DELIVERED FORTNIGHTLY
Issue 19 –1November 2019 Issue – 15 March 22 2019
Fire a setback for Kennedy Park stairs... p3
Super City protestor heartened... p5
AN INDEPENDENT VOICE
Catching up with Tabitha Becroft... p21
Open democracy takes hit at first local-board meeting
A motion to ban the media and residents from Devonport-Takapuna Local Board workshops was on the agenda for the new board’s first meeting, held as the Rangitoto Observer went to press. Board chair Aidan Bennett was to put the motion, seconded by George Wood, a former
board chair who has always been uncomfortable with holding open workshops. On the surface, it appeared Bennett and Wood had the numbers. Another member, Toni van Tonder, from Bennett’s Fresh Approach ticket, has said she will vote for closed workshops. On the six-member board, Bennett
could use his casting vote to get the motion through. In February 2017, the Devonport-Takapuna board broke fresh democratic ground, with support from our sister publication, the Devonport Flagstaff, to hold open workshops. To page 2
Porthole peeker joins pirate party XXX
Ahoy... Emma Meikle (2) enjoys Milford shopping centre’s Pirate Day, celebrating the area’s history, on 9 November. Photo: Keeley Watson. More on pages 16 and 17
Dedicated to exceptional service.
“..
“
…consistently professional, attentive, trustworthy and friendly…
Grant Haworth
021 194 4095 g.haworth@barfoot.co.nz