News www.guardianonline.co.nz
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
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Ashburton Guardian
Politicians divided on Trump decal By Susan Sandys
susan.s@theguardian.co.nz
Mid Canterbury’s political figures are divided on the return of a Donald Trump decal to the men’s urinal at a Methven licensed premises. The President of the United States was recently reinstated in the restroom facilities at The Dubliner Irish Bar and Restaurant, following a similar decal being secretly and illegally removed in February last year. While Mid Canterbury’s political figures can see the fun side of having the decal in the urinal, some question its appropriateness. Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon and former ACT candidate Tom Corbett do not see anything wrong with it, while New Conservative candidate Lachie Ashton and Labour List MP Jo Luxton are not so supportive. And Greens potential Rangitata candidate Gerrie Ligtenberg would not even comment on the issue. Ashton said he had never been to the Dubliner, but could see the humour in the decal. However, being disrespectful to people could be damaging. “One of the many reasons why thousands of people dislike Donald Trump is that he is often very disrespectful of others. We should remember that we must be respectful to all people whether we like them or not,” Ashton said. “There is no victim here, but we need to be mindful that in everyday life people do this sort of thing to others and the impact can be quite damaging to the victim, especially among our youth,” Ashton added. Luxton said she had also not been to the Dubliner recently. She could see the humour in the decal, but the “prudish side” of her questioned whether it was appropriate to have the politician’s face on the urinal. People often defaced political or public figures. For example, it was a common problem for her and many other politicians around the country with people drawing on political hoardings at election time. “At the end of the day, despite what we might think of Trump or any other political figure, they are just human after all,” Luxton said. Falloon said he had enjoyed “a drink or three” at the Dubliner, and it was a great pub. “Politicians shouldn’t take themselves too seriously, nobody else does,” Falloon said. “Being an MP or even president means opening yourself up to scrutiny and criticism. If Mr Trump or any politician can’t handle that there’s plenty of other things they could be doing.” Former ACT candidate for Rangitata Tom Corbett said he saw it as a fun thing, and not at all offensive. “I might see Trump as being a bit offen-
The Dubliner owner/operator Gary Manning with his latest toilet redesign. sive,” Corbett added. “I can’t understand why the Americans chose him over Hilary, it’s beyond me.” Green Party potential Rangitata candidate Gerrie Ligtenberg said she would refrain from commenting. The Dubliner owner Gary Manning said he could understand where politicians opposing the decal were coming from, as they had to be careful. “These guys have to tow the line in a certain respect, we at the Dubliner don’t, free speech and that kind of thing,” Manning said. He said The Dubliner had conducted a Facebook poll prior to reinstating the decal, asking patrons whether they wanted it back. About 98 per cent of the approximate 700 who responded from around the world called for its return. And Manning added there was no love lost between him and Trump. Manning said he was surrounded by four strong women in his immediate family, his wife and three daughters, and had no time for misogyny. “That guy is a proven misogynist,” he said of Trump.
Water-bottling decision near From P1 The site is close to State Highway One and is within an area of mixed use – farming and the now-closed Silver Fern Farms. It runs alongside the railway line, bounded by Works Road to the north, the Ashburton Business Estate to the east and the Rural Transport Limited yard to the south. Meanwhile, the company behind The Fairton LP has a family association with an expatriate New Zealander allegedly at the heart of a multi-million-dollar tax theft in Europe. Paul Mora of Christchurch has been accused by German authorities of tax theft and is due to stand trial in coming
months, the New York Times reports. Along with his partner Martin Shields, he has been blamed for fleecing the German treasury of $US500 million through a scheme known as cum-ex trading. Mora denies any wrongdoing. The Fairton LP is a vehicle for M Family Holdings Limited, directors of which are Alina Mora and Christopher Goldsbrough. Mora was a director and shareholder of M Family Holdings Limited until 2018, and he is Alina’s brother. Alina has previously told media her brother is not a director of or either of the partners that make up The Fairton LP, and he is not involved in the management of any of the affairs of the partnership.
PHOTO BILL IRWIN
NOTICE OF HELICOPTER USE FOR INSPECTION OF TRANSMISSION LINES IN YOUR AREA.
Kikiwa
St Arnard
Hanmer Spring
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Transpower, the owner and operator of the National Grid is carrying out a visible inspection of the conductor (wire) on sections of its 220 Kv transmission lines between Roxburgh-Islington, Benmore-Islington and Islington-Kikiwa. This work will involve a low-flying helicopter flying above the line slowly (with brief pauses as required), as highlighted on the accompanying map.
The work is planned to occur between Wednesday 26 February and Monday 2 March 2020.
Culverden
Helicopter will be operating at low levels in around the transmission line in highlighted zone.
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Waipara 1
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Islington
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Ashburton Tekapo
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Geraldine 8
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Fairlie
Helicopter operating zone
Timaru
In the event of bad weather the work will take place in the following week. 82
It’s important to us that you are kept informed and updated on our activities. If you require further information, please call Ron MacKenzie on 0274 356 340. 83
Alexandra
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Mount Somers
Benmore
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Christchurch
Hororata Methven
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Highways
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