Background to this post:
Following the initial hearing held on Tuesday 19 August, it is What if? Dunedin’s contention that Debbie Porteous, for the Otago Daily Times, provided news stories which failed to give appropriate weight and balance to submissions and evidence from supporting and opposing submitters, the applicant, and experts for the parties.

ODT stories:
█ 20.8.14 Demolition threatened; job loss possibility raised
Esco Dunedin site manager Dean Taig told the panel if the apartments were allowed next door he would have “grave concerns” for the future of the foundry which employed 39 people and had plans to employ 100 people.
[negative writerly tone]

█ 21.8.14 Businesses fear being driven out of area
It is a choice between buildings and jobs, a panel considering whether to allow apartments in a heritage building in Dunedin’s waterfront industrial area has been told. The district plan had already made the choice for them, lawyer Phil Page also said, because it said there could not be incompatible activities in the same area.
[negative writerly tone becomes shrill, no right of reply for applicant]

█ 29.8.14 DCC to foot apartments consent bill
The development is opposed by nearby industrial businesses, which are concerned about reverse sensitivity issues such as noise and smell and the effect of gentrification of the area on their future enterprises.
[stirring, ends with a negative, no right of reply for applicant]

What on earth had ESCO put to hearing?
● Evidence of Counsel for ESCO Dunedin Pty Ltd – D R Clay (Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Lawyers – Auckland) (PDF, 704 KB)
● Evidence of Dean Taig, site manager of ESCO Dunedin Pty Ltd Dunedin foundry (PDF, 246 KB)
● Evidence of Michael Smith, independent traffic engineering expert (Traffic Design Group) (PDF, 531 KB)
● Evidence of Shane Roberts, independent planning expert (Opus International Consultants) (PDF, 1.82 MB)

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█ These snivellings from Ms Porteous ran counter to a supportive comment by editor Murray Kirkness on Saturday 6 September:

“It is certainly encouraging that another local developer is prepared to foot the bill to preserve a distinctive piece of the city’s heritage. It is to be hoped his plans go more smoothly than those for Russell Lund’s restoration and apartment conversion of the Loan and Mercantile building. That proposal is complicated by the fact it is in the wharf area and has been opposed by neighbouring industrial businesses. The council hearing into Mr Lund’s consent application resumes this month.” (ODT)

█ On Tuesday 9 September, reporter Chris Morris also cleared the biased air of Ms Porteous, with last sentences:

“Last month, building owner Russell Lund criticised a council planner’s decision to recommend declining consent for his planned redevelopment of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Building. That proposal, which has attracted more support than opposition, is still being considered, with an adjourned hearing set to resume later this month.” (ODT)

Heritage advocates are awaiting something/anything in print from Ms Porteous about the applicant’s technically fulsome right of reply given on 22 September. Why the delay, we ask?

It’s pleasing to learn Murray Kirkness kindly phoned Russell Lund this evening to say a story appears in tomorrow’s newspaper.
THANK YOU MURRAY !!
We look forward to reading this, we hope….

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Related Posts and Comments:
30.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Building: Looking round at potential
18.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Building #randomsmartphonepix (interiors)
17.8.14 Public Notices: NZ Loan and Mercantile Building… (site tour, hearing)
13.8.14 Chamber’s Own Goals —Heritage (letters)
11.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Building (audio)
8.8.14 NZ Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd Building…
18.3.14 Dunedin Harbourside: English Heritage on portside development
21.10.13 Harbourside: Access to a revamped Steamer Basin has public backing

█ For more, enter the terms *loan and mercantile* or *harbourside* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: wikimedia.org – NZ Loan and Mercantile Building by Ben C Hill for Heritage New Zealand [NZHPT]

DVML on Otago Rugby and Rod

Received from Anonymous

Interesting, when DVML and ratepayers have propped up Otago Rugby for such a long time….

Nick Smith is being called on to help fund concert bids….

Really quite a sad situation. “DVML staff still bullied.”
“Board members spent a fair time in Suite 29 too.”

Where this will all end we don’t know….

Stadium Review due for public release this month(?) is unlikely to fix it.

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Related Posts and Comments:
13.9.14 DVML and ORFU refuse to disclose 2012 Otago Rugby deal
10.9.14 Stadium: Behaviours at Suite 29 (intrepid tales)

For more, enter the terms *dvml*, *orfu*, *nzru* or *stadium* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Dunedin old boys, councillors & staff collude on 5-star accommodation

The following report was tabled at a meeting of the Dunedin City Council on Monday 22 September 2014:

█ Report – Council – 22/09/2014 (PDF, 3.8 MB)
Tourism Dunedin Annual Report

Oh dear, oh dear. Ex Tourism Dunedin chief Hamish Saxton says…. “The Tourism Dunedin report showed Dunedin’s total visitor nights increased 7.4%, to 826,431, in the year to May 2014, with domestic visitors up 6.3% and international visitors up 9.2%.”

Add this next report to bolster confidence and supply for old boy in-groups and the ever pea-brain assortment of city councillors – and the megalomaniac council staff who NEVER waste an opportunity to empire build or focus pressure in pursuit of higher salaried positions:

█ Report – Council – 22/09/2014 (PDF, 271.8 KB)
Growth Assumptions in the Long Term Plan

The message is, since We know grand theft auto already…. “We want CAKE! Want it now!” so, “Let’s be having it, Ratepayers, empty your sorry pockets for Our Edification, Delight and Comfortable Pay Cheques, for We at DCC don’t stand a F***’s chance of ever knowing how to create real jobs in the productive export sector. Give us FIVE STAR, now!!”

Nor was it their business.

### ODT Online Wed, 24 Sep 2014
City needs to offer visitors five-star hotel – report
By Chris Morris
Tourism Dunedin has left a call for more money, a five-star hotel and closer links with Queenstown ringing in the Dunedin City Council’s ears. The comments came from former Tourism Dunedin trustee Rainsford Grubb as he presented the now-defunct entity’s final annual report to the council this week. The report came months after Tourism Dunedin was subsumed by Enterprise Dunedin, an in-house council entity responsible for a broader mix of tourism, events and other activities, on June 30.
Read more

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Who is right?

Comment at ODT Online:

Targeted taxes
Submitted by Stevesone57 on Wed, 24/09/2014 – 11:25am.
….The fact is that motels and hotels in Dunedin have been hovering around 60% occupancy for three years now. Anyone in the industry will tell you this is nothing more than break even. It is clear that this announcement by Mr Grubb is the precursor for targeted [taxes] to promote Dunedin’s wonders. Targeted taxes on businesses already struggling to survive – these include hotels, motels, bars, cafes etc….
Read more

█ Recordings of council meetings are on the DCC YouTube channel.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

John Oliver on Eminem vs National #LastWeekTonight

█ Watch at YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e25YmpQiEEY

Last Week Tonight at Facebook

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### tvnz.co.nz Published: 7:34AM Tuesday September 23, 2014
US show mocks NZ over accent and National’s Eminem stoush
Source: ONE News
A British comedian has taken aim at an issue the National Party faced during its political campaign. In a clip posted on YouTube, John Oliver, who hosts the US show The Last Week Tonight, says New Zealand has re-elected Prime Minister John Key on Saturday, “despite a turbulent campaign with a major scandal that engulfed him earlier this week”. He then plays a ONE News clip, in which Wendy Petrie says: “Rap superstar Eminem’s become the latest to take pot shots at our Government.”
Read more

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Related Posts and Comments:
23.9.14 What if? swayed by celebrity, loveliness —and dirty politics
21.9.14 Stuff: Roughly one million didn’t turn out #derision14
20.9.14 Election Night
19.9.14 Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem to launch post-election inquiry
17.9.14 John Key PM —real or fake? and one email.
● 16.9.14 Eminem sues National Party
15.9.14 The Moment of Truth

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

What if? swayed by celebrity, loveliness —and dirty politics

Received from Anonymous
Tue, 23 Sep at 2:44 p.m.

Image: Sassi St Claire

● Sassi St Claire on Facebook

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC Representation Review: Electoral wards and boundaries

### ODT Online Tue, 23 Sep 2014
Central ward questioned
By Chris Morris
Dunedin could consider scrapping its central ward – and even the need for some councillors – as part of a shake-up of its local body electoral system. However, exactly what – if anything – will replace the current arrangements remains up for debate, as the council searches for panel members to consider the alternatives. Dunedin’s representation review was required by law this term, but councillors at yesterday’s full council meeting voted to extend the deadline for recruiting panel members until November 3.
Read more

█ Report – Council – 22/09/2014 (PDF, 77.3 KB)
Representation Review – Update on Appointment of Review Team

█ DCC Ward and Community Board Maps 2013

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[click to enlarge]

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Related Posts and Comments:
26.6.14 LGNZ #blaggardliars
29.9.13 Alert: Dunedin voters —Mayors gain more powers
17.7.13 Dunedin, ‘small government’ —Calvert
8.6.13 DCC electoral candidates 2013
21.4.13 Councils “in stchook” —finance & policy analyst Larry.N.Mitchell
31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering
24.9.12 DCC against imposition of local government reforms
25.7.12 Local government change: council rates, core services, efficiencies
19.3.12 Local government reform
30.11.11 amalgamation, Anyone?
9.8.11 CRITICAL Dunedin City Council meeting #LarsenReport
26.3.10 Dunedin City moves to three-ward system
16.6.09 ‘Super ward’ + Stevenson chasing votes over apology (ODT)

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Daaave Dodo Cull —highly evolved from turkey

### ODT Online Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Cull calls for end to exploitation
By Timothy Brown
Dunedin’s mayor has added his voice to the chorus of local politicians calling for an end to worker exploitation. Speaking to the Otago Daily Times about the issue recently, Dave Cull said: “It’s a major focus of council to create jobs in this community, but not sweatshop jobs. Those employers aren’t welcome, we don’t want them and we don’t need them.”
Read more

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█ Sketchy outline of Dodo Daaave’s confusion:

On results of the latest Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS 2014):

“Mayor Dave Cull said it was ironic the community rated economic development, jobs and businesses so highly given changes to local Government meant councils no longer had a mandate to work in that area.” ODT 29.7.14

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█ Dodo Daaave saves jobs from extinction:

Dunedin Economic Development Strategy (2013), a blueprint for increasing incomes and job opportunities for Dunedin people —creating 10,000 jobs and lifting the median income by $10,000 pa within 10 years.

Partners: Dunedin City Council, Ngai Tahu, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Otago Polytechnic, Otago Southland Employers Association, and University of Otago.

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Related Posts and Comments:
1.9.14 Cull’s council spent the cash
9.9.14 DCC: More loose spending on Cull’s watch #SexySummerJobs wtf
14.8.14 Mayor Cull’s reflections on Edinburgh #SisterCity #Junkets
23.7.14 Eddie Cull suffering lead singer’s disease?
23.7.14 Minister of Finance Bill English on Dunedin governance #Regions #Cull
8.7.14 DCC: Mayor Cull and council staff consort with criminal gangs
21.4.14 Dunedin economic development strategy — low flying Year 1
5.3.14 Stadium: Mayor Cull stuck in his rut, ‘going forward’
23.2.14 Mayor Cull ‘handshakes’ Hodgson
24.12.13 Daaave’s $47 million Christmas present to Jinty. We’re paying.
17.11.13 Cull, MacTavish: (to borrow a phrase) “Have you fixed the debt crisis?”
19.8.13 Cull on senility (firing up graduates)
8.7.14 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering…
30.4.13 Shrinkwrap the Mayor of Dunedin —Cull snubs Dalai Lama #shame
15.3.13 Dunedin showcase (election year tripe): economic development strategy
28.9.12 Turkey. Cull.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: thegreenupgirl.com – Dodo bird

Stuff: Roughly one million didn’t turn out #derision14

The official election results will be announced on October 4

### Stuff Last updated 16:03 21/09/2014
Voter turnout near record low
By Charlie Mitchell
Roughly a million people didn’t show up to vote for Saturday’s election, making it one of New Zealand’s worst turnouts in the last century. An estimated 77.04 per cent of enrolled voters took part in the election, slightly higher than the 74.2 per cent turnout in 2011, which was the worst in percentage terms since before women got the right to vote in 1893.

This year’s result still ranks as the third-worst turnout in the last 100 years, with the number of non-voters almost tallying to the number of votes that went to National.

The estimated results are based on the 2,405,652 votes received before voting closed, which includes nearly 300,000 special votes that are yet to be counted. Voter turnout has been on a downward slide since the 1960s, when it consistently reached 90 per cent. It has declined in each election since the advent of MMP, with the exception of 2002.
Read more

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: radionz.co.nz – Keys vote (detail)

Election Night

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█ Key says he will lead a government that governs for all New Zealanders

Prime Minister John Key’s National Party has won a third term with an unprecedented govern-alone victory in the general election.

National won 48 percent of the party vote, giving it 62 seats in the 121-member parliament.

It’s the first time since MMP was introduced in 1996 that any party has held a majority without needing coalition partners.

█ Key: The issues that matter

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Kim Choe (@kimchoe) tweeted at 10:56 PM on Sat, Sep 20, 2014:
Kim Dotcom blames himself: “I’m sorry to say this, but we lost because of me”. Read more: http://t.co/JHw6TkMNgG #decision14
(https://twitter.com/kimchoe/status/513280476547543040)

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Images: Jared Savage (@jaredsavageNZH) at Twitter [screenshot]; mediaworks.co.nz – (TV3) Decision 14 – Live Stream, John Campbell and John Key PM [screenshot]; Internet Party (@InternetPartyNZ) at Twitter [screenshot]

Chief Ombudsman Beverley Wakem to launch post-election inquiry

█ What today’s ODT editorial doesn’t tell you, story sunk not headlining…..

“We may as well kiss democracy goodbye” –The Standard
By NATWATCH, published at 8:13 am, September 19th, 2014
The words of the title of this post are those of Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem …. Yet another typical scandal from the dirtiest government ever seen in NZ. Read more + Comments

Chief Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem to launch wide-ranging inquiry after election in respect of OIA practices

### NZ Herald Online 5:30 AM Friday Sep 19, 2014
Ombudsman ‘appalled’ by ex-Customs lawyer’s OIA allegations
By David Fisher
A former Customs lawyer claim that he was told to bury bad news matches similar stories which have sparked a wide-ranging inquiry by Chief Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem. She said she was “appalled” by Curtis Gregorash’s claim. “Having said that one of the reasons I am undertaking of selected agencies in respect of their OIA practices is that anecdotally a number of people have told me similar stories,” she said. She said a planned inquiry to be launched after the election could see the Ombudsman’s office using its Commission of Inquiry powers to compel evidence to be given under oath were there signs information was being hidden. “Ministerial offices will be figuring in our inquiry and that is all I will say.”
Read more

****

Whistleblower Curtis Gregorash said he was subjected to an internal investigation after releasing information about Dotcom sought by the NZ Herald through the Official Information Act. The information released saw Customs staff discuss earning “brownie points” by passing on Dotcom information to the FBI.

### NZ Herald Online 5:30 AM Friday Sep 19, 2014
Ex-Customs lawyer claims he was told to bury info that could embarrass the Government
By David Fisher
A former high-ranking Customs lawyer says he resigned from his job after allegedly being told to bury information that could embarrass the Government.
Curtis Gregorash said he was told by senior Customs executives to refuse Official Information Act and Privacy Act requests, which he believed was at the direction of former Customs Minister Maurice Williamson. It comes at a time the Prime Minister’s office is under inquiry over the release of intelligence material through the OIA and accusations that former Justice Minister Judith Collins was manipulating OIA responses for political purposes. [Mr] Gregorash quit his role as Customs’ chief legal counsel in March this year after more than a decade as a government lawyer.

The lawyer turned whistleblower said: “I’ve sat on it for a long time. But the story itself is so awful it needs to be told. I think people really need to see what ministers and some senior executives do.

He had decided to speak because he believed the alleged instruction “was unlawful”, undermined the way the public service was meant to operate and was given for what was ultimately political reasons. “The direction came down (from the minister) through the CEO (Carolyn Tremain) and group manager (of legal services) Peter Taylor to me saying ‘you don’t release anything – I don’t care what the OIA says, I’d rather fight it in the courts’.”
Mr Gregorash said the alleged instruction came during a briefing from Mr Taylor to the legal team in which he referred to Ms Tremain and meeting with Mr Williamson. “I resigned over it. I couldn’t stare my staff in the face and say this is actually serious conduct that’s being presented to you in a lawful way.”
Mr Gregorash said the alleged instruction to withhold information was general – but became specific in relation to “sensitive” issues, including entrepreneur Kim Dotcom, wanted for copyright violation in the United States. “Mr Taylor directed me to withhold all information and pass the same direction on to my team.”
Read more

● In the public interest, lengthy citation of articles by David Fisher at New Zealand Herald (APNZ).

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Related Post:
21.3.13 Public service causing “paralysis of democracy” with OIA requests

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DCC considers sale of “149 properties”

Tomorrow’s ODT carries carefully arranged details…

Kevin Taylor, City Property “good, bad and ugly” manager

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Updated post 19.9.14 at 11:29 a.m.

### ODT Online Fri, 19 Sep 2014
$10m property sell-off possible
By David Loughrey
Houses, empty sections and parkland are among 149 parcels of property across Dunedin being considered for sale, as the city council looks to add $10 million to its coffers. The council released its “work in progress” list after a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request from the Otago Daily Times. […] Council infrastructure and networks general manager Tony Avery yesterday said the list was a starting point.
Read more

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News conferred last week:
█ Cr Lee Vandervis now sits on the DCC Audit and Risk Subcommittee. [ Minutes ]

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Related Posts and Comments:
15.9.14 Cull’s council spent the cash
11.9.14 DCTL: New treasury manager
1.9.14 DCC Fraud: Further official information in reply to Cr Vandervis
30.8.14 DCC Fraud: Cr Vandervis states urgent need for facts and the record…
27.8.14 DCC whitewash on serious fraud, steals democracy from citizens
26.8.14 DCC: Forensics for kids
23.8.14 DCC public finance forum 12.8.14 (ten slides)
22.8.14 DCC: Deloitte report referred to the police #Citifleet
7.8.14 DCC issues shoddy treatment to Caledonian Bowling Club
● 30.7.14 Dunedin City Council | Consolidated council debt
● 28.4.14 DCC loses City Property manager in restructuring
24.1.14 Stadium: It came to pass… [stadium review]
14.10.13 DCC: New chief financial officer
21.3.13 DCC: Opportunity created by Stephens’ departure
6.3.13 Carisbrook: Cr Vandervis elaborates
20.11.12 Dunedin City Council vs Anzide Properties decision…
9.6.12 City Property to compete more obviously in the market…

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: odt.co.nz (tweaked by whatifdunedin) – Kevin Taylor blackened, a bit

DCC releases earthquake-prone buildings register

█ Electronic copy of the register (via LGOIMA) can be viewed at Comments.

Owners of all non-residential, pre-1976 buildings had until the end of next year to have their buildings assessed and report results to the council.

### ODT Online Wed, 17 Sep 2014
Tip of quake iceberg released
By Chris Morris
A register of Dunedin’s earthquake-prone buildings has been made public for the first time, but it is likely to represent only the tip of the iceberg, the Dunedin City Council says. Council staff, responding to an Otago Daily Times request, have released details of four earthquake-prone buildings in Dunedin, as well as another 44 considered likely or possibly so.
Read more

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DCC webpage: Earthquake strengthening
‘Earthquake strengthening’ improves a building’s ability to withstand the effects of earthquakes and, most importantly, improves the safety for those in and around the buildings.
Due to the age of Dunedin’s building stock and the large number of unreinforced masonry buildings in the city, many of the city’s heritage buildings are currently ‘earthquake–prone’. In 2012, owners of buildings in Dunedin will receive letters to advise them of the need to have their buildings inspected by a qualified structural engineer to assess their potential performance in an earthquake. These assessments will be recorded in a Council register. Building owners will be given a set timeframe in which to upgrade their buildings. Notwithstanding this timeframe, building owners undertaking other significant improvement work or a ‘change of use’ of a building will be required to complete earthquake strengthening as part of that work….
Read more + Links

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█ DCC reply to an official information request put by Marty Sharpe, Hawke’s Bay Reporter for the Dominion Post (Fairfax) on 23 October 2012: http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/292578/OIA-23-November-2012-Earthquake-Prone-Buildings.pdf

New Zealand faults [wikimedia.org]

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

John Key PM —real or fake? and one email

Retracing rubber …. ohh the worry lines!

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### 3news.co.nz Monday 15 Sep 2014 2:51 p.m.
Dotcom’s bombshell revealed – reports
By Simon Wong, Online Reporter
The New Zealand Herald reports Dotcom’s bombshell evidence is an email from October 27, 2010 and is alleged to be from Warner Brothers chairman and chief executive Kevin Tsujihara to Michael Ellis, a senior executive at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) which lobbies for Hollywood studios. The email reads:

“We had a really good meeting with the Prime Minister. He’s a fan and we’re getting what we came for. Your groundwork in New Zealand is paying off. I see strong support for our anti-piracy effort. John Key told me in private that they are granting Dotcom residency despite pushback from officials about his criminal past. His AG will do everything in his power to assist us with our case. VIP treatment and then a one-way ticket to Virginia.
This is a game changer. The DOJ is against the Hong Kong option. No confidence in the Chinese. Great job.”

However, Warner Brothers says the email is fake. Studio senior vice president for worldwide communications Paul McGuire said Mr Tsujihara didn’t write or send the alleged email.
Read more

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█ Video http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/campbelllive/former-gcsb-boss-denies-snowdens-claims-2014091520?ref=video

TV3 Campbell Live (15.9.14) – Former GCSB boss denies Snowden’s claims
[screenshots]

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Eminem sues National Party

### NZ Herald Online 4:17 PM Tuesday Sep 16, 2014
National Party sued over Eminem copyright infringement
By Kurt Bayer, APNZ reporter – Christchurch
US rapper Eminem is suing the National Party for allegedly breaching copyright by using his song Lose Yourself in its campaign advertisements. The Detroit-based publishers of Eminem’s copyrights have filed proceedings in the High Court at Wellington today. Eight Mile Style, LLC and Martin Affiliated, LLC are seeking damages for copyright infringement against the New Zealand National Party. The proceedings stem from allegations that unauthorised use has been made of Eminem’s Grammy and Academy Award winning song Lose Yourself in election campaign advertising run by the National Party in the lead up to the general election.
Read more

Lawyers for Eminem also sued Apple over a licensing issue relating to Lose Yourself in 2009.

InterscopeEminem Uploaded Oct 21, 2011

Eminem – Lose Yourself (Official Music Video)
https://www.facebook.com/interscopeeminem

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Related Posts and Comments:
15.9.14 The Moment of Truth
2.9.14 John Key PM, plus and minus

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

The Moment of Truth

On the National-led Government of New Zealand: “You’re dealing with a government that has systemic issues of political corruption.” –Bob Amsterdam, Dotcom’s lawyer (TV1’s Q+A)

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Streamed live on Sep 15, 2014 (2:06:07)

This is the backup stream URL if needed: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1473236/events/3389825/player?width=640&height=360&autoPlay=true&mute=false

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Updated post 16.9.14 at 1:10 p.m.

Jim Hubbard 13.4.12 at Stuff

Related Post and Comments:
2.9.14 John Key PM, plus and minus

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Cull’s council spent the cash

The cash was instead used to pay for capital projects, avoiding the expected need to borrow for the work, which reduced the council’s need to borrow by $20 million. –Grant McKenzie

The council had also agreed to another $20 million in carry-forwards for debt-funded project budgets, which shifted allocated funding for delayed projects from one year’s budget to the next. –Grant McKenzie

### ODT Online Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Cull warns debt still hurdle for council
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council cannot afford to get “complacent” despite a significant improvement to its core debt position, Mayor Dave Cull says. Council figures released last week showed its core debt – excluding companies – had dropped by nearly $5.5 million, from $227 million to $221.5 million, in the last financial year. […] the drop was the first time the council’s core debt had decreased since 2002-03, except for when stadium-related debt was transferred from the council to Dunedin Venues Ltd in 2010-11.
Read more

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DCC Sep 14, 2014

Dunedin City Council – Finance Committee – September 8 2014
Coverage of the Dunedin City Council Finance Committee held on Monday, 8 September 2014. Minutes, agendas and reports related to this meeting can be found at http://goo.gl/UumsOI

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Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Interim Financial Result – 12 Months to 30 June 2014

Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 668.6 KB)
Financial Result – 1 Month to 31 July 2014

Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 391.2 KB)
Waipori Fund Quarterly Report to June 2014

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Related Posts and Comments:
11.9.14 DCTL: New treasury manager
● 9.9.14 Mangawhai, Kaipara: Latest news + Winston Peter’s speech [relevance]
1.9.14 DCC Fraud: Further official information in reply to Cr Vandervis
30.8.14 DCC Fraud: Cr Vandervis states urgent need for facts and the record…
26.8.14 DCC: Forensics for kids
23.8.14 DCC public finance forum 12.8.14 (ten slides)
28.4.14 DCC loses City Property manager in restructuring
30.1.14 DCC broke → More PPPs to line private pockets and stuff ratepayers
● 29.1.14 Mangawhai, Kaipara —we hear ya! [relevance]
17.12.13 DCC, Dunedin City Treasury and 3 big banks [Interest Rate Swaps]
10.12.13 DCC putting up cover, walls paper thin [risk exposure VERY HIGH]
14.10.13 DCC: New chief financial officer
4.7.13 Carisbrook: DCC losses

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

DVML and ORFU refuse to disclose 2012 Otago Rugby deal

Dunedin Venues chief executive Terry Davies was asked to release details of the “Otago Rugby deal” struck in 2012 as part of the Otago Rugby Football Union recovery package.

Surprise! Mr Davies and ORFU don’t want you to know how much DVML pays ORFU for each rugby game played at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and given DVML is struggling to meet the sponsorship commitment (see previous post). Worse, DVML keeps paying even though ORFU is now flush with funds.

Just how are these payments passing through Council-owned books? The money comes from your rates; piling on top of every other subsidy DCC is gifting to the stadium and professional rugby.

The 2012 deal involved David Davies, the previous DVML chief executive. Who else was involved at ORFU, NZRU and DCC? Was the Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull a signatory? More to come.

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Correspondence received from Bev Butler
Fri, 12 Sep 2014 at 2:38 p.m.

Message: They really don’t want any part of this agreement out.

From: Terry Davies [DVML]
To: Bev Butler
Subject: LGOIMA request: DVML/ORFU venue hire agreement
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:28:54 +0000

Dear Bev

Please find attached a response to your email request dated 27 August 2014 as per below. A copy has been posted to you today.

Yours faithfully
Terry Davies [DVML]

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From: Bev Butler
Date: 27 August 2014 10:08:59 am NZST
To: Terry Davies [DVML]
Subject: RE: LGOIMA request: DVML/ORFU venue hire agreement

Thanks, Terry.
I would still appreciate a redacted copy of the agreement.
Thank you.
Regards
Bev

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From: Terry Davies [DVML]
To: Bev Butler
Subject: FW: LGOIMA request: DVML/ORFU venue hire agreement
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 04:19:21 +0000
Dear Bev

Thank you for your email below. Please find attached the response which has also been posted to you.

Yours faithfully

[Terry Davies, DVML]

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From: Bev Butler
Sent: Monday, 28 July 2014 9:01 a.m.
To: Terry Davies [DVML]
Cc: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Subject: LGOIMA request: DVML/ORFU venue hire agreement

Dear Terry

In 2012 DVML signed a venue hire agreement with the ORFU. I request the following:

1. The date of this agreement;
2. The names of the signatories on the agreement;
3. A copy of this agreement.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely
Bev Butler

█ Download: Letter to Bev Butler 11.09.14 (PDF, 49.4 KB)

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Related Posts and Comments:
8.9.14 Jim Harland and the stadium MESS
● 1.8.14 DVML and the “Otago Rugby” deal (sponsorship and payments)
15.7.14 Stadium: Who is being protected?
24.6.14 Stadium: DVML, mothballing, and ‘those TVs’ #LGOIMA
18.6.14 Crowe Horwath Report (May 2014) – Review of DVML Expenses
9.6.14 DVML: Crowe Horwath audit report (Hedderwick)
2.6.14 Stadium costs ballpark at $21.337 million pa, Butler & Oaten
23.5.14 Stadium | DCC Draft Annual Plan 2014/15 ● Benson-Pope…
11.5.14 Stadium: DCC proposes extra funds for stadium debt repayment
9.5.14 DCC Draft Annual Plan 2014/15 Submission by Bev Butler
10.4.14 Stadium: Edgar’s $1m donation (private sector fundraising)
3.4.14 DVML: Lost in transaction II (flatscreen TVs)
22.3.14 DVML, ‘Money for jam…..fig jam’
19.3.14 ORFU: Black-tie dinner, theft or fraud?
17.3.14 ORFU: Black-tie dinner on ratepayers
15.3.14 Mayoral DISGRACE: DCC won’t ask ORFU to repay $480K bailout
14.3.14 ORFU flush to pay creditors
4.3.14 Bev Butler: Guy Hedderwick’s departure package (LGOIMA)
7.9.13 Stadium: $266 million, more or less?
30.7.13 Stadium: Accountability, paper trail leads unavoidably to NEWS
4.7.13 Carisbrook: DCC losses
15.2.13 Carisbrook: Call for OAG investigation into DCC / ORFU deals

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: whatifdunedin – re-imaged screenshot from YouTube clip, Terry Davies press conference regarding streaker (ODT 15.6.14)

DCC says Logan Park Dr trees to go —pressure from Otago Cricket

Twelve Ontario poplars in Logan Park Dr between the entrance to the University Oval and the Logan Park tennis courts are to be removed. No consent was required to fell the trees because they were considered to be a shelter belt.

### ODT Online Sat, 13 Sep 2014
Logan Park tree removal sparks anger
By Debbie Porteous
As the chop looms, plans to remove 12 established poplars in Logan Park Dr have fired up Dunedin residents, some of whom say the decision appears to be out of the blue and even “horrifying”. But the Dunedin City Council says the removal of the trees, which will come down next week, is part of a 2007 plan to redevelop Logan Park. This included the eventual removal, and partial replacement, of the entire avenue of poplars. […] Concerns aired range from a loss of ambience, to whether the options had been fully canvassed, to giving in to sporting codes’ demands and confusion about process.
Read more

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### ODT Online Tue, 9 Sep 2014
University Oval poplars to be removed
By Debbie Porteous
Twelve trees that threatened the future of international cricket fixtures in Dunedin will be removed next week. The Otago Cricket Association has pushed for the trees on Logan Park Dr to be removed for several years, but the Dunedin City Council, which has been deferring the trees’ removal because of the cost, says its decision to bring the work forward is not purely the result of cricket’s demands. The Ontario poplars were originally scheduled for removal as part of the redevelopment of Logan Park.
Read more

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Updated post 14.9.14 at 3:07 p.m.

█ Comment from UglyBob (@UglyBobNZ)
Submitted on 2014/09/14 at 2:14 pm
What about Otago Cricket’s annual plan request around closing the road, making a grass embankment where the trees are now and installing lights. This is strangely absent from all talk about the removal of the poplars.

Related Posts and Comments:
16.6.11 Logan Park redevelopment
4.12.10 Old Logan Park Art Gallery
19.11.09 Logan Park Redevelopment: Compromise for Old Art Gallery
9.10.09 Former Logan Park Art Gallery talks
30.7.09 Logan Park hits the brakes

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: DCC Webmap – Logan Park Drive (avenue); [thumbnail] odt.co.nz – Ontario poplars at Logan Park

ORC: City bus services, submissions

“Heart-wrenching” tales of parents walking with young children from Corstorphine to Dunedin Hospital or walking up steep hills carrying bags of groceries while buses zoomed past…

### ODT Online Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Call for cheaper bus fares
By Rebecca Fox
Calls for public transport to be more affordable and accessible for the “walking poor” dominated yesterday’s public transport hearing. “Heart-wrenching” tales of parents walking with young children from Corstorphine to Dunedin Hospital or walking up steep hills carrying bags of groceries while buses zoomed past were made to the panel of regional councillors Sam Neill (chairman) and Michael Deaker, along with Dunedin city councillor Aaron Hawkins, as they sat through the second day of public submissions on the draft regional public transport plan. About 330 people and organisations made submissions to the draft plan that contains sweeping changes, expected to lead to faster and more direct routes away from smaller residential streets.
Read more

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Related Posts and Comments:
28.5.14 Otago Regional Council: Buses —Journey Planner (now online)
10.4.14 Otago Regional Council + Dunedin buses
27.12.13 Otago Heritage Bus shines !!! —ORC holiday bus suspension…
24.11.11 Dunedin buses: ORC or DCC
29.11.10 Phillip Cole on Dunedin buses

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: radionz.co.nz – Dunedin buses, George Street

DCTL: New treasury manager

Dunedin City Council – Media release
DCC Appoints Treasury Manager

This item was published on 10 Sep 2014

Richard Davey has been appointed to the new position of Dunedin City Council Treasury Manager. Mr Davey, who is originally from Dunedin, has had more than 21 years of banking experience in New Zealand and Australia. His experience centres on dealing with corporate treasuries and solving their risk management and funding issues.

As Treasury Manager, Mr Davey will oversee Dunedin City Treasury Ltd – a DCC-owned company provides funding and financial services to other companies in the Dunedin City Holdings Ltd group. Mr Davey will report to Group Chief Financial Officer Grant McKenzie.

Mr McKenzie says, “We are delighted to announce Mr Davey’s appointment. His extensive skills and experience mean he will be a welcome addition to the DCC’s financial team.”

Mr Davey says, “I am very pleased to be part of the DCC’s financial team, especially given the diverse treasury operations and exposures the group has. It’s also pleasing to be able to live in Dunedin and progress my career further with the Council.”

Mr Davey was most recently Director Corporate and Institutional Markets with the National Australia Bank in Melbourne. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce from the University of Otago.

The new Treasury Manager role was created following the retirement of Dunedin City Treasury Ltd Chief Executive John Knight, who left last month. Mr Davey starts in his new role on Monday, 15 September.

Contact Group Chief Financial Officer on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

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### dunedintv.co.nz September 11, 2014 – 5:56pm
DCC in a better financial position
The Dunedin City Council is in a better financial position than it had forecast for the financial year just finished. An interim result for the council during the last twelve months was presented to councillors this week. And while there are things to be celebrated, it’s not all good news on the council’s books.
Video

█ Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Interim Financial Result – 12 Months to 31 June 2014

█ Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 668.6 KB)
Financial Result – 1 Month to 31 July 2014

█ Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 391.2 KB)
Waipori Fund Quarterly Report to June 2014

Related Posts and Comments:
23.8.14 DCC public finance forum 12.8.14 (ten slides)
14.10.13 DCC: New chief financial officer

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Image: odt.co.nz (tweaked by whatifdunedin) – Richard Davey

Connected immersive cruising….

### ODT Online Sun, 7 Sep 2014
Preparing for super-size cruise ships
Port Otago is planning simulations to see if it can handle the next generation of super-size passenger ships. Know as the Quantum class, the upcoming giant cruise ships are being built by Royal Caribbean International. Port Otago general manager Peter Brown said the cruise company had indicated it was interested in bringing the Quantum class to New Zealand ports for the 2017 season. In the next few months, Port Otago pilots would be using a computer simulation to determine whether the port could handle the Quantum class, he said.
Read more

█ Wikipedia: Quantum-class cruise ship

The world’s first smart ship!

Royal Caribbean International Aug 10, 2014

Countdown to Quantum of the Seas
The future of cruising is almost here. In less than 100 days, Quantum of the Seas will launch. Prepare for a vacation revolution. Sail during the inaugural seasons and witness higher flying thrills, more immersive entertainment, dining to rival metropolitan culinary scenes and innovation never seen before at sea. Will you be among the first to experience it? The countdown has begun.

█ Visit http://www.quantumoftheseas.com to learn more [includes video animation and more].

CruiseNewsTV May 9, 2013

[er Hollywood…]
Experience Quantum of the Seas, best Cruise Ship Ever built
Think you have seen the best Cruise Ship ever built, LOOK AGAIN
Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, are expected to be delivered in October 2014 and spring 2015, respectively Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas will feature game-changing firsts at sea such as skydiving; breath-taking views 300 feet above sea level in a jewel-like capsule; cutting-edge transformative venues with bumper cars, roller-skating and more; and the most spacious and luxurious staterooms – all designed to deliver vacation experiences never before seen within the cruise industry and only found on Royal Caribbean International.
Cruise News TV (Sydney Australia)

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### stuff.co.nz Last updated 11:59 09/09/2014
Cruise ships keep dollars onboard
By John Anthony
Cruise passengers will spend less in New Zealand ports as cruise ships aim to increase revenue from onboard sales, a Canadian university professor says. Memorial University of Newfoundland Professor Ross Klein, who recently spoke at a New Zealand Tourism Research Institute seminar, said ports had unrealistic expectations for the revenue derived from cruise-ship visits. Klein has published four books and six reports for government organisations on the cruise industry. Cruise passengers would have less disposable income to spend in ports as cruise ships encouraged onboard spending, he said. Royal Caribbean Cruises announced last month a plan called the “Double-Double Program”, which aims to double 2014 earnings per share by 2017 and bring the company’s return on capital to “double-digit” percentages.
Read more

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
New Cruise Ship Shuttle Stop Proposed

This item was published on 10 Sep 2014

Orange traffic cones may be a thing of the past when cruise ship shuttle buses park in the Octagon this season. The Dunedin City Council is proposing a trial for this cruise season, which starts on 8 October, which will see shuttle buses dropping off and picking up passengers on the lower, eastern side of the Octagon carriageway, rather than on the upper side.

Dunedin City Council General Manager Infrastructure and Networks Tony Avery says this option has several advantages. The lower side of the Octagon carriageway has a full canopy for shelter and a larger flat area for passengers to wait. Under the previous arrangement, orange cones were placed on the roadway to separate shuttle parking from traffic. Some people criticised this traffic management approach, saying it was visually unappealing. Under the proposed arrangement, the centre line would be moved and a 50m long bus stop for cruise shuttle buses only would be introduced on the lower Octagon side. There would be some traffic signal phase changes and right-hand turn options at either end of the carriageway would be removed.

Mr Avery says key stakeholders such as the Police, the New Zealand Transport Agency, the Otago Regional Council, taxi companies, tourism operators and nearby businesses are being asked for feedback on the proposed change. Staff will review the feedback and make a decision in time for the arrival of the first cruise ship on 8 October. If the proposed change is introduced, the trial would last for the cruise ship season and be reviewed in May next year. During the trial, the DCC would monitor and assess traffic volumes and public feedback.

Cruise ship visitor numbers have almost doubled in five years to about 200,000 visitors a season. Cruise ship passengers now make up 8% of the city’s visitors. “This means cruise shuttle parking, as part of looking after our visitors, has become an important issue,” Mr Avery says.

█ Download: New cruise ship shuttle stop map (PDF, 293.8 KB)

Contact General Manager Infrastructure and Networks on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

ODT 11.9.14 Changes planned for cruise ship shuttles

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Stadium: Behaviours at Suite 29 (intrepid tales)

Updated post 11.9.14 at 6:24 p.m.

The Otago Daily Times was tipped off about its [Studio 29] closure by a caller who described it as a private bar for a “boys’ club”.

However, a number of girls were allowed in….

Mr Davies confirmed the room was now considered “outdated” for the stadium, and the decision to close it had been made in April.

That being said we had already done lots of photography!

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### ODT Online Wed, 10 Sep 2014
Taps turned off at stadium’s ‘bar for the boys’
By Chris Morris
Last drinks have been called for a male drinking bastion buried deep within the bowels of Forsyth Barr Stadium. The call has been made by Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive Terry Davies, who confirmed the closure of “Suite 29” following a review launched earlier this year. The small room – in the main south stand near the venue’s service entrance – was used as a private social space for DVML staff, high-profile sports stars and other guests, with beer provided.
Read more

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A bit of a rundown….

[Mr Davies] was not aware of any behavioural problems associated with the room, but expected staff would have to find other places to socialise after work.

Behaviours/behavioural problems, indeed.
Ahhh, the stories to tell from Carisbrook, the farm, and Fubar…. the whole continuance, but with the closure of Suite 29 where will DVML staff, executive and friends meet now? And Mr Hansen, we hear he’s doing terribly well and enjoying his flatscreen TVs (2).

“Activities at Suite 29 included ‘celebrity’ attendances to underage drinking and other things. The twitter feed clearly shows the beer line that comes direct from the Speight’s tanks at the stadium.” [Anonymous]

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SAMPLES
Images from the deactivated @29suite Twitter account – due to the lack of space here we’ve held back on publishing too many of the tweets photographed, nevertheless you’ll get the flavour:

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HAPPY DVML PASTIMES

A spot of horse owning….
Rock Of Tara racks up 30th win for Tweedie
Last updated 05:00 18/12/2012
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/sport/racing/8091489/Rock-Of-Tara-racks-up-30th-win-for-Tweedie

Cars are fun….

Wanting shareholders to help buy things like a car and well, horses….

Oh yeah. They run treasure hunts at work….

Important friends help with the sheep….

Munted farm produce (or they eat well)….

—

PAST COMMUNICATIONS
Things that make us go Hmmm….
● Ask about Suite 29 and how it’s used to fund a staff member’s horse and racing car and how staff are bullied into buying space sold on the wall to fund the hobby.
● That tickets are sold to staff to fund Suite 29. It’s only for boys and invited girls who tow the line.
● Ask about the beer keg system installed into this area and who paid for that and the huge amounts of beer. [Also, worth asking where the plumbed-in keg came from and who paid for it. The free beer from Lion!!!]
● Ask if it’s ok for the staff member to use the corporate suites to carry out extramarital affairs.
● Ask the staff fired from the Dunedin Centre about the bullying tactics and how the technical staff had to be moved down there because they feared the staff member’s bullying.
● Use of stadium equipment at the farm.
● Use of language by the staff member in the office which creates a terrible unprofessional ‘rugby culture’ at the stadium.
● An invoice for a taxi to Big Stone Road! Worth over $100.

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THE ANTECEDENT – Dug Out, Carisbrook
Run by the same types….

Cheers!

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Images: Screenshots by whatifdunedin – from a photographic series based on a web of Twitter accounts