But Rachel Elder did need to inform Mr Mayor, since it’s he who opines that [singularly ???] “weightless” manufacturing will one day make Dunedin great.
A while back Mr Mayor lauded expansion at Speight’s, Emerson’s and Greggs ….but recently, dreadfully, when interviewed by John Campbell on RNZ Checkpoint, Mr Mayor had trouble remembering these and other multimillion-dollar manufacturing investments in the good people, raw products and knowhow of Dunedin City. As well, he slipped past the convenient fact that the deputy mayor is a director of Scott Technology Ltd, and his old flower Mr McLauchlan, advisor and confidant, is the company’s board chairman.
Notwithstanding, Ms Elder thought it necessary to set herself a free writing project, an op-ed to ‘tell’ Mr Mayor, as well as advertise her paid work skills. Yes, yes, we’re all for free speech and pumping political mileage; however, we are the converted and connected, we know just how great Dunedin manufacturing is and can be —if not for DCC.
It must be said, though, that Mr Mayor’s speech at the Cadbury protest in the Octagon last Saturday was a large complimentary step up from the fatal Checkpoint phone interview.
—
“Messaging that it is too expensive to export from Dunedin and that we are too far away from markets and that manufacturing is best not done here does not support the many families and individuals who work in this sector.”
–Rachel (take that Dave Cull) Elder
### ODT Online Wed, 15 Mar 2017 We have skilled workers and can make it all here
By Rachel Elder
OPINION As an employment consultant and someone who advocates for a wide range of jobs in Dunedin, I am keen for Dunedin to be advertised nationwide as a place that is great for manufacturing and production as this will supply jobs to our skilled workers. The fact is Cadbury is owned by a multinational that has caused its demise. Manufacturing can be done here well and efficiently. Read more
Comment published at ODT Online:
ej kerr Wed, 15/03/2017 – 7:59pm #
As a city councillor Ms Elder should be overtly aware that the Dunedin City Council-owned power distribution company Aurora Energy Ltd does not and cannot offer a safe and secure electricity supply network for businesses, manufacturers and other large power users (this aside from the now obvious inability to offer safe supply to residential users). The mayor and councillors are not listening and not communicating clearly on the state of Aurora’s burnt asset. Thankfully, the Otago Daily Times has filled that void with strong news reporting. At a cost of one billion dollars to repair and upgrade the existing lines and facilities – not counting the cost of new development work required in Central Otago and Lakes District to meet growth and increasing infrastructural demand – there will shortly be a very heavy impost landing on all local businesses via rates increases. Such an unpopular debating topic at the head-in-the-sand Dunedin City Council.
****
Truly fine examples of the sort of thing your grandmother and mother will tell you about Dunedin that Mr Mayor can’t:
. . . .
McMeeking Manufacturing, 123 Maclaggan St
Jaytee Baking Cups have been a household name since the 1930s, when the company was founded by a printing engineer James Thomas Williamson, hence the name Jaytee. Since acquiring the company in 1979, McMeeking Manufacturing has been the largest supplier of Baking Cups in New Zealand with exports to Australia and the Pacific Islands. Due to the dramatic increase in bakeries, cafes etc, the range of products – all manufactured in the Dunedin factory – has grown to fulfil customers requirements and follow the latest trends. Read more at https://www.jaytee.co.nz/
. . . .
### ODT Online Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Machine tool smart, versatile
By Simon Hartley
Farra Engineering’s latest $1.3 million machining kit not only has the capacity to work 24/7, but can text its progress to operators day and night. The DMG Mori “multi-pallet (work bench) horizontal machining centre”, supplied by a German-Japanese merged company, has been running for about a fortnight, at Farra Engineering, Dunedin, chief executive John Whitaker said. The DMG Mori could work on castings weighing just a few grams, on pieces weighing up to three tonnes, and castings up to 1.4cu m in size. “Being so productive, we’re going to the marketplace to fill the spare capacity,” Mr Whitaker said. Read more
Received from Calvin Oaten
Sat, 28 Nov 2015 at 5:35 p.m.
—
—–Original Message—– From: Calvin Oaten Sent: Sunday, 1 November 2015 10:10 a.m. To: Sandy Graham Cc: Dave Cull; Sue Bidrose Subject: [LGOIMA] Request
Hello Sandy,
I have been reading the annual reports of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) and am somewhat uncertain as to the true position regarding the matter of charges/fees for the use of the Stadium. We were given a detailed report in the 2014/15 Annual Plan wherein it [was] disclosed that the DCC/ratepayers would be making a one off lump sum of $2.271m to DVML by way of calling up unpaid capital. Then there is to be $715k per annum paid also by way of calling up unpaid capital. An event attraction fund of $400k per annum, source ratepayers? These two annual sums are I believe revenue to DVML. We won’t talk about the later decision to fund $2m per annum as a rent subsidy to DVL, due to DVML’s inability to meet the $4m rent required towards DVL’s debt reduction.
There is no mention of the Stadium in the 2015/16 Annual Plan with any reference to funding shortfalls even though both DVML and DVL continue to run deficits.
Zeroing in on sports events held in the Stadium (because that is its primary purpose) I see that in 2013 there was (sic) 44 events attracting 205,511 attendees.
In 2014 there were 39 with 206,123 there and in 2015 for 33 events 174,575 turned out in support.
DVML showed revenue of $6.085m in 2012 and $8.205m in 2013. These were of the Stadium only, thereafter it includes the Edgar Centre, the DCC Convention Centre plus the Ice Stadium management. This brought about an increase in revenue to $9.127m for 2014 and $9.960m in 2015. Similar pattern for the operating expenses over those same years.
In order to enable one to get an assessment of where these obviously inadequate revenues come from I would request under the [LGOIMA] the following points;
1. The main events being rugby, which of the ORFU, the Highlander Franchise or the NZRFU staged what events over those years? What was the rental received by DVML from those respective bodies per event and do they figure in the revenue statements?
2. What was the amount of revenue received from the other lesser codes which used the same facilities?
With respect to the Operating Expenses outlined in the reports, 2012 as $3.862m, 2013 $3.589m, 2014 $4.361m and 2015 $5.407m.
1. Of those expenses I would request under the [LGOIMA] the amounts of those expenses which could be described as paid inducements or subsidies to perform in the Stadium, albeit sports and concerts?
I trust that this information could be made available within the statutory twenty-one days and thank you in anticipation.
Cheers,
Calvin Oaten
—
Terry Davies, DVML Chief Executive [via whatifdunedin]
From: Terry Davies Subject: FW: [LGOIMA] Request Date: 27 November 2015 3:53:09 pm NZDT To: Calvin Oaten
Dear Mr Oaten
I refer to your email dated 1 November which has been referred to DVML to respond. I have responded directly to your questions below:
1. The main events being rugby, which of the ORFU, the Highlander Franchise or the [NZRU] staged what events over those years? What was the rental received by DVML from those respective bodies per event and do they figure in the revenue statements? The rental received for these events is withheld under section 7(2)(h) and (i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to allow DVML to carry out commercial activities without prejudice or disadvantage.
2. What was the amount of revenue received from the other lesser codes which used the same facilities? The revenue received for these events is withheld under section 7(2)(h) and (i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to allow DVML to carry out commercial activities without prejudice or disadvantage.
With respect to the Operating Expenses outlined in the reports, 2012 as $3.862m, 2013 $3.589m, 2014 $4.361m and 2015 $5.407m.
1. Of those expenses I would request under the [LGOIMA] the amounts of those expenses which could be described as paid inducements or subsidies to perform in the Stadium, albeit sports and concerts? The expenses incurred and event attraction funding for these events is withheld under section 7(2)(h) and (i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to allow DVML to carry out commercial activities without prejudice or disadvantage.
You are entitled to have this decision reviewed by the Ombudsman.
Yours sincerely
Terry Davies
———————————————
From: Calvin Oaten Subject: Fwd: [LGOIMA] Request Date: 28 November 2015 12:08:46 am NZDT To: Sue Bidrose
Hello Sue,
You will have been aware of my queries expressed recently via the [LGOIMA], re the DVML revenue [breakdown].
Well I would have to say that the reply as received is totally underwhelming. This would have to be the most condescending, snivelling, performance by a highly positioned manager one could expect. Hiding behind a clause in a flawed piece of legislation to deny a citizen stakeholder information which ought to be available, on the grounds that it would compromise the company in carrying out its business without prejudice or disadvantage is nothing but
a complete ‘cop-out’ by a less than forthright person. Unless there is detail showing activities detrimental to achieving maximum returns to the company, then I find it a disingenuous and rude dismissal of an honest request.
Sue, I am dissatisfied with his response but if you think it is the way it should lie, then I would be deeply disappointed. I would appreciate your comments as I treat this as a serious affront.
Cheers,
Calvin
[ends]
—
█ In other developments, ICC felt the need to secure games for its stadium. What have Terry Davies, (“make it work”) Dave Cull and Sue Bidrose been up to in behind ?
### ODT Online Fri, 27 Nov 2015 Rugby: Highlanders private investors revealed (+ video)
A group of South Island private investors has been granted a five-year licence to run the Highlanders. The group, headed by Ticket Direct boss Matthew Davey, has taken a 77% stake in the Dunedin-based Super Rugby franchise, with Otago, Southland and North Otago Provincial Unions having a 13% stake. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) retains a 10% share for the first two years. Read more
Otago Daily Times Published on Nov 26, 2015
Highlanders private investors revealed
29.11.15 ODT: Rugby: New operators for Highlanders
The Invercargill City Council has underwritten the venture to the tune of up to $500,000 in return for one guaranteed game at Rugby Park each year for the next five years.
29.11.15 ODT: Canadian finds his ticket to success
Matthew Davey says the Highlanders helped make him – now he is ready to help return the favour. The Dunedin businessman says he started the company he founded, Ticket Direct, at Carisbrook in 1999, and it has since grown into a multinational entity based in Dunedin.
ON TOP OF TICKET PRICES
RATEPAYERS PAY TO GET ACTS TO F.U.B.A.R. STADIUM
An insider said DVML paid $350,000 to get Rod Stewart here.
No doubt it was more.
The stadium is costing ratepayers +$20M pa to stay open.
ODT mentions FLOOD, in a SEA OF COUNCIL DEBT.
—
The rising value of New Zealand’s dollar against the Australian had closed the profit gap for promoters considering whether to cross the Tasman or add another Sydney show.
### ODT Online Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Sellout gets promoters’ full attention
By Chris Morris
Australasia’s biggest promoters are promising more big acts as Dunedin’s concert drought threatens to become a flood. Michael Gudinski once vowed never to return to Dunedin. But, more than three years after the accomplished Australian music promoter slammed the “completely unprofessional” managers at Forsyth Barr Stadium, he is back. Mr Gudinski is the man behind Frontier Touring, the company bringing Rod Stewart to Dunedin for tonight’s stadium concert. Read more
****
IS NICK SMITH PAYING THE PROMOTERS TO BE HERE
### ODT Online Sat, 11 Apr 2015 City in line for more top acts
By Chris Morris
Promoters for some of the world’s top musical performers say Dunedin is now firmly on the radar as a destination for a steady stream of headline acts. The glowing endorsement comes as Forsyth Barr Stadium prepares to host 25,000 fans at tonight’s Rod Stewart show. The concert, being brought to Dunedin by Frontier Touring, has also attracted three of Australasia’s top music promoters to Dunedin, eager to evaluate the event and the venue. Read more
*ODT understands Stewart is staying at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross in High St, and that he arrived on Thursday night.
Where do they get them.
Dumb enough to accept the blurb given.
DVML and DCC needed an expert psychologist. Not a token.
But if it makes the Smiths happy.
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### ODT Online Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Auckland lawyer takes chair at DVML
By Chris Morris
Dunedin Venues Management Ltd’s new chairwoman says she is up for the challenge of Forsyth Barr Stadium. Ashburton-born lawyer Raewyn Lovett (54), now living in Auckland, yesterday took over from outgoing chairman Sir John Hansen, who was farewelled last night after five years in the role. Ms Lovett told the Otago Daily Times she was taking over an organisation that appeared to be turning a corner, helped by the recent stadium review and the company’s “very energetic” chief executive, Terry Davies. Read more
Raewyn Lovett. In addition to my legal career I enjoy spending time in governance roles. I was Chair of Netball New Zealand for seven years and on the board of TTNL Limited (responsible for the establishment of the ANZ Championship). I am a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. Full profile here.
—
Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
*Image: Raewyn Lovett with fringe! (tweaked by whatifdunedin)
█ For more, enter the terms *dvml*, *directors*, *davies*, *stadium*, *stadium review*, *misses*, *cull*, *orfu*, *highlanders*, *rugby*, *suite 29*, *tvs* or *hansen* in the search box at right.
Of course —with Professional Rugby the sense of entitlement goes a terrible long way. The Dunedin City Council, cracked and broken, has been unfairly or dishonestly “short-changed” by Otago Rugby and big brother NZRU. So too is the community of South Auckland (history: Jokers Bars, Gambling money spent out of area on Otago Rugby and Racing). What a delightful experiential and lucrative background exists to the Otago Union.
Straight up and rational, in the course of a chairman’s work, it’s simply the case that there’s been no mandate to name the rugby sponges who misused millions of dollars of public funds; although Jeremy Curragh, former ORFU change manager, suffered a moment when he was forced to blurt that a lesser amount of charitable funds had been misused by the union in yet another of its darkest hours. [enter *curragh* in the search box at right]
Nor has prosecution of ‘the deserving’ been progressed (fact), but then NZRU and DIA are fully committed to ‘looking forward’ rather than back at their contentious and damning files that might be, suddenly(!), lost or misplaced, or smoothly sealed and suppressed. That’s the political climate, nefariously yet continuously supported by a line-up of senior government ministers along with NZ Police, IPCA, SFO, the Auditor-general, and yes, the Ombudsmen.
Doug Harvie will be glad he is now (personally) out of the spotlight.
Like it never happened. Not on his watch. Like it would not in future.
A clipped accounting English.
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### ODT Online Wed, 21 Jan 2015 Rugby: Harvie stepping down after getting tough job done
By Steve Hepburn
Doug Harvie will step down from the Otago Rugby Football Union’s board with the sport in a much better position than when he arrived. Harvie, a Dunedin chartered accountant, became chairman of the newly structured board in May, 2012. He was shoulder-tapped to stand and felt he could not say no.
Harvie (57), a former loose forward for the University and Dunedin clubs, said the new board did not want to look back on why it found itself in such a tough position. It was focused on getting the business of rugby back into a good shape in Otago. Read more
The Police have joined both the Charities Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in picking off low hanging fruit to justify their existence. There’s no mongrel in the public service any more and all they want is the easy life. It’s why the Police love traffic enforcement, particularly speed and drink driving – so instant, so easy and oh so profitable. –Anonymous
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Southern police officers were investigated for a range of complaints, including failure to investigate, attitude/language, and inadequate service.
### ODT Online 9:20 AM Sunday Jan 11, 2015 Dozens of police faced disciplinary procedures
By Hamish McNeilly
Complaints about bad language and bullying are just some of the reasons for disciplinary actions against some Southern district police officers. Figures released to the Otago Daily Times show dozens of southern officers have been involved in disciplinary action over the past five years, with 12 officers resigning. Read more
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IPCA: “It’s our job to keep watch over Police” !!!!
Independent Police Conduct Authority of New Zealand Sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Independent Police Complaints Authority. The Independent Police Conduct Authority is an independent body that considers complaints against New Zealand Police and oversees their conduct. http://ipca.govt.nz/
IPCA Role and powers
The Authority has the following functions and powers under the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988.
Functions: Under section 12 of the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988, the Authority’s functions are to:
● receive complaints (i) alleging misconduct or neglect of duty by any member of Police or (ii) concerning any Police practice, policy or procedure affecting a complainant; or
● investigate incidents in which a member of Police (acting in the execution of his or her duty) causes or appears to have caused death or serious bodily harm.
Action on complaints: Under the Act, when the Authority receives a complaint, it may carry out its own investigation, or refer the matter to the Police for investigation under the Authority’s oversight. If a complaint is referred to the Police for investigation, the Authority will take steps to ensure that it is properly resolved. This may include directing or actively overseeing the Police investigation, or reviewing or auditing the Police investigation once it is completed. The Authority may also decline to take action on a complaint – for example, if the complaint is very minor or outside the Authority’s jurisdiction. The Authority’s powers in relation to complaints are set out in section 17 and section 19 of the Act. Read more
IPCA Vision and values
The Authority’s mission is to promote public trust and confidence in New Zealand Police. […] The Authority’s values include independence, trustworthiness, accountability, vigilance, and integrity. The Authority exists to support public expectations – as expressed by Parliament – for the justice system to be trusted and effective.
Outcomes: The Authority is funded through Vote: Justice and contributes to the overall justice sector outcome ‘A safe and just society’ and to the following three justice sector goals: accessible justice services, effective constitutional arrangements, and trusted justice system. The work done by the Authority also contributes to Police outcomes of ‘Confident, safe and secure communities’ and ‘Organisational development’, and Police values of integrity and professionalism as outlined in the Police Statement of Intent 2008/09. Read more
IPCA Accountability
The Authority is an independent Crown entity, which means it is accountable to Parliament for its use of taxpayer funding. The Authority is independent in its day-to-day operations. It cannot be told how to handle an investigation, or what the outcome of any investigation should be. However, the Authority is taxpayer-funded and it must account to the responsible Minister and to Parliament for its use of those funds. Read more
IPCA Independence
The Independent Police Conduct Authority is fully independent – it is not part of the Police. ‘Independence’ means that the Authority makes its findings based on the facts and the law. It does not answer to the Police or anyone else over those findings. In this way, its independence is similar to that of a Court. There are three aspects to the Authority’s independence: Legislative independence, Operational independence, and The perception of independence. Read more
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) was established in November 2007, replacing the Police Complaints Authority.
The Police Complaints Authority had been established in 1989, following several years of debate about Police accountability, sparked in part by the role of Police during the 1981 Springbok Tour. Prior to 1989, complaints against the Police were investigated internally. Through most of its life, the Police Complaints Authority comprised a single person with a small number of support staff conducting reviews of Police investigations. Because of its reliance on Police investigations, the Authority was perceived as lacking independence. Recent changes, including the appointment of independent investigators, are addressing that perception.
Key milestones in the history of the Police Complaints Authority include:
● the October 2000 Review of the Police Complaints Authority by Sir Rodney Gallen, who recommended the appointment of independent investigators;
● the appointment in late 2003 of the first independent investigators;
● the March 2007 report of the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct, which recommended a number of changes to the Authority, including enhanced powers and improved communication with complainants;
● the Independent Police Conduct Authority Amendment Act 2007, which changed the Authority’s name and made changes to the Authority’s powers.
The period since the establishment of the Independent Police Conduct Authority in November 2007 has been one of transformation, as the Authority shifts its focus towards independent and transparent investigation of the most serious incidents and complaints. This period of change has included the appointment of additional investigators, and changes to the Authority’s legislation, structure and operations.
[IPCA History] Read more
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### stuff.co.nz Last updated 10:00 10/01/2015 ‘Zero tolerance’ policy should be scrapped
By Duncan Garner
OPINION Police like to roll out statistics when it suits them so here’s one that hurts – 17 people killed on the roads during the holiday period. That’s more than double the death toll compared with last year. And it’s despite the police’s misguided efforts to target speeding drivers with the hopelessly designed zero tolerance for speeding campaign. It’s a campaign that has utterly failed. It’s a stupid policy that needs to be scrapped. Hundreds of thousands of us will have broken the zero tolerance policy over the holidays. Good on you. I did. It was safer to do so. Read more
****
### stuff.co.nz Last updated 05:00, January 11 2015 Uber taxi battle sees police vs cabbies
By Shabnam Dastgheib and Marika Hill
Police are cracking down on Uber, the cheap and trendy new-kid-on-the-taxi rank, leaving paying customers on the pavement. After complaints from the old-school taxi firms, police have begun fining the Uber drivers whose lower fares have been hurting the big cab companies. The private car hire service has hit back, lodging a complaint of police harassment with the Independent Police Complaints (sic) Authority. Uber operates as a private hire service which means the fare has to be set at the time of booking, rather than using a meter. This means Uber does not have to abide by taxi regulations, thus saving on operating costs. Read more
Otago Rugby —For more information, enter the terms *orfu*, *rugby*, *racing*, *pokies*, *auditor-general*, *audit nz*, *dia*, *oag*, *sfo*, *operation chestnut* and *whistleblower* in the search box at right.
### ODT Online Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Opinion: Your say Learning from stadium-related mistakes
By Rob Hamlin
One of the few good things about making mistakes is that you can learn from them, and avoid making the same kind of mistake again.
It is pretty clear that the FB Stadium has been a mistake on the part of the Councillors that voted for it. It has not come close to delivering the economic or social benefits that were predicted by its backers at the time. The figure arrived at in an earlier response to the above article [ODT Online] of $22 million loss per year, appears to be about right for this facility’s current annual cost to the community once all the cross-subsidies and clever fiscal two steps have been eliminated. On the social front, unlike the Moana Pool and Edgar Centre facilities that it is often compared with, the Stadium lies empty 95%+ of the time. Both these failures might just be forgiven if it was an attractive structure – but the Taj Mahal it ain’t. Read more
### ODT Online Sat, 15 Nov 2014 Party to mark long success of sporting and social hub
By Chris Morris
Moana Pool’s golden jubilee is to be marked with a splash, and Mayor Dave Cull is confident the facility has plenty of life still left in it. The 50th anniversary of the pool’s opening on November 14, 1964, was celebrated yesterday with the unveiling of a photographic exhibition of the pool’s early days. Read more
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The ‘convenient’ shonky comparison lives on…….
### ODT Online Sat, 15 Nov 2014 Moana Pool paid off, despite price
By Chris Morris
Forsyth Barr Stadium is not the first controversial building to capture headlines in Dunedin. Fifty years ago, a decade of debate, disagreement and concerns about the cost preceded the opening of Moana Pool. Read more
█ For more, enter *stadium*, *dvml*, *review*, *terry davies*, *directors* or *rugby* in the search box at right.
Last week at DCC I was asked if I knew Rolfe and Brown had left DVML, I did not although I was aware of the advertising for new directors (see previous posts).
In the ODT story we’re privileged to see the misguided views of Ms Rolfe in lights (what an asset… not meaning the lights!) —hard being the token woman, brain cells would help. And Mr Brown why he can easily think of better boards to decorate, it’s very wise that he moves on.
Public release of the council’s stadium review is now past due. Of course, Dunedin City Holdings Ltd chairman Graham Crombie has diligently attempted to water down the report. A pale shadow by the time it hits the council table then goes public. The unpalatables. And Mr Hansen?
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### ODT Online Wed, 12 Nov 2014 Confirmation DVML losing two directors
By Chris Morris
An outgoing director responsible for Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium says she is leaving with high hopes for the future of the venue.
Jen Rolfe, a Dunedin Venues Management Ltd board member, is one of two directors confirmed to have resigned, along with Peter Brown. The pair’s exit, to be signed off at a DVML board meeting next week, were confirmed yesterday in response to questions from the Otago Daily Times. Read more
### whaleoil.co.nz Fri, 31 Oct 2014 at 5:20pm Why is there no law to rein in dodgy ratbag local body politicians?
By Cameron Slater
Former ARC Councillor Bill Burrill is not the first dodgy ratbag Councillor to trough from abuses of power to his own pecuniary advantage in recent years. A few years back in 2009 Council Watch was calling for a number of Councillors from the Canterbury Regional Council to be prosecuted and sacked from their positions after an investigation by the Auditor General Lyn Provost found that four individuals had broken the law by acting in conflict with their official role. Back then those Canterbury Councillors failed to declare a conflict on interest that [led] to a financial benefit for themselves by participating in discussion and voting on proposals before Council. Under investigation the Auditor General’s office chose not to prosecute stating that whilst the Councillors should have withdrawn as a matter of principle – they had each received and shared legal advice that they could participate. And here in lies the problem. The Auditor General and Office of the Ombudsmen publish clear guidelines for Councillors and council staff but the reality is that the law is erroneously filled with holes that are exploited and there is precious little oversight of Local Government leading to the Auditor General loathing to bother and the Courts uninterested. Read more
Profiles and mugshots of the worthies that you will blame anon.
Fundraising: Are the charitable and pokie trusts mobilised yet, through Sydney Brown’s Old Boy (racing/rugby) connections?! God knows, the Poolers might hire Neville Frost (ex ORFU) now he’s deposed from DVML.
Yep, raising capital according to the Malcolm Farry (CST) principle.
Who We Are | Pooling Together [click image to enlarge, Ctrl +]
The old chestnut Lucas (drear), COC’s wife Christie (hmm), and the rest….
ALL keen to help wet the heads of Professional Rugby and Other High Performance Sportsters, because as yet they can’t quite build the desired new pool at Logan Park (see PR nightmare after the stadium build, given the massive public debt created). Watch this space.
Meanwhile, the Poolers are lined up to encourage urban sprawl at Mosgiel, so the likes of developer Sydney Brown and friends get richer. Every new residential subdivision (on high-class soils) needs a heated pool and spa for speculator ‘life style’ values to be set.
And that folks, is the GAME at DUD. The sideways shift to Mosgiel.
[Note: ODT has stepped up Mosgiel Taieri ‘news’ on Wednesdays to support Real Estate, Property Developers, Local Groups, Businesses, and Clan of the Otago Chamber of Commerce what live on the Taieri.]
For more, enter the terms *harland*, *farry*, *malcolm*, *athol*, *stadium*, *dcc*, *cst*, *dchl*, *dvml*, *orfu* or *rugby* in the search box at right.
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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
*Image: Jim Harland and Sukhi Turner (via ODT 2.6.04) – supplied by Calvin Oaten
Meanwhile, as Mayor Dave Cull’s council keeps up with massive spending on low priorities and unnecessaries, this comes to light:—
### ODT Online Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Stadium budget help was declined
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council declined an offer of specialist help to keep its Forsyth Barr Stadium budget on track, years before the cost jumped by millions of dollars, it has been confirmed. The decision, revealed in an Audit New Zealand report from 2010, has been criticised by Mayor Dave Cull, who said it was “a function of the attitude of the management and the executive at the time”. Former council chief executive Jim Harland defends the decision, saying the council’s oversight was felt at the time to be “appropriate”. The offer was detailed in the Audit NZ annual report to the council, dated December 2010, which covered the 12-month period to June 30 that year. Read more
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The decision to build a debt-funded stadium – of which Jim Harland, Malcolm Farry, Athol Stephens, DCC stadium councillors, ORC stadium councillors, and professional rugby cronies are GUILTY – was ALWAYS the decision to bankrupt the Dunedin City Council but more especially, and insidiously, the ratepayers and residents of ‘greater’ Dunedin and Otago.¹
The Audit NZ offer was INANE and in any case a complete waste of time.
Audit NZ is what it is, a basket case. Of sheer incompetence and hypocrisy, nationwide.
Time for a full independent forensic audit of the Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust, fondly known as CST, headed by Malcolm Farry. This will also entail an intimate look at the way Dunedin City Council treated CST invoices, the Council’s spending delegations, and its chief signatories.
Let’s hope somebody goes to clink before the accounting games are over.
___________________________
¹Only now are Otago power users waking up to the fact of high line charges being levied by Aurora Energy Ltd to fund subvention payments to ‘the stadium’ (see recent letters to the editor in the Otago Daily Times).
Did the killer consolidated DCC think the people of Otago wouldn’t notice?
For more, enter the terms *harland*, *farry*, *malcolm*, *athol*, *stadium*, *dcc*, *cst*, *dchl*, *dvml*, *orfu* or *rugby* in the search box at right.
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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
*Image: odt.co.nz (re-imaged by whatifdunedin) – Jim Harland
Is Terry Davies, chief executive of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, telling porkies about the “Otago Rugby” deal signed in 2012 ???
(DVML/ORFU/NZRU)
Compare Mr Davies’ reply to Bev Butler today with information Whatifdunedin received from a source in mid-July 2014.
The reply to Question 1.(d) is interesting. Mr Davies states that none of the $3 million sponsorship was paid to ORFU but DVML does provide a staff member to assist ORFU with its sponsorship proposals. This is probably Paul Thompson. The other information from a source claims that DVML has to make up the difference to $1 million per year; this is paid to ORFU if less than $1 million in sponsorship is obtained. So the other staff member only spends one hour per week for six months each year?
Question 3. He says there’s no DVML company record of staff movements and NZ/overseas travel in approaching sponsors. Really? If true, that’s a large management failing which the DVML board is ultimately responsible for.
Why the discrepancies, Terry Davies ????
—
INFORMATION FROM SOURCE
Received mid-July [paraphrased]
Re the “Otago Rugby” contract – DVML did the Sponsorship but had to guarantee a certain amount. There was a heated exchange over this between Darren Burden (DVML chief executive) and one of his managers who said ‘we work for the ratepayers not rugby’. Burden was going to pay Otago the difference between what was raised and what DVML had to raise in the contract, despite Otago making a profit. The manager said DVML shouldn’t pay Otago, because they were deciding what was sponsorship and what was not.
[One day later]
The Otago Rugby deal is something like this:
DVML assist Otago Rugby with their sponsorship and the target is $1 million per year. DVML’s Paul Thompson was supposed to assist Otago Rugby. In the first two years, sponsorship didn’t reach the $1 million mark.
DVML still pays Otago Rugby to play at the stadium. Ask how much DVML have paid to Otago Rugby in the last two years to keep them afloat despite them making a profit.
[Two days later]
Not sure how it’s recorded in the DVML accounts, it was around $150k in the first year and similar in the second year. This is the difference between the $1 million DVML had to ensure ORFU got for sponsorship and what ORFU got. The deal lasts for three years. So this would be the last.
It was reported in the ODT (22/03/14) that Mr Guy Hedderwick played an “integral” part in securing over $3 million in sponsorship for the stadium during the period ie Jan 2010 to Dec 2013.
I request:
1.
(a) How much of this $3 million figure has already been paid to DVML?
(b) Does DVML receive the full $3 million or does some other organisation receive some of this $3 million?
(c) How much of this $3 million is earmarked for the ORFU with payments already received or payments yet to be received?
(d) What percentage of the sponsorships secured by Mr Guy Hedderwick and/or other DVML staff does the ORFU receive?
(e) Is the ORFU making any financial contribution to Mr Hedderwick’s salary or expenses? If so, what percentage?
2.
(a) Did Mr Hedderwick’s salary package include commission on any sponsorship agreements he secured in his role as commercial director of DVML?
(b) What percentage commission did Mr Hedderwick receive for the $3 million sponsorship agreements secured as reported in the ODT (22/03/14)?
(c) Did the commission payments received by Mr Hedderwick exceed the salary range as stated in the DVML annual reports? If so, on what date was the DVML board informed of this?
3.
Thank you for your recent email containing the list of Mr Hedderwick’s DVML business trips. In this list the main reason for the majority of these trips was “meet with potential sponsors”. I request the names of the sponsors which Mr Hedderwick was successful at securing coupled with the name of the city where he met these potential sponsors. For your convenience, I have supplied a summary of these cities and the number of times he visited each city. Note I have included only the cities where it is stated the reason for the trip being “meet with potential sponsors”.
City (Number of trips)………Names of Sponsors
Christchurch (11 times)
Singapore (once)
Sydney (once)
Auckland (20 times)
Wellington (4 times)
New Plymouth (once)
Rotorua (once)
Please respond electronically. Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Bev Butler
————————————
From: Bev Butler To: Terry Davies [DVML] Subject: LGOIMA Request: DVML Sponsorships Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:06:59 +1200
Dear Mr Davies
I understand the LGOIMA request I sent below was delayed due to the investigation by Crowe Horwath. Now that the Crowe Horwath report has been released and the report does not answer these questions would you please respond to my LGOIMA request.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Bev Butler
————————————
From: Bev Butler Sent: Monday, 28 July 2014 2:51 p.m. To: Terry Davies Subject: FW: LGOIMA Request: DVML Sponsorships Importance: High
Monday 28th July 2014
Dear Terry
The LGOIMA request below is still outstanding and has now breached the 20 day requirement under the provisions of LGOIMA.
I would appreciate a response to this request.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Bev Butler
————————————
From: Terry Davies [DVML] To: Bev Butler Subject: FW: LGOIMA Request: DVML Sponsorships Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 02:56:12 +0000
Dear Bev
Further to your email dated 28 July and original request of 1 April, please find attached the response. A copy of the letter has been posted to you today.
Synchronised: Highlanders-to-be (sports star training at Mosgiel)
—
Unaccepted for publication at ODT Online today. Aww. Hard to sell at Logan Park
new
Submitted by ej kerr on Wed, 16/07/2014 – 11:49am.
What a fine accommodation for professional rugby this aquatic scheme for the Taieri truly is. Shades of the model so well utilised by the earlier trust named after Carisbrook and headed by Malcolm Farry, still operating as a boon to Dunedin city ratepayers. In the months ahead let’s see how many times the new patron leaves out the word ‘Rugby’ (capital R) or the phrase ‘private property development costs on the City’ in favour of philanthropic zeal expressed for healthy retirement living and enhanced aged care facilities (hydrotherapy for aching rugby shoulders and thighs), sunshine and splash for young families – don’t forget schools! – as the Taieri’s high class soils get carved and private forests near Brighton assist the housing build. Yeah, don’t say there’s merely a saint in goggles amongst us, Lord be praised, it’s the second Dollar coming. An epiphany.
ODT champions the stadium using the local (primary school for socioeconomics and slant misconstrued statistics) A+ student president. Was she invited to write the column or is she a Farry Follower (the next best thing since ‘Our Stadium’, not sliced bread). Aren’t Terry Davies and Nick Smith close in the ‘make it work’ factory. Let’s do some research, aye~!
—
Forsyth Barr stadium is important to and popular with students, writes Otago University Students Association president Ruby Sycamore-Smith.
### ODT Online Wed, 16 Jul 2014
Opinion It’s here now, so make the most of it
by Ruby Sycamore-Smith
The future of Forsyth Barr Stadium is important to students. The OUSA represents just under 20,000 members of the Dunedin population and we are high users of the stadium. We see it as a great benefit to Dunedin people. The 2013 OUSA student survey of Dunedin facilities showed a very high satisfaction with the stadium. […] The financial concerns cannot be ignored. And some of the antagonism caused by the provenance of the stadium remains to be settled. Our experience is that DVML is working to ensure the facility is used. We are working with them as much as possible for our own events but also events the DVML team brings to Dunedin that have student interest. Read more
An obliviously astute and illuminated young woman.
Pride of the South.
“Still the historical home of Auckland rugby and provided we get cost-effective venue hire, we can make it work.” –Andy Dalton, Auckland Rugby
### nzherald.co.nz 5:00 AM Tuesday Jul 15, 2014 Auckland rugby looks at new home
By Campbell Burnes
The Auckland Rugby Union is looking at the possibility of shifting their ITM Cup home games away from Eden Park as paltry crowds hit them financially. Auckland Rugby has been an official tenant of Eden Park since 1925 and historically has always been associated with the ground and sporting success there. While nothing has been formally tabled, and all five home ITM games this year will take place at Eden Park, the Herald understands there is a growing feeling that a venue such as Waitakere’s Trusts Stadium would be more suitable from 2015 or 2016. Read more
****
Stadium/Rugby propped by Dunedin ratepayer subsidy (direct and hidden)
“When you look back at this time last year when we were all crying into our soup…” –Roger Clark, Highlanders
### ODT Online Tue, 15 Jul 2014 Rugby: Real money to be made from hosting games
By Steve Hepburn
The Highlanders were due to arrive in Durban early this morning and begin preparing for their playoff match against the Sharks on Sunday morning. The side ended up sixth in the table after the final round of games in the weekend and will be on the road the entire time it is in the playoffs. Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said the franchise would make a little bit of money out of making the playoffs but the real benefits came to those that hosted the games. He was yet to finalise how much money the team would receive for making the playoffs but it was not significant, he said. Read more
█ See comments to this article at ODT Online by russandbev, QsRC, MikeStk and others.
—
Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
*Images: stuff.co.nz – Eden Park; newstalkzb.co.nz Forsyth Barr Stadium
“Forsyth Barr have had the advantage of over two-and-a-half years of advertising locally, nationally and internationally without digging into their own pockets.” -Bev Butler
### D Scene 9.5.12 Up in lights – you paid (page 5)
By Wilma McCorkindale
Dunedin ratepayers borrowed money to cover naming rights funding while waiting for Forsyth Barr to stump up for Dunedin’s stadium. The revelation comes from stadium critic Bev Butler who said official documented forecasts showed under the original deal with the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, Forsyth Barr’s payments were ‘‘effectively two years overdue’’ by the time of its first single monthly payment towards naming rights in September 1, 2011. Details gleaned under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act showed Forsyth Barr made no payments until September 1, 2011, Butler said. “It is now plain that the much heralded millions of dollars promised upfront in 2009 by Forsyth Barr for the naming rights to the new Dunedin stadium just never happened.”
{continues} #bookmark
****
Losing friends (page 6)
By Mike Houlahan – Editor
As biting the hand that feeds you goes, the lawsuit members of the Otago Rugby Football Union are proposing to take against Mayor Dave Cull takes some beating. The merits of the case are for the court to decide, but there is a different burden of proof in the court of public opinion. With its very existence hanging on the good grace of the Dunedin City Council – which decided, against strong public sentiment, to forgive half a million dollars of ORFU debt ratepayers could ill-afford to write off – the rugby union needed to be apologetic, and forthright in dealing with the circumstances which got it in trouble.
{conmtinues} #bookmark
Moneytalks : Business News Dunedin extends helping hand (page 9)
By Paul Gorman and Mike Houlahan
Dunedin is gearing up to play a major role in the rebuild of Christchurch but is aware of the risks of losing tradespeople and future business further north. The South Island’s second city is positioning itself to supply materials and services to Christchurch while recognising the Canterbury earthquakes have also affected its economy. There is also a proposal to provide special train services to carry workers between the two cities. The Dunedin City Council has calculated that the expected $20 billion to $30b cost of the rebuild is up to 6.6 times Dunedin’s total annual gross domestic product. Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said Dunedin was not eyeing up Christchurch opportunities in any ‘‘predatory manner’’, but having a strong Christchurch was good for the South Island.
{continues} #bookmark
What does CST’s Malcolm Farry say now, you have to ask.
### ODT Online Tue, 28 Feb 2012 Doubts over private sector funding for stadium
By David Loughrey
The future of “private sector funding” for the Forsyth Barr Stadium may be thrown into question by the shock announcement last night the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) could fold by the end of the week. Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML), the Dunedin City Council-owned company running the stadium, has sold season tickets on the expectation an Otago team would play at the stadium in the ITM Cup. Read more
****
### ODT Online Tue, 28 Feb 2012 DCC in queue of creditors
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council seems set to join a queue of worried creditors after confirming it is owed more than $400,000 in unpaid rent by the Otago Rugby Football Union. However, any prospect of a last-minute bail-out by the council appears to have been ruled out, with council chief executive Paul Orders and Mayor Dave Cull last night in unison about there being no city council plans to save the union.
Mr Orders said the Otago union had a “proud history” and liquidation would “clearly” have implications for the Forsyth Barr Stadium, although the extent of these was as yet unclear.
If “the model is broken”, then what is the solution? And what does “cutting our cloth to fit” really mean?
### ODT Online Sat, 11 Feb 2012 Has money ruined sport?
By Hayden Meikle
Professional sport in Otago and New Zealand. Discuss. Is professionalism ruining sport? Or enhancing it? […] we hope to stir up some debate with our series, Survival Game, which will appear in the Otago Daily Times over the next week. Prompted by the severe financial troubles encountered by, principally but not exclusively, the Highlanders, Otago rugby and now the Steel netball franchise, our series will look at some of the issues vexing the professional codes. We start today with some background to the struggles suffered by organisations in the South and in other parts of the country. Read more
****
Have a succession of greedy/arrogant/incompetent administrators and players taken YOUR teams and put them in grave danger of collapsing?
Other sport: Professional sports’ battle all-embracing
Doom and gloom in sport used to refer to Rugby World Cup droughts, or being bowled out for 26. Now it is more likely to refer to balance sheets and bad debts. Beginning our series examining the state of professional sport, sports editor Hayden Meikle gives an overview of the issues to debate.
Paul Orders said he had planned an “overhaul” of rules for gifts and hospitality following his appointment earlier this year.
### ODT Online Sat, 19 Nov 2011 Council tougher on gifts
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council is cracking down on unsolicited gifts to its staff, after being showered with free rugby tickets, dinners and a $1000 donation for a night out in the past year. The move by council chief executive Paul Orders was confirmed this week as he released a copy of the council’s gift register following an Otago Daily Times request. Read more
• Staff would in future be required to register any gift worth more than $50 – lowering the existing threshold from $100 – and had also been issued with a new “standards of integrity and conduct” guideline.
• The way gifts were signed off by managers was also being tightened, and the gift register would be published on the council’s website each month, beginning next year.
Council community life general manager Graeme Hall said Highlanders and Otago rugby players were offered free use of Moana Pool in return for advertising at Carisbrook and free match tickets for council staff. That dated back more than a decade, but would cease now Carisbrook was to be sold, he said.
Worth a read. Remind yourself of the weird and wonderful claims made by the stadium project makers, when they don’t have a PR company to control runaway tongues or egos.
Just watched TV news – would appear Canterbury, despite being successful are also suffering in a similar way to the ORFU – when will people realise that it is about how boring rugby is, not success, not lack of parochial spirit, but that rugby just isn’t our lives anymore if it ever was.
[from aggrievedandbored]
Dear Mr Reid and Mr Palenski, now that ORFU is a ratepayer subsidised professional sport would you please enlighten your compulsory supporters as to why you believe it is the recession and your players that are to blame for the result. I note that in a similar vein your northern neighbours are also in strife – bad season ticket sales, low turnout yet their team has performed admirably. Do we likewise need super hero cartoon characters larger than life too, then please get Tremain on the case. But maybe it is something else. Maybe like gladiatorial sports, rugby has had its day. Or shall we next blame the referees – especially those from England, or waitresses called Suzie…..
[from hardenup]
oh
addendum
Dear Messrs Reid and Palenski, I somehow think Tremain might be a bit too sharp for you guys, but don’t shoot the messenger!…..
[from hardenup]
### ODT Online Wed, 6 Jan 2010 Not just a rugby stadium?
By David Loughrey
The much-vaunted multipurpose nature of the Forsyth Barr Stadium has been both heralded by proponents and mocked by opponents as the building rapidly takes shape on Dunedin’s waterfront.
DVML chief executive David Davies is confident scoring tries would not be the only activity under the ETFE roof, and the right events would attract the crowds.
### ODT Online Wed, 6 Jan 2010 Hard school of experience
By Chris Morris and David Loughrey
Few would argue Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium is one of the city’s most ambitious – and controversial – civic projects. But what about the man at the centre of it all? Reporters Chris Morris and David Loughrey talk to David Davies about his past and his plans to make the stadium work. Read more
****
### ODT Online Wed, 6 Jan 2010 New chief says rugby officials ‘arrogant’
By David Loughrey
The new head of the Forsyth Barr Stadium has taken rugby officials to task for the “arrogance” he says they have shown the sport’s potential supporters.
“Trying to capture some of the spirit of Carisbrook of old is something we want to do.”
In an interview with the Otago Daily Times, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive David Davies said putting up posts and flags and expecting a crowd to come was no longer good enough, and if necessary, he promised to deal with that problem. Read more
### ODT Wed 30 Dec 2009 (page 21) Pivotal year ahead for rugby in the South
By Brent Edwards
So the sporting year is almost done and it’s time to turn attention to what 2010 might bring players and supporters. It’s an especially pivotal year for Otago and Highlanders rugby. Another year of results similar to the past season might have those who made the decision to build the Forsyth Barr Stadium pondering anxiously on the wisdom of their investment.
Here in no particular order, is a wish list for the first year of the new decade:
• Someone, anyone, to sort out the mess that is Otago rugby, to instil some passion, pride (and humour) in a team which we once supported with such fervour.
• Otago rugby to avoid relegation to the championship (the second division) even though the backdrop to the season will be a community divided over the appointment of an Australian coach.
• The Highlanders to win more games. I’m not big on the Super 14, especially in February and March, but they simply have to start winning more matches and attracting bigger crowds. Let’s face it, they can’t do a lot worse on the scoreboard than they have in the past six or seven years.
{continues}
Available in print and digital editions of the Otago Daily Times.
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