It’s been an interesting month, local body elections resulting in many fresh faces at councils across the country and a new Auckland Mayor starting to make some noise (writing to Watercare and council chief executive Jim Stabback telling them to stop all work on the Government's Three Water reforms and asking for entire CCO boards to step down.) Renegade Labour MP Gaurav Sharma resigned prompting a referendum (byelection) that Labour probably don’t need. And it culminated in a lot of angry members of the rural community (and those who support them) blocking the towns and city centres in protest against the Government’s announcement that farmers from 2025 will pay for farm emissions, both methane - that's cow burps - and nitrous oxide, from fertilisers. It’s a proposal that has been called ‘economically reckless’, labelled a ‘fart tax’ by many overseas media and even "It's really disappointing," by Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard. Whilst is isn’t a new thing, countries the world over are looking at cutting emissions from Agriculture, with extreme measures like farm buy outs proposed in the Netherlands resulting in ongoing protests.
That’s not to mention the record inflation rate, state of our roads, endless ram raids and the healthcare system in crisis. Its hard to see how this coming year can be anything but ‘glum’ for many. But there is always a bright side. Its moving into an election year! That means all the stops will be out to make sure voters are cajoled, enticed and compelled into believing that they are the best people with the best ideas who will make New Zealand the best place it is to live. This election perhaps more than any other will be a chance for the voter to call out the politicians and make them accountable for their promises and to ensure they act on their delivery.
Whilst all that plays out, we will still be giving you elocal every month, showcasing local businesses and community groups and providing articles that stimulate, provoke and educate on a wide range of issues. All produced independently and locally. If you are reading this because you picked up a copy from one of our drop off boxes, you can make sure you get a copy delivered every month by subscribing.
Check out all the info here
www.elocal.co.nz/subscribe or if
you would prefer to read the
magazine digitally simply email us
at office@elocal.co.nz with subscribe in the title and we will add you to the notification email list.
Happy Reading Everyone!