Don't forget to vote Dunedin...

My blurb

Vote #1 for Richard Seager I will put 21st Century non-car focused transport systems in place, address the debt issues, attend to equity of all of the citizens of Dunedin especially women whose franchise needs to be extended not denied, work at getting small market gardens, orchards and crops prioritized working with the farming community and others to do so and put the pressure on banks (both local and international) to finance this at very low interest rates. I will look at all housing options and work to move the State Highway and new hospital build to higher ground with the added benefits of better access and less disruption in the city. I will initiate an action plan for South Dunedin making sure that the local residents are informed and involved. I will visit all the sister cities of Dunedin as soon as practicable (and as sustainably as possible) starting with Otaru on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, with the intent of getting support for the above policies and co-operation regarding food production. I will also attempt to build strong relationships with other cities on the Pacific Rim and in the Pacific including those of our neighbours Southland and Canterbury.

I am, as you can see above, also strongly in favour of more independence in local government which has some support in the local government act (2002).

Enrol and Vote You can still enrol to vote. The actual voting stops at noon on Saturday 12th October. Tomorrow, Tuesday 8th October, is the last day to vote by mail (in fact due to various factors in my view it’s too late to vote by mail with 100% security that your vote will count).

Enrolling How to enrol to vote – Friday the 11th November is the last day to enroll to vote for council elections. https://vote.nz/enrol-to-vote/enrol-check-or-update/ Tel. 0800 367656

Or at any Postshop, or at the city council library or the main council office in the Octagon. If you are returning enrollment forms you can also deliver to these places.

If you have printed out your enrolment form and want to send it back, you can actually upload it (probably at this stage the best way of sending it back); https://enrol.vote.nz/app/enrol/enrolme/

Voting You need to be living at new address for 4 weeks to vote there. Otherwise you will to make a special vote. (I am unsure if you are allowed to vote using your previous address if you have only recently left).

Once you have filled out your voting form you will need to mail it by today (8th October) if you feel brave enough to trust it will make it on time or more reliably take it to the Elections office at the Council (off the Octagon) or to one of these;

The Civic Centre, the Octagon | Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm |Sat, 8.30am-12pm

Mosgiel Library | Mon, 11am-4pm, Fri, 1-4pm

University of Otago – the Link | Tues, 10am-4pm, Thurs, 10am-4pm

South Dunedin Library | Weds, 11am-4pm

You can drop papers off at the Book Bus ballot box, but you can’t make a special vote on the bus. Information on what a special vote is HERE

Once again the actual enrollment process (so as you can vote) can be done at any Postshop, or at the city council library or the main council office in the Octagon.

The candidates. https://write.as/rihari/the-council-candidates

#dcc #councilelections #vote #RichardSeager

Tweets by Richard Seager

#twitter #CyclesNotCars

A yacht (would take a while)? An electric ship (would not have the range)?

By air (would take a while as you will need to go via at least two other cities, emits too much CO2).

As you can see there's no flights from Dunedin at New Chitose Airport (in fact they're almost exclusively from Asia).

For the moment the best way seems to be to Tokyo by air (via somewhere else about 15 hours or so) and then a couple of fast trains and one slower one to Otaru on Hokkaido (probably about another 10 hours). Or one train and a ferry (about 20 hours).

That's quite the trip. It looks nice enough once you get there though.

So I suggest we should seriously think of having one airport equidistant between Queenstown, Invercargill & Dunedin. So as we can have better connections. And fewer flights.

Of course you could also fly from Tokyo to Otaru (or at least nearby) but that seems rather vandalistic on environment when there are other options (which you could do overnight).

#sistercities #dcc #dunedin #

A series of slides I did on South Dunedin in 2016. I will probably keep trying to fix this so that it's more responsive.

South Dunedin is very prone to Sea Level Rise, it was built on former marsh and lagoon, a lot of the material used to fill in these geographic features were industrial waste and it's its beaches can be breached in various places. It has been a problem since the 19th Century but with Sea Level Rise now over 3mm a year it is likely that the only long-term (which may in fact be sooner than we'd like) solution is retreat.

Clare Curran will be gone soon, which is good in relation to this issue. South Dunedin needs to have a sea level rise focused M.P. so as the disruption is in as orderly fashion as possible with central government support quite obviously a necessary key component.

It's just a simple slideshow. CSS only, no javascript.

#climatechange #southdunedin #clarecurran #nationalparty

This is a great version of the Brian Jones classic (yes Jones) from the 60s.

Jordan Luck and some Kaipara College students.

#paintitblack #music #brianjones #kaiparacollege #jordanluck

Is a very diverse place. Definitely the most diverse of Dunedin's suburbs and probably (without checking stats.govt.nz) up there with the most diverse suburbs in New Zealand. The following photos indicate that as this is what the retail area of South Dunedin looks like.

Some though still seem to conceive it as a white working class area from the 1970s that it possibly never was anyway. I have some personal experience of this perception so I know that it can be true even here in Dunedin.

A local school (not too far from the above outlets).

So you get the picture, there's a large group of retired people here too. And although the suburb is one of the poorest in New Zealand there is over near the beach a reasonably affluent quarter as well. It's pretty diverse basically.

#politics #southdunedin

Well this needed an update and has now got one (28th September 2019)

We need a council that will act, rather than just speak. Yes there's been some attempts so far but they're small and sometimes self-defeating (cycle paths in the city are badly designed and don't link up, other cycle paths are more tourist than locally oriented, declaring 'Climate Emergencies' is problematic in a democracy, public transport is wanted but then cost is challenged while bigger investments are considered for the foreshore in a world of increasing sea level rise). So yes there's some bluntness. Dunedin has some opportunity here. But no matter who the Mayor and councilors end up being, we need to move forward.

This may be my last update of this particular post, as I'm going to now concentrate on what needs to be done on this blog.

Councilor candidates which are sorted in order of climate change focus allied with keeping some out of being disruptive. There is a group there who have had power for too long. Benson-Pope & Staynes along with Hawkins. Cull and Wilson have left, one to hospital the other to ORC (as candidates). Dunedin could do better with a more diverse and democratic group which I've done my best to layout below.

1. Seager, Richard Public transport, cycling and local focus including food. Pro LGB but gender critical if need be. Probably most importantly very invested in democracy. I know what needs to be done and if I get this role I know that will encourage others (next election) who also know what needs to be done. We need to start now though.
2. O'Malley, Jim, Councilor Undoubtedly a very good councilor. He's keen to address climate change issues too. His strengths, experience on Council mostly. Wants change, but more slowly (than I do).
3. Barlin, Bob Ex-Army, Kosovo, CARE, RSA. Would be very useful on council though due to that overseas experience with logistics.
4. Forsyth, Hugh Landscape architect. Intelligent but somewhat conservative. Some experience with Resource Management Act, which was his appeal to council. Feel free to swap with Christine Garey as long as you put Hawkins and Benson-Pope at the bottom of your preferences.
   
5. Morris, George Anti cycle to some degree, anti George Street development. But aware of climate change and wants Trams back in. Also Labour man from Caversham.
6. James, Muthiah Works with some community groups. Reasonable on climate change. I didn't pick up everything that he said at Opoho but it sounded fine. Would be good to have on Council.
   
7. Elder, Rachel, Councilor Not enough climate focus but giving Pine Hill and South Dunedin (both working class more than not) a workout in your campaign is unique amongst candidates here (so far) though.
8. MacKenzie, Peter Glass guy, motorcylist, scifi fan. Some climate focus and a really strong social justice focus.
9. Laufiso, Marie, Councilor (Green) Impressed at Opoho, only fluffed when it seemed that she was in opposition to her own vote on council. Green party affiliation is problematic. Told Mosgiel she was happy to pay 3 x her current rate bill. That's pretty hard on the poor.
10. Davie-Nitis, Sarah Mosgiel based, conservative, a little anti-cycle as well. Here for democratic reasons, represents Mosgiel (or at least some of it).
    
11. Newell, Damian, Councilor Current councillor. Some climate change focus but a little problematic in style, content.
12. Walker, Steve Labour Party rep. Good focus mostly but not interested in discussing air emissions. Labour is not in the same state as Greens though, so here unless something changes.
13. Vandervis, Lee, Councilor Looking for Netherlands style solutions which are costly and will be outrun by sea level rise (update: not sure if he was trying to play me there). Here because as councilor with most votes last time, he won't not be here.
    
14. Free choice.

Yeah, nah, but you have to choose one, maybe two. Ordered by my preference. Radich, Jules Advocates for groynes at St Clair. Business focused. But either is picking up on it quickly or has had a bit of a focus all the way along. Better option than Lee if you're going to vote Conservative. Hanan, Dave Does not seem to have a climate change focus away from waste, his business. Mayhem-Bullock, Mandy Kettle Park Lake advocate. Very pro car at Opoho. Some good things said at Waitati (her home) Jemmett, Neville K Light rail Mornington, but conservative. Climate change focus is not there it seems. Marrable, John Disabled advocate, not much climate focus there though. Barker, Sophie Partner of Jim O'Malley but maybe a little more conservative. Has somewhat of a climate focus but more business oriented. Garey, Christine, Councilor Some climate change in council but it's a little light. She is a big believer in the bridge and harbourside development. And her anti-Vandervis focus puts her in Hawkins' corner as well. Will likely make it on to Council but I'd prefer that the trio of her, Hawkins & Benson-Pope was broken up if you do vote for Christine. Hawkins, Aaron, Councilor (Green) Still fond of playing the man rather than the ball, especially Vandervis. He's not actually a team player, unless that team is with Benson-Pope, a rather small version of the (2016 elected) Council. Please don't vote for Aaron, he'll be on Green list for Wellington anyway if you don't. Houlahan, Carmen Quite good speaker especially when knows topic but very little climate change focus. Has some strange stories of when she was in a warzone. Lund, Russell Local developer. Could be handy with help working new projects. Vandervis ally. Miller, Brian Need to check notes to see if he's been to meetings. Staynes, Chris, Councilor Believes in climate change but not necessarily in 14 Councilors. Ally of Cull, so probably allied to Hawkins & Benson-Pope too. Lazy at meetings, expects to get elected. Campbell, Finn Good but pretty light focus on alternatives to cars. Didn't turn up at several meetings. Light on content, lazy, expecting to get elected on age (he's 27). Later meetings was sledging on Hawkins' behalf. So just don't even bother.

Mayoral Candidates (sorted in order of climate change focus)

1. Seager, Richard Public transport, cycling and local focus including food. Pro LGB but gender critical if need be. Probably most importantly very invested in democracy. I know what needs to be done and if I get this role I know that will encourage others (next election) who also know what needs to be done. We need to start now though.
2. O'Malley, Jim Undoubtedly a very good councilor. Moves to number 2 after discussion at Museum. He's keen to address climate change issues. His strengths, experience on Council mostly. Wants change, but more slowly (than I do).

3. Barlin, Bob Ex-Army, Kosovo, CARE, RSA. Seems to have more of a handle on this than I gave him credit for, but still not sure about an ex Major as mayor. Sorry Bob, but no. Would be very useful on council though due to that overseas experience with logistics.

   ---

   Next group does not have enough climate focus, but not devoid of it either.

4. Elder, Rachel, Councilor Not enough climate focus but giving Pine Hill and South Dunedin (both working class more than not) a workout in your campaign is unique amongst candidates here (so far) though.

5. Radich, Jules Thinks groynes will save St Clair. But recently spoke of Baring Head & Mauna Loa without any prompting.

6. Vandervis, Lee Looking for Netherlands style solutions which are costly and will be outrun by sea level rise. Some definite denial but he's into batteries and solar power as well.

7. Campbell, Finn Good but pretty light focus on alternatives to cars. Didn't turn up at several meetings. Light on content, lazy, expecting to get elected on age (he's 27). Later meetings was sledging on Hawkins' behalf. So just don't even bother.

   ---

   This group just does not have enough climate focus.

8. Garey, Christine More business focus than climate change focus.

9. Houlahan, Carmen In South Dunedin she dropped the develop spiel. But not much climate focus.

10. Mayhem-Bullock, Mandy Kettle Park Lake advocate. Very pro car at Opoho. Some good things said at Waitati (her home).

11. Hawkins, Aaron (Green) Still fond of playing the man rather than the ball, especially Vandervis. He's not actually a team player, unless that team is with Benson-Pope, a rather small version of the (2016 elected) Council. Am I being unfair you ask? No on the basis of climate change policy (does he have any?) he may deserve to drop another peg or two.

12. Barbour-Evans, Scout Thinks climate change is an issue for her when she gets to her 90s. Recently started paying some attention to it.

13. Whiley, Andrew Oil/gas guy.

14. Moncrief-Spittle, Malcolm Climate denial at every meeting.

Previous Sinbin: Scout Barbour-Evans, for telling meetings that it was a disgrace for not electing youth last time around (she's still doing it). Previous Sinbin: Aaron Hawkins, for smartarse'ism in Tweet on 'rabbits' Previous Sinbin: Lee Vandervis, lost his temper with audience member at Middlemarch.

#dcc #climatechange #localelections #politics

Richard Seager for Mayor and Council of the Dunedin City Council (DCC)

Some issues with the software here at the moment. I don't want to have to redo everything so first new update will probably be tomorrow, Saturday 21st September.

My focus is climate change adaption & resilience with a focus on small business, local farming and the finances of the DCC which look to me to be in a pretty unhealthy state;

• for a more independent Local Government
• Refinance the DCC Group debt down to 0% or better interest rates (currently available on market).
• Mothball any underperforming assets until such time as the population base supports them.
• No to the council financed bridge to the harbourside. Yes to support for private operators in this location who can decide whether to take the risks involved.
• Negotiation with central government on such items as roads, rail and other local assets not necessarily owned by local government.
• Move the hospital build to a more accessible and secure (against sea level rise risk) location.
• Increase Public Transport and take back ownership from private operators.
• Increase the cycling infrastructure to the standard seen in the Netherlands or Copenhagen.
• Reduce the use of cars, currently the highest in the world.
• Coastal resilience, pull back where needed, build where needed but don't overspend on a coast where the sea level will be rising for centuries to come.
• Community resilience, housing, living wage (which is nevertheless somewhat low) and encourage democratic involvement.

I suggest that even if you don't support me that you should not vote David Benson-Pope, Chris Staynes and Aaron Hawkins back to council. The city needs a vibrant democracy as we move forward towards a future that has many risks and in my view these three have clearly shown an inability to operate in such a democratic environment. They've also been there too long (Benson-Pope and Staynes) or are inexperienced (Hawkins who went straight from University to Council). They're also a 'team' and are making poor decisions (i.e. Harbourside, five star hotels).

A council led by me will also focus on other cities in the Pacific Rim rather than just Shanghai, and building relationships with these places. I have strong connections to Australia and elsewhere so this will definitely be part of my agenda. I will also focus on building better relationships with our immediate neighbours, Southland (the most underrated province in New Zealand) and Canterbury.

#DCCelections #DCC #richardoseager #richard #seager

A song for Jules Radich, who referenced Nelson Mandela on his OAR interview.

The South African Embassy in Trafalgar square always used to have people protesting outside it back in the 80s due mostly to Mandela's popularity in left wing circles and the South Africa apartheid governments intransigence on his release. It was far more political in Europe back in the 80s, feminism, workers rights and racism were the main issues that I remember. As well as the poll tax riots and CND protests outside the American military bases. Thatcher, and much of the right of course didn't take too much to Mandela until after apartheid collapsed. If they had of, such songs as this one would never have needed to have been.

I wasn't asked who my real life hero was at Opoho (Phillip tended to miss some questions of all of us on occasion). I wasn't even sure who I was going to say at the time as I don't really believe in 'heros' as such but it probably would have been Chomsky for being so on song for so long despite the flak that he's had to put up with over the years. My wife certainly expected that was who I was going to mention and he was first to mind. Others might have been Magdalen Berns who died only a few days ago or the Suffragettes who were sometimes rather novel in their protest methods. But my focus changes often and I think 'respect' might have been a better question rather than 'hero'. Michael Joseph Savage and John A. Lee would be two from New Zealand a social reformer from Melbourne and a radical firebrand from Otago.... One remembered with fondness and the other somewhat forgotten despite the fact that the policies of Savage were often actually Lee's. But left wing politics these days is very much an identity parade. I can't even.

The fire today on Signal hill was arson by most accounts. There was much wind and sun today, so it did take off. Later tonight at Waitati there seemed much support for harnessing these two forces of nature, rather than just releasing them.

And as Peter from Waitati said tonight, we're one people now, no matter where we originally came or come from. Climate change is something that we can only do together in as he said 'the same waka'. After 180 or more years together it would be hard to separate us anyway. And we should not try to. I can remember being quite upset when Eva Rickard died, and I never went on a march with her. But I certainly grew up with her, and both of us were/are from the Waikato. Plus who is we exactly? We have mosques and temples as well as churches and maraes these days.

#music #politics #SpecialAKA #julesradich