With one exception only optimists and those with wet weather gear fronted up for Neville's ride today - rain pounding the roof during the ride briefing a last opportunity for the weak of spirit to withdraw.
New Harley owner Lenny just happened to be about, and made the bold decision to join the ride - more on Lenny later. Nev outlined the plan and off we went, enjoying a lull between showers that lasted an hour or so. Off the motorway at Karaka, skirting Pukekohe and Tuakau, heading deeper into the countryside, cautious of wet and greasy roads, made worse by muddy clumps left by tractors moving between market gardens, not too good for fast moving Harley's . I was mindful of the humble and ramshackle homes on the border of Counties and the Waikato, seemingly unwanted by either, but homes none the less. Onto highway 22, windy and greasy, blasted by freezing winds straight off the Wild West coast, with a little bit of everything. After a few kilometres of nice undulating travel, the road reached the ridge line, flouro cones marking where slips had carried away one side or the other, the tight wet corners demanding real respect, and in my case, a couple of rear wheel slides to increase the heart rate. It has obviously been a wet winter, the hillsides scared by every bovine foot print, the lowlands sodden and in places the tops of fences disappearing under water, large lakes providing a haven for ducks, the cattle up to their hocks looking miserable. The few farms with pigs stood out especially- pigs make a real mess of pasture, usually small paddocks that have been thoroughly rooted through as the inhabitants drag themselves belly deep from place to place. A family of geese feeding on a tight bend caused a moment, each of us aware that hitting a good sized goose would be memorable, but an angry cock pheasant heading away from us was more interesting than eventful. When the rain found us, as we knew it must, it arrived quickly and in buckets, big heavy drops testing both wet weather gear and riding skills. In very short order, each of us pondering if the 140km route Neville had put before us really was a good idea, but knowing that our destination for the day was only 20-30km hence knuckled down to complete the task. Back to Lenny, he of the new Harley- Lenny hadn't intended coming and was unprepared, but, encouraged by the ever optimistic Wendy, decided to chance his arm. When we arrived at the Rangiriri Pub, Lenny (who is an Indian) was blue, soaking wet and freezing cold, and although nearly a cot case, still remarkably very chipper. With the very best of intentions I loaned Lenny a jacket, my XXL enveloping his slender frame (M at best) and he quickly found the fireplace inside the historic old hotel. Guinness was the order of the day, a meal in a glass some consolation for a lunch missed, pleasantly accompanied by bowls of chips provided by Joe and Bugsy, and we're talking "country pub" sized bowls, not for the feint of heart or anyone on a diet (me)! We enjoyed the time together and conversation the end of a ride (and a beer or two) brings, with Lenny slowly thawing out before heading home, Nev out in front at a very brisk pace, quickly devouring the km's, determined to take advantage of the gaps between showers. Every three years the voters of New Zealand get the opportunity to have their say, whether they deserve it or not. As a long haired secondary school student many years ago I recall one of the cynical but determined and dedicated teachers drumming into us that in regards politics, the people got what the people deserved, and in his opinion, that obviously was not very much. As someone who has a passing interest in both international and domestic affairs, I am continually surprised at the depths of ineptitude and self-serving policies and promises put forward by politicians across the spectrum, and the greed and willingness of voters to elect them on this basis. Greece is a case in point where voters of the present generation (and perhaps the previous generation too), were only too prepared to mortgage the futures of their children and grandchildren in their rush to accept promises made by immoral politicians. They now languish ignominiously as the bankrupts of the EU, scolded and humiliated, still failing to accept responsibility, instead blaming those nasty German bankers who loaned them the money. Looking at the “Bribe o meter” put together by the New Zealand Taxpayers Union http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/bribe_o_meter it is easy to see those parties most likely to lead us down a similar path PartyTotal cost of announced spending promises per New Zealand household National Party $4,422.05 Labour Party $13,237.23 Green Party $5,764.75 NZ First $15,061.77 Like capturing the tears of a unicorn, the ability to generate additional revenue and the willingness of taxpayers to contribute more is something that is a rare thing indeed –unfortunately, as any homeowner on a budget knows to contribute more in one area is to take from another. That holiday to Fiji taken on a whim has to be paid for, and it’s cost maybe to defer the new bathroom for a year or two, or the braces for little Johnnie’s crooked teeth. Many of us know that to spend more than we earn is often at the expense of our credit card, and the whim that comes at 22% interest is a cruel mistress – why should Government spending be any different? In a discussion with one of the young people in this office, I likened the possible post-election situation to giving the family credit card to a disgruntled teenage daughter, having no discretion over how she used it, or how much she spent, hoping that she’d remember to pay the power and the water, buy the groceries and pay the mortgage, and wondering whether the joint family income would be enough to pay for all that, as well as all the other things she felt were necessary (perhaps feeding the neighbours kids as well as concert tickets, make up, and a new house for the poor family presently renting down the street). As someone in business in the autumn of my career, whilst I may be occasionally disappointed in the present government, I remain even more concerned about those who would unwind the fiscal stability we as a nation presently enjoy, and it saddens me that it is those taxpayers in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who will pay for the promises being made today – in fact, the cost may well be borne (as in Greece), by those yet too young to vote. That being so, who people vote for shouldn’t really concern me too much – those idealistic voters who feel they can change the world have the ability to change the Government. Unfortunately it is often these same people who feel someone other than themselves should make the sacrifices and pay for this change, and this is inevitably the case – their idealism may end up beggaring their children, but who am I to interfere? Personally, I prefer the fiscal responsibility and stability we’ve enjoyed in recent years, rather than being held hostage by an aging roué seeking a final run at the baubles of office. There are still some who remember the humiliation of a publicity stunt that went awry, a lack of integrity that proved to the public that to some an honest answer is a stretch too far. . Of course the feel good factor sparked by the gender and personality of one person that has little depth, with increased taxation seemingly the answer to every question, although no detail follows. The Jacinta effect has made huge impression on many but unfortunately all too few have been looking beyond the smile at the many and varied taxes that have been promised, and that will confront most taxpayers. Voters who neglect to do proper due diligence may find their enthusiasm dulled as the need to pay for ever indulgent policies becomes apparent. Where, up until Jacinta rolled Little, Labour Party Policy was to gradually increase the age of Superannuation (in line with virtually every modern nation), but Jacinta has now enshrined it at 65 until such time as she resigns. Hmmm, again, the young should question how they’ll be able to afford this remarkable show of largesse in favour of the elderly, regardless of whether or not it is needed. Much more worrying is the influence the unions may have after the election – Jacinta is trying to keep the published policy of the Labour Party under wraps, but those who remember the bad old days of the 80’s have reason to wonder why, in these days of industrial harmony and almost full employment, the unions would need to force compulsion and strong arm employees and employers alike. Be careful what you wish for is an expression that comes to mind. I was recently pleasantly surprised to see the lack of integrity and blatant dishonesty shown by one politician, and subsequently by her party, heavily spanked in the polls, their unwillingness to confront the issue not shared by those who matter. This is in direct contrast to another party, who, when confronted with a young MP who’d made an error of judgement, immediately called for and were presented with the ultimate sacrifice. Surely we should expect those who make our laws to abide by those same laws, rather than to pick and choose those that suit depending on personal circumstances. |
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
|