BLOGGER MUFFLED

Robert Guyton has been given a serve by Environment Southland about blogging. Seems his fellow councillors were a bit miffed about him reporting about issues from an in committee meeting. Fair enough. In committee is used for sound reasons.
We like GuytOns gardening stuff but his lefty piffle is tiresome but we defend his right to blog. Indeed we think that blogging is a good way for councillors to stay in touch with their constituents.

DIRTY DAIRYING NEEDS TO CLEAN UP ITS CRAP

Half of all dairy farms inspected by Environment Southland are polluting rivers and waterways to such an extent that they are liable for prosecution.

Dairy Farmers seem to have grown in arrogance because of the important place the industry holds in our economy. Dairy farmers are making good money and there is no excuse, that in the race for bigger profits, the amenities the rest of the community own and enjoy are degraded in the process.

Tourism is also a vital income stream for this country and fishing is a big drawcard- in fact its a poster child for the tourism industry. But the arrogance of the dairy industry is squashing the face of tourism deep in a muddy green eutrophic mire.

Environment Southland has a obligation to get tough with dairy farmers. This level of non- compliance is not acceptable. If it is possible for half of all dairy farmers to comply then it is possible for all dairy farmers to comply.

BIG TEETH OR BIG VOICE

We will be keeping a close eye on what is shaping up to be the second most interesting mayoral battle  in the country. 

It's the one between  Tim  Shadbolt and Suzanne Prentice.  We have never liked Shadbolt that much  - He has  done some good for the south though - his constant attention seeking has meant that the South has enjoyed a reasonable media profile. 

After all Tim is famous for being famous. 

Suzanne is a business woman who also knows the art of  promotion and  her first foray into local body politics as a sitting member of the Invercargill Licensing Trust has obviously whetted her appetite for a wack at the Southern Local body crown. 

The South, despite its conservative streak, has been kind to women local body aspirants. They voted in Eve Poole , one of the best and most formidible Mayors of Invercargill and ex kindy teach Frana Cardno has become, as Southalnd District Councils Mayor of long standing, its best cheeleader. 

So Suzanne's tilt will come as no surprise. She is independently wealthy enough that the job is not about the money  - for her it will be about making a difference.

Its a different story for Shadbolt though - the best he can do is go back to pouring concrete. He has never done much else  - He is humourous enough that perhaps he can do the country pub circuit and spin a few yarns but thats about it. 

So for him, he has everything to lose.  He isn't above fighting dirty and and he has made some very significant enemies in the south. 

The ex driving instructor Neil Boniface  and current deputy Mayor is the other possible contender for the Mayoral chains and there is no love lost between he and Shadbolt. He is also a career politician. He is a nice enough bloke but not Mayoral material. 

So our money is on Suzanne. She is a sensible, smart  savvy and loves Southland.  Just what the South needs . 

A FAMILY OF HONOUR

We were quite distressed to see one of the leading entrepreneurial families of Southland the Wensleys get smacked about by the credit crunch.

They have developed a string of properties in Queenstown and although most purchasers have signed unconditional agreements they aren't stumping up with the cash.

So the whole family is selling everything they have to pay off debts.

Thats Southland and Southlanders for you.

We salute the Wensleys for their integrity...

Which is in stark contrast to these two big swinging dicks with no moral fibre and less integrity.

GREAT WHITE TOURISM

We have a close affinity with Great White Sharks, BB always wears a GW molar. We have been on boats when sharks have been caught. So we are delighted to read in the Southland Times that someone in the deep south has decided to give great white shark watching a go as a tourism venture.


Great White Shark - A funny movie is a click away

SEAFOOD PORN

Ahh - more oysters ... Bliss. Ecstacy!

A GOOD WOMAN SURVIVES SHARKS

Ali Timms is a no nonsense sort of a country chick ( her partner Ginger is a no nonsense country bloke ) I got to know them eons ago in Te Anau.
They are good cobbers of my sister, and Ali is a bloody good local body politician.
So I was glad but not surprised to see she had survived an encounter at sea when a yacht capsized near Fiji.

Well done Ali - good girl.



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