Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: A long way yet

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  • Kumara Republic, in reply to Rob Stowell,

    If we continue to merrily and unthinkingly socialise the costs, and privatise the profits- we’ll get more and more of this.

    In the words of Michael Moore...

    “The smart rich know they can only build the gate so high. And … history proves that people, when they’ve had enough, aren’t going to take it anymore. And much better to deal with it nonviolently now, through the political system, than what could possibly happen in the future, which nobody wants to see.”

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Lilith __,

    As I’ve probably said in other threads, CERA seems to have given no thought to allowing short-to-medium-term solutions in the CBD: pop-up premises that are “temporary” but which could work for several years while bigger projects are worked out and built. “Temporary” destinations will keep the CBD alive; turning it into one big building site will kill it dead.

    And yet, even as an occasional visitor, that seems absolutely evident to me. Pop-up ventures lift the environment around them. They're useful and they help people feel they have agency amid all the big decisions being made for them. How could this not be obvious?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Russell Brown,

    I have seen "transition" proposals. Somewhere. When I find, I will post them.

    Edited to add this good Press piece:
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/6992137/A-temporary-long-term-solution

    Don't know how all that has developed -- I will follow up if possible.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to Russell Brown,

    How could this not be obvious?

    just consider who profits..

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __,

    Sigh. My landlord's circumstances have changed. Anyone wants a flatmate or tenant, drop me an email.

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Chris Waugh,

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    On my way home I was stopped at a traffic light and looked around and thought, "Gerry Brownlee would love this!" Monumental, domineering, inhumane, barren, and, apart from certain very rare occasions, the only locals there work there (mostly in security) or are hurrying through (so far as hurrying is possible in Beijing traffic) on their way to real life elsewhere in the city.

    Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People, viewed from the north (Chang'an Jie and Tiananmen) about 1pm this afternoon.

    Wellington • Since Jan 2007 • 2401 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Lilith __,

    Bugger. I will keep an ear open.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Chris Waugh,

    "Gerry Brownlee would love this!" Monumental, domineering, inhumane, barren, and, apart from certain very rare occasions, the only locals there work there

    Heh.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Lilith __,

    But context matters too. Perhaps the best possible thing would be to give some red-zoned people the gear and the forum to explain and record their own circumstances.

    I'd have probably felt okay about it had I devoted a day to Avonside. It was the feeling of just passing through that made me not wish to take snaps, I think.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Chris Waugh, in reply to Hebe,

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    this good Press piece

    Very interesting piece. Reminded me of my walk through Daliushu (means 'Big Willow Tree'*) market on Sunday morning. That place had life, lots of locals buying and selling all kinds of goods from heavily used power tools to old books to artwork of dubous merit to camping gear to brand new clothes and shoes. Some permanent buildings, some buildings that were probably temporary when they were erected, and lots of people selling stuff from under awnings put up on the square for the weekend or even just off blankets in the ground. Quite a contrast with the severely planned Tiananmen Square and Chang'an Jie.

    And I love all the examples that Press article gives of ordinary people bringing life back into the streets of Christchurch. Just think, these temporary set ups could perhaps make the stadium work if they're allowed, as it could mean the organic development of community sports and recreational facilities in the stadium area that would keep people coming in even when there's not a game on. Another Beijing example would be Workers' Stadium, whose grounds are full of shops, restaurants and bars that attract huge crowds whether Guoan are playing or not.

    Now to stop idly planning other people's city and maybe try and do something productive. Classes start next week.

    Wellington • Since Jan 2007 • 2401 posts Report Reply

  • Islander, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Russell- there seems to be no delete function!
    I have tried to delete what I thought was a private message to lillith and it is not working - PLEASE can you get rid of it?

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe,

    I just had a memory blank spot and Google mapped "the old Budget Rental cars site in St Asaph Street" (referred to in the Press piece I posted above). So I could find the Dance-O-Mat. Google is still showing the city as was -- St Asaph on a sunny Sunday morning. I cried. It's still a shock to directly compare the place: I go down there every day, have lived here large chunks of my life, and the old pictures look "righter" than the reality. I must be waiting, in my subconscious, for it all to return to "normal".

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Islander,

    Russell- there seems to be no delete function!
    I have tried to delete what I thought was a private message to lillith and it is not working – PLEASE can you get rid of it?

    Done. And yes, delete is a special power.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Islander, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Thanks!
    I would hate to compromise a person's anonymity-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

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    I was a little short on time and wanted a rest before joining Stephen Emma and Karl for a pint or three at Pomeroy’s.

    I can almost hear the melancholy in your writing RB. May I say however, glad you chose Pomeroys for your pints. My friend Ava and her Mum (and partner I think) have that fine establishment. I must say, these are people that refused to shut down when it was an option or deemed necessary. Along with their many tribulations, they managed to stay open. Minus their accommodation that fell off the back of the building. And Ava ,what a trooper, (so sorry I forgot the flowers meant for her). I know this how? When I haven’t been down there? Her Dad, (t’others best mate) is so proud of her, and I get the goss on Friday nights in Auckland.
    Everyone down there, Go support Ava and her Mum Victoria. :)

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __, in reply to Chris Waugh,

    Now to stop idly planning other people’s city and maybe try and do something productive.

    Rather you than Gerry, Chris! :-)

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __, in reply to Hebe,

    Google is still showing the city as was – St Asaph on a sunny Sunday morning. I cried. It’s still a shock to directly compare the place: I go down there every day, have lived here large chunks of my life, and the old pictures look “righter” than the reality. I must be waiting, in my subconscious, for it all to return to “normal”.

    Me too! Do you think we'll have to wait long? Perhaps someone can let us know when Chch comes right again! :-/

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __, in reply to Hebe,

    I will keep an ear open

    Thanks Hebe and Islander. :-)

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Lilith __,

    Me too! Do you think we'll have to wait long? Perhaps someone can let us know when Chch comes right again! :-/

    We need a mega-reality show: Make Me a City In a Week, or something.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __, in reply to Hebe,

    Make Me a City In a Week, or something.

    Some people claim to have done a whole planet in that time, one city should be a doddle!

    I would just love to wake up one morning and find it was all a bad dream. Or some secret conspiracy to mess with our minds*. :-)

    *it worked! You can stop now!

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Lilith __,

    I would just love to wake up one morning and find it was all a bad dream. Or some secret conspiracy to mess with our minds*. :-)

    Natural forces or a massive mindgame: think I'll go with natural forces. But I have read that Northland has no earthquakes, and I love it up there...

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Islander, in reply to Hebe,

    Has tidal waves & the after-effects of tsunami (not to mention blowback from volcanic eruption...)

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Islander, in reply to Lilith __,

    Andrew is way taller than me, and way more organised. He has the trader gene my Maori side of the family is renowned for. Which is also known for total honesty and committment for a given deal, He's my little brother but I respect him to the max - he's just built and accomplished sooo much! (Building a house on Pitt Island - where the cement FROZE before it set? Yep. Andrew's been there, done that-)

    do I love my siblings? Yesss! And especially our mother? YESSSS!!!!!!

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Islander,

    Sounds like a riverside toilet in Christchurch; should be right at home.

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

  • Hebe, in reply to Islander,

    Islander, have you heard any more about a Sept 4 marking? are you still coming for the Ngai Tahu gathering?

    Christchurch • Since May 2011 • 2899 posts Report Reply

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