Grant Robertson - Wellington Central
On what is a dark day on financial markets around the world, we all need some light. My very cute niece Edie showing her political colours from an early age. And yes that does appear to be a remote control in her hand. That is why they call the next generation ‘digital natives’!
Good news today that the Crossways Trust has taken an 11 year lease on premises in Roxburgh St in Mt Victoria. This will mean that almost all of the community groups that have used the existing Crossways house will have meeting space. The only exception is the creche, which because of the lack of outdoor space will not be able to utilise the new premises. Some temporary accomodation has been found for the Creche, while discussions continue with the Council about other possible options.
While I am sure everyone involved would rather that Crossways had stayed in community ownership, this is a good outcome, and congratulations to the Trust for carrying on their work. There is a working bee on the weekend of 4/5 October to help move everyone out of Crossways, if you have some spare time to help. Details on the site above.
I felt a great sadness hearing of Brian’s passing yesterday afternoon. I first met him when I was managing New Zealand’s overseas aid programme to Samoa, and he was an Associate Minister of Education. His interest and feeling for the Pacific was obvious as was his passion for education.
Our real bonding was during the aftermath of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification. Brian was NZ First’s person on GM, and I was Marian’s Advisor. We spent a lot of time discussing and negotiating. Brian was not prepared to simply take a position, he wanted to understand the issues and find a practical way forward. Together, we grappled with the intricacies of xenotransplantation and other such heady topics, and I gained a huge respect for him.
It was during the Civil Union Bill debate that I really saw Brian’s humanity. He had stated early in the debate that he supported civil unions, but as the pressure on MPs from those opposed increased in intensity, stories appeared in the media that indicated he was wavering. Brian and I had never discussed my sexuality or my support for Civil Unions. I wrote him a personal letter outlining my reasons for supporting the Bill, and hoping that he stayed strong. His heartfelt response to the letter showed his kindness, his belief in human rights and dignity for all. His support for the Bill did not waver, and his friendly wink to me on the day of the vote indicated all was well.
Brian was a superb human being. New Zealand is the better for his contribution and commitment, and I am the better for having known him. Rest in peace.
I love Wellington for lots of reasons, even on a day like today when the mist is down and the wind is howling. I love waking up and seeing the Wilton hills. I love the view of the harbour as I come down Orangi Kaupapa Rd, I love the reaction of non-Wellingtonians to driving down Orangi Kaupapa! I love getting my coffee from Sammy at Doria. I could go on.
But most of all I love the quirks of Wellington people. At a cottage meeting last night in Wadestown, we had a spirited discussion on a range of issues from education, to environment to justice to migration. But the crowd truly came alive when it was noted that Sean Plunket was planning to leave Radio NZ. An animated and concerned conversation broke out around the room. And what is more Geoff is set to retire. NO! This matters.
I fall into the camp that sees Sean as being like the little girl from Longfellow’s nursery rhyme; when he is good he is very good, but when he is bad he is horrid. He can be incisive and terrier like with his questioning. Equally he can come off rude and boorish, and push irrelevant lines simply to prove a point to himself. But I will miss him, and his yin to Geoff’s measured, sardonic yang. Geoff’s retirement when it comes will be hard to reconcile. I have memories going back to him and Peter Sledmere providing the backdrop to family breakfasts.
So, who will step up to the breakfast plate at RNZ? Nominations welcome- I will be sure to ask for them at future cottage meetings.
