Latest news with #GreenParty
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Stratford councillors vote for two-authority plan for county
Warwickshire should be run by two councils rather than one in the future, one of its district authorities has county is currently covered by one county council and five smaller district and borough councils, with services split over these two the government announced proposals last year for a major redesign of local authorities to streamline services and save county council has already set out a case for a single unitary authority, but Stratford-on-Avon District Council voted on Monday to progress plans for split north Warwickshire and south Warwickshire councils. The controlling Liberal Democrat group was joined by Green Party members in supporting plans for two unitary bar one Conservative and both independent members chose to not to vote either way, saying this was mainly on the basis arguments were not fully one Conservative councillor voted against the two-council will now be asked for their views before the authority sends its final submission to the government in November. 'Issues with both choices' Council leader councillor Susan Juned has previously said Warwickshire's authorities had a "clear preference" for two new unitary councils, rather than one.A Deloitte report commissioned by all five district and borough councils suggested a county-wide unitary would achieve greater financial it added two councils would be the best option against all other criteria, including governance, public service delivery, local identity, and stronger community the meeting on Monday, Lib Dem councillor Victoria Alcock spoke against the idea of one large authority and said: "Having somebody faceless coming into a large area, residents will suffer and in quite a big way."Conservative councillor Ian Shenton expressed concerns about both said: "This will be an issue whatever route is taken. Even with two unitaries, there is no guarantee, for instance, that the council will be based here in Stratford-upon-Avon." This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Guardian
11 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Dismay after Southampton airport gets permission to cut down cemetery trees
A Labour-led city council has been criticised for backing an airport's scheme to cut down 'majestic' trees in a historic, wildlife-rich cemetery close to a runway. Environmental campaigners, people whose loved ones were laid to rest in the cemetery and opposition politicians have expressed dismay that the trees in South Stoneham Cemetery in Southampton are to be lost. Southampton airport argues that 29 trees including oak, cherry, cedar and cypress, in the council-owned cemetery should be felled or reduced in size so that the number of passengers can be increased. Southampton city council's cabinet gave its approval for a plan to be prepared to fell 19 trees, five of which are classed as 'category A – highest value', and carry out work on a further 10. Katherine Barbour, the leader of the Green party group on the council, said it was deeply concerned by the move. She said: 'It threatens our heritage and local biodiversity. These trees provide invaluable habitat, help combat air pollution, contribute to urban cooling and are a vital part of our community's character. 'We urge the council and airport authorities to rethink and explore alternative solutions. Once lost, our mature trees cannot be replaced overnight.' More than 800 people have signed a petition opposing the removal of the trees. The petition says: 'For countless individuals, the cemetery is a sacred space for reflection and solace, with its majestic trees playing a vital role in shaping this tranquil environment. 'The cemetery is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kestrels, swifts, swallows, owls, and both green and great spotted woodpeckers. It also shelters bats. Deer, foxes, and rabbits also call this area home.' Liz Batten, a member of Transition Southampton and Southampton Climate Action Network, said: 'Now that we're so much more aware of the importance of trees to our survival and the outrage and heartache that comes from seeing mature trees being cut down, you'd think a city council like Southampton's would have taken things gently.' Rosemary Milne, who runs a local animal rescue centre, said: 'It is all about big business.' The airport says the trees presents an obstacle to planes departing and arriving. Aircraft are forced to fly with a reduced number of passengers and payload (fuel or luggage) so they can maintain safe clearance to the trees in the event of an engine failure. It said: 'The presence of the obstacles reduces the viability of this asset of regional importance, which damages the economic vitality and efficiency of the airport's operations, to the detriment of the city of Southampton and wider central south region. Southampton International Airport Ltd has been loss-making since 2019 and the successful resolution of all obstacles will assist in securing its long-term future.' The cemetery includes the graves of 66 military personnel and RJ Mitchell, who led the team that designed the Supermarine Spitfire.
Scoop
12 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cook Islands' 60th Anniversary: ‘Who New Zealand Sends, Sends A Message'
Article – RNZ Aotearoa has an opportunity to 'show maturity' as Cook Islands celebrates six decades of self-governance, a Cook Islands political analyst says. Caleb Fotheringham New Zealand has an opportunity to 'show maturity' as Cook Islands celebrates six decades of self-governance, a Cook Islands political analyst says. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are not going to attend the 60th Constitution Day celebrations in Rarotonga. New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will attend the celebrations instead. The Cook Islands will mark 60 years of being in free association with New Zealand on 4 August. 'Who [New Zealand sends], sends a clear message,' William Numanga, who worked for former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna as a policy analyst, said. 'I think if New Zealand wants to move forward on a lot of things, of course, it should send the Prime Minister.' Last month, New Zealand paused nearly $18.2m in development assistance funding to the Cook Islands, after its government signed several controversial deals with China. Wellington cited a lack of consultation with the Cook Islands as the reason for the pause. Numanga said the two nations relationship troubles had played out publicly, so it is not a shock Luxon is not attending the celebrations. 'I think a lot of people will not be surprised, but a lot of people would want to be able to move forward from where things are at, and hopefully, we can resolve things at the diplomatic level.' In 2015, former Prime Minister Sir John Key attended celebrations marking Cook Islands 50 years anniversary. New Zealand Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono, who is one of two Cook Islands MPs in Parliament, said the coalition government should have representatives at the event. 'It is an important milestone in the relationship with the Cook Islands,' he said. 'John Key went 10 years ago, so it is a bit petty, and it is a missed opportunity for dialogue to sort out the differences between the two governments,' he said. Officials from the Cook Islands and New Zealand have been meeting to try and restore the relationship. 'This comes on the back of the unilateral freeze on funding to the Cook Islands and my concern there is, and like a lot of Cook Islanders, is that the Cook Islands won't be able to fund schools, health care and social services,' Tuiono said. 'We have got New Zealand passports, I think the emphasis here actually should be that government should be focusing on patching things up.' Prime Minister Mark Brown said that his government is honoured to have New Zealand Governor-General representing New Zealand at the event. 'We are excited to welcome Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Davies as they lead the New Zealand delegation for this significant national occasion,' Brown said. 'I look forward to reconnecting with them, following our last meeting in October at Niue's 50th anniversary of self-governance.' Meanwhile, more than 900 Cook Islanders will head to Rarotonga from the outer islands for the 60 years celebrations. Cook Islands News reports that the government has allocated over NZ$4 million to help transport people across the country so they can join in the celebrations next month. For the Southern Group islands, it will be a mix of air and sea travel. For the Northern Group, ships from Tonga and Tuvalu will take people to Rarotonga.
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cook Islands' 60th Anniversary: 'Who New Zealand Sends, Sends A Message'
New Zealand has an opportunity to "show maturity" as Cook Islands celebrates six decades of self-governance, a Cook Islands political analyst says. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are not going to attend the 60th Constitution Day celebrations in Rarotonga. New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will attend the celebrations instead. The Cook Islands will mark 60 years of being in free association with New Zealand on 4 August. "Who [New Zealand sends], sends a clear message," William Numanga, who worked for former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna as a policy analyst, said. "I think if New Zealand wants to move forward on a lot of things, of course, it should send the Prime Minister." Last month, New Zealand paused nearly $18.2m in development assistance funding to the Cook Islands, after its government signed several controversial deals with China. Wellington cited a lack of consultation with the Cook Islands as the reason for the pause. Numanga said the two nations relationship troubles had played out publicly, so it is not a shock Luxon is not attending the celebrations. "I think a lot of people will not be surprised, but a lot of people would want to be able to move forward from where things are at, and hopefully, we can resolve things at the diplomatic level." In 2015, former Prime Minister Sir John Key attended celebrations marking Cook Islands 50 years anniversary. New Zealand Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono, who is one of two Cook Islands MPs in Parliament, said the coalition government should have representatives at the event. "It is an important milestone in the relationship with the Cook Islands," he said. "John Key went 10 years ago, so it is a bit petty, and it is a missed opportunity for dialogue to sort out the differences between the two governments," he said. Officials from the Cook Islands and New Zealand have been meeting to try and restore the relationship. "This comes on the back of the unilateral freeze on funding to the Cook Islands and my concern there is, and like a lot of Cook Islanders, is that the Cook Islands won't be able to fund schools, health care and social services," Tuiono said. "We have got New Zealand passports, I think the emphasis here actually should be that government should be focusing on patching things up." Prime Minister Mark Brown said that his government is honoured to have New Zealand Governor-General representing New Zealand at the event. "We are excited to welcome Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Davies as they lead the New Zealand delegation for this significant national occasion," Brown said. "I look forward to reconnecting with them, following our last meeting in October at Niue's 50th anniversary of self-governance." Meanwhile, more than 900 Cook Islanders will head to Rarotonga from the outer islands for the 60 years celebrations. Cook Islands News reports that the government has allocated over NZ$4 million to help transport people across the country so they can join in the celebrations next month. For the Southern Group islands, it will be a mix of air and sea travel. For the Northern Group, ships from Tonga and Tuvalu will take people to Rarotonga.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: voting, pubs and mining
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including non-resident ratepayer voting, backing the local pub, and trashing our heritage for overseas mining interests. Candidate claim runs counter to principle Green Party mayoral candidate Mickey Treadwell is mistaken in his opinion that non-resident ratepayer voting violates New Zealand's democratic principles ( ODT 11.7.25). "No taxation without representation" is a fundamental principle of democracy. This principle has been established as far back as the Boston Tea Party of 1773, which triggered the American Revolution and the establishment of the first truly democratic modern state. For Mr Treadwell to claim that long-term holiday home owners and non-resident owners of say, commercial property in Dunedin city, have less of an interest in the future of the city and "less investment in public good" is just plainly untrue. Compared to a bunch of students living in a rented flat for a couple of years, each of whom has a residential vote and who will all likely depart the city forever on graduation, who does Mr Treadwell think has a greater stake in the city? I suspect the real reason for Mr Treadwell's concern is that he (rightly) believes that non-resident ratepayer electors are less likely to vote for a Green Party candidate. And just for the record, it doesn't matter how many properties a non-resident ratepayer elector owns within a local body territory: they only get one vote in that territory, even if the property or properties within that territory are jointly owned. Power and votes Green Party mayoral candidate Mickey Treadwell complained that non-resident ratepayers had disproportionate power because they can vote in the council elections. He is quoted as saying: "it's a pretty direct violation of our one-person, one vote democratic principle". I am sure that Mr Treadwell, as a Green Party member, is a supporter of unelected Māori having voting rights on council committees. How he and many liberal lefties reconcile this with his above quote I don't know. I am afraid that we have far too many ideologues as councillors and would-be councillors, who as the above quote reveals are quite happy to foster democracy, but are quite prepared to ignore their principles, when their ideology demands it. We did great There has been a surfeit of grizzling and faux outrage from the right wing and the ignorant regarding Jacinda Ardern, Ashley Bloomfield, and the excellent public health team who led our Covid response. Aotearoa saved 20,000 lives due to the border closure, mask mandates and our vaccination programme, according to statistician Michael Planck and epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker. Official statistical sites reveal that the US suffered 3493 deaths per million people (as at July 2025), the UK 3404, France 2613, Canada 1424 and New Zealand 834. Our economy came out of Covid strongly with low unemployment and with Triple A or Double A plus ratings from Moody's and Standard and Poor's. Yet there is a barrage of often hysterical criticism of the Ardern government's brilliant response to a major pandemic. Perhaps next time a pandemic arrives, the coalition apologists and the egotistical show ponies should go and live in the US and watch as hospitals split at the seams and morgues overflow into the streets while mass graves are dug, as in 2020. Local customer backs his local establishment In the ODT (8.7.25) article regarding the on-licence and off-licence renewal application for Mackies Hotel, Port Chalmers, the Dunedin City Council licensing staff were insinuating Mackies was poorly run and opposed the renewal of the liquor licence. On the contrary, this hotel is a well-run and well-maintained spotless pub. I question the decision made by DCC licensing inspector Tanya Morrison and medical officer Aaron Whipp suggesting Mr Sefton was not a suitable applicant to hold a licence. He admits he got slack with ever-changing compliance, but no need to make a mountain out of mole hill. A word in his ear would have sufficed. Publican Wayne Sefton and his family have been a big support to the Port Chalmers community and sports clubs over the last 40 years. Mr Sefton, like most community publicans, also takes an interest in the wellbeing of his patrons. DCC licensing staff should be supporting and help promote our community pubs: most of them are managed well with no trouble. I would love to see more young people use these establishments. Whilst having a beer or two they would meet a lot of interesting people of all ages and demographics and walks of life. Mining and its legacy I was shocked to hear about the proposed Santana mine at Tarras. Do we really want a Central Otago where the noise of explosions, trucks and stamping machines echoes across the quiet Lake Dunstan, where 24/7 flood-lighting blots out the stars, where carcinogenic arsenic is released from the smashed schist and hangs around in the air and coats the soil, where toxins from a massive tailings dam leaches into the Clutha, where three huge open-cast mines are highly visible? Eventually the Santana mine will expand through the Dunstan mountains and the Maniototo. Everyone who lives, works and plays in Otago and will feel the irreversible effects of the Santana mine. The proposal is being fast-tracked, with diminished local or environmental input. We don't have much time. Parliamentarian Shane Jones has ranted in respect of digging up our landscape and trashing our cultural heritage in favour of carte blanche access for Australian mining interests. In Chillagoe, a one-time mining centre in far north Queensland, there is an abandoned smelter. This small centre is the acknowledged "start-of-the-outback", with something of a character of its own. The place has been suspended in time, in the condition which probably existed on the day the last worker quit the site, no doubt to seek alternative employment at another mine. My argument is: if that is the condition in which Australian mining conglomerates leave their own landscape, what assurances of remediation of our own landscape in the wake of gold, or whatever, finally giving out in New Zealand may be relied upon? We as a country with much less territorial area able to be trashed than Australia, exist in their eyes with only one justification for our existence: our potential to be exploited, for their rapacious gain. [Abridged — length. Editor.] Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
