It is a dreary Thursday and the news is all bad, Jonah has died and the tributes are flowing, a great sportsman, a humble man, a gentleman.
There is not much I can add that has not already been said. Bradley has also died, not quite as famous or sporty - Bradley was 18 and suffered from Muscular dystrophy in the worst possible way. He played electric chair rugby, and was a Harley man, a regular at the Auckland Harley Club chapter night. Non complaining and humble, Bradley reminded us just how lucky we are. I am proud to be participating in the Harley Parade of Honour at his funeral on Friday with other stalwarts of the club. The bombings and shooting of innocent Parisians has changed the world for the worse, an event that will be remembered and reviled, along side events like 9/11and the London Bombings. Another atrocity apparently carried out by Islamic extremists in retaliation to attacks against ISIS and to avenge supposed slights against Allah. Many previously liberal Europeans, especially those who welcomed Muslim refugees into their countries, must be wondering what they have done. There is no turning back the clock and I suspect there must inevitably be more to follow. Few local body politicians have earned the opprobrium of Auckland City Mayor Len Brown.
By all accounts, a mediocre lawyer who turned instead to the cesspit of local body politics, succeeding retiring Barry Curtis as Manukau City's mayor before successfully beating a second string of candidates (amongst them North Shore's Andrew Campbell, famously remembered for urinating just off Takapuna's main street whilst under the weather), to win the Chains of the new Super City. Within weeks of this victory, Len was exposed by ex lover, Bevan Cheung, for having sex in a council board room (as well as regular publically funded foray's at Sky City), but saw no reason to resign. Described by some as having fairly extreme narcissistic tendencies, steadfastly believing that the was widely respected and loved by the masses when all the evidence and polls were adamant that he was delusional, it is unlikely that he will be missed by many. History will remember Len as a mayor with few friends, and fewer achievements, the fixation for his "Train Set", his assurances that rates would be tied to inflation (2.5% becoming over 10%) proving to be unfounded (dishonest even), and his lack of character being the legacies left in is wake. A sad end to the career of someone who should have achieved so much more. Bearing in mind how few Fijians need to have a drivers licence, it is probably unsurprising how dangerous they can be driving the innocuous Golf Cart. Where as most resorts are relatively compact, The Hilton is a very "long" stretching about 1000m from the central admin building in each direction, so , consequently Golf Carts for luggage, maintanence etc are a must. Unfortunately many of the drivers have no concept of "rules of the road", and often go far too fast, cut corners, pass on the wrong side - although usually with a "bula" as they roar past... At night things get worse... It does not take long after arriving in Fiji to be reminded that whereas Australia and New Zealand used to be seen as beneign and benevolent "big brothers", they're now seen by many as bullies. In recent years their attitude towards the "coup" regime sees them in a less favourable light, and a new best friend has emerged. China is now far more generous and understanding of Fiji's unique blend of elections and coups than traditional democracys. Fiji has accepted Chinese money, far more than was ever provided by Anzac sources, with great enthusiasm, but I suspect, mortgaging their souls in the process. Many concessions including fishing, mining, timber and immigration, not to mention being told how to vote at the UN are a given. The many new roadworks projects have gangs supervised by blue overalled Chinese foremen, locals relgated to using the Chinese made tools and wheelbarrows. We are at the Hilton in Denarau, doing our best to help them get their act together.My experience as a business mentor is being put to good use identifying issues, but as is often the case, asking for advice and actually listening to it are often diametrically opposed. Our beach front room would normally have spectacular ocean views, but remedial works means dust and diggers instead. The pool area, as with pool areas at just about any good resort, is really fabulous. The sea is as warm as the pool although not nearly as inviting at Denarau as some of the outer islands. Today being Sunday, the guy who normally operates the hammer drill (again, every resort needs renovations), has obviously gone to Church, so we have so respite from his endeavours. Funnily enough the Hilton made no mention of these works when the booking was made, and no one wants to discuss it now... A blank look conveys a lot. The days are counting down and a return to the real world beckons. .
. Just in case there was any doubt, Riccarton - Wigram Community Board member Mike Mora has established that Christchurch has more than its fair share of Wowsers.
Danielle Lendich from Wendy's, a smart and progressive CEO, believes that responsible grown up's should have the option of a beer with their Burger. Mora and his flunkies would deny patrons this opportunity, believing that you are not responsible enough to make that choice. Oddly enough, Mora's Community Board has no objection to the same patrons enjoying alcohol at other nearby establishments, including Burger-Burger, Mexicacalli, Fresh, Columbus Coffee, and The Coffee Club. Mora appears determined, like a modern day Don Quixote, to tilt at dragons that don't exist - quite sad really. Go Wendy's! |
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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