Author: Pippa Coom

Bikes for Life: Rally for a safer cycling city

Sunday 5 | December
11am | Midday
Queens Wharf –
Auckland’s newest people place – cycle to the rally and a enjoy a ride around the wharf

We invite everyone:

  • who has ever ridden a bicycle
  • who would cycle if it was safer and easier
  • who want their family and friends who cycle to be safe
  • pedestrians and motorists – we all share the same road

To call for urgent action for world-class cycling safety in Auckland.

Organised in association with Cycle Action Auckland in response to the recent spate of deaths and rising levels of cycling injuries.

More details at www.caa.org.nz.

Educated at Auckland Girls’ Equipped for the World

Congratulations to all the girls who won prizes and awards at the AGGS Senior Prizegiving today.

I was very proud to be there as an AGGS Old Girl and representative of the Waitemata Local Board to award the Western Bays Community Board School Textbook Grant of $400.

After a break of 25 years I’ve managed to sing the school song twice in one week! On 4 November I was guest speaker at the Old Girls’ annual dinner.

Speech to the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School Old Girls’ Association Annual Dinner

Madam President, members of the committee, Principal of AGGS Liz Thomson, Past Principal, Charmaine Pountney, Dawn Jones, Chair Old Girls’ Trust, Dame Dorothy, absent friends and of course Old Girls’ I’d like to acknowledge you all this evening. I also acknowledge my partner’s grandmother Freda Kirkwood (nee Barnes) who at 102 must be one of the oldest Old Girls and unfortunately couldn’t make it this evening but I am delighted that her daughter and Old Girl Anne Shortland (nee Kirkwood) is here.

I feel incredibly honoured to be your guest speaker, especially when I think of the many AGGS Old Girls who have achieved so much and have so many interesting stories to tell. Thank you for the invitation.

I have been billed as “Pippa Coom, Corporate Lawyer, Environmentalist and AGGS Old Girl”. I can only really claim to be one of those things at the moment. I wear a number of hats and as of last night I became the deputy chairperson of the Waitemata Local Board. It is an exciting time to have entered local politics with a new structure of governance that if we can make work will provide for real decision making at a local level. The Local Board will be like a mini – Council providing a strong local voice within the Auckland Council with wide ranging responsibilities.

The Waitemata Ward is at the centre of the new city of Auckland. It is a vibrant, historic area, which I found out last night (from the speech given by the new Chair of the Waitemata Local Board) represented the whole area of Auckland City up until WW1.

And of course located at the heart of the Ward is our school. The history of Auckland is reflected in the history of Auckland Girls’ Grammar since its foundation in 1888. A school that has led the way in provided education to young woman.

I live in Grey Lynn and most days will pass by AGGS when I’m out and about – I’m pretty much guaranteed to be travelling by bicycle.

Seeing the school so often on my travels does mean that I frequently find myself reflecting on my time at AGGS and more recently thinking about how I can now serve my school as part of my community.

I came to Auckland Girls via Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Before we immigrated in 1982 my mum had decided that she would like to live in an older suburb like Ponsonby and bought a map of Auckland so we could see where our new home was located. I immediately spotted Auckland Girls’ Grammar School on the map and decided that was the school for me. I didn’t need to know anything about the school other than that there were going to be no boys! I couldn’t wait to leave behind the bullying boys from my local comprehensive in the UK.

Almost before we had recovered from jet lag we came to visit the school and my decision was sealed as I walked into the hall. I loved the grandeur and sense of history. My first lesson in what it means to be New Zealander was at my interview with Charmaine Pountney. She described the impressive multicultural make up of the school and explained there were about 48% Pacific Island and Maori students and 52% European girls. At the time I, as an English girl, who certainly wasn’t a European as they all came from the Continent, couldn’t understand how there could be so many cultured German and French “European” girls at the School!

I hope today you are hearing a Kiwi accent as from my first day in class my new friends taught be to talk proper Kiwi starting with my name – I really didn’t want to keep getting called Pepper, as I pronounced it.

I feel really fortunate that my formative education was in NZ and not limited by class and social demographics of the UK.  Even in the mid 80’s (which now seems like a really conservative and old fashioned time) we took it for granted that we could continue our education as far as we wished and that our career options were limitless. We were the generation of “Girls can do anything.” We also took it for granted that our careers would fit alongside married life and children. We never imaged that we would be having children in our 40’s let alone that it was even possible! I say “we” but for me I’m just still waiting for Anne’s son to agree to become my second husband!

I appreciate now that our ability to have real life choices and amazing opportunities were hard won by previous generations and that we were fortunate to be part of a school community that gave us a liberal education, that emphasised our independence, valued social justice and instilled in us a strong moral compass. For me I was also personally enriched by strong friendships and lasting networks that are continuing to bring new connections.

Auckland Girls encouraged me to get involved with my school and wider community and I’m sure first sowed the seed that in the future I would in some way serve my community. For me that included the Old Girls’ Association at a time preparations were underway for the School centenary in 1988 and in the formation of the first Auckland City Youth Council. There were opportunities to be engaged on serious issues like nuclear free NZ and the anti-apartheid movement.

(As  Liz Thomson reported  in her Principal’s address the motto of AGGS is now “Educated at AGGS Equipped for the World”. How true this is when I think of the many friends I had at school that benefited from exchange programmes like AFS and Rotary, or whose study and careers took on a strong global focus. I was encouraged to go on AFS to Peru for my last year of school. I am very grateful for that experience which had a huge influence on what I would study at University and my career choices)

I feel embarrassed to be described as an “environmentalist” as to me that is someone who has spent a life time actively fighting for environmental causes and saving whales.

I have to admit that it was only after being made redundant at the beginning of last year from my job as a Corporate Lawyer that I have found my sense of purpose in working towards a sustainable future. Since then I have been what could be called a  “Community Organiser” for Grey Lynn 2030, the Grey Lynn Farmers Market, Cycle Action Auckland and on climate action events.

I’m impressed that many of the passionate, articulate activists that I meet as part of my new career are AGGS old girls like Rachel Dobric, part of the NZ Youth Delegation going to the UN Climate Change talks in Mexico, who is here this evening.

It was reported in the NZ Herald today that I arrived at the first meeting of the Waitemata Local Board on my bicycle. It may not surprise you to know that I used to cycle to school along Ponsonby Road. My dad fixed a clip to my Healing 10 speed so I could attach my skirt to stop it blowing around. I think I had stopped cycling by the 5th form when it was far too uncool and I didn’t really get on a bike again until I returned to Auckland 5 years ago after an almost 20 year absence.

I don’t think I have ever seen an AGGS girl on a bicycle (I must admit I was the only one in the early 80’s). But I am hoping that will change – Frocks on Bikes, a group I co-coordinate in Auckland is working to show women that it is possible to look stylish on a bike so maybe girls will start thinking cycling to school is in fact cool!

I’m excited that our new Mayor Len Brown has a vision to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world. For me a big part of achieving that goal is for local schools to be the number one choice of parents in the area and that every student  is able to walk and cycle to school.

I really look forward to working with the school community again and building on the strong history of the school. I’ve been away from the fold for far too long.

I also make a commitment to the sustainable future of the Old Girls’ Association and finding ways in which Old Girls who don’t yet feel “old” can still make a significant contribution to the school community.

(And I can start right here with a call out to past students to become a member of the AGGS Old Girls Association. Details here)

Keeping it local at the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market

At the  Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market AGM in September I was honoured to be the guest speaker. Here is the speech I gave as a tribute to the market on behalf of Grey Lynn 2030.

I am fortunate to have many opportunities to talk about our community group Grey Lynn 2030. Very often when I mention our name “Grey Lynn 2030” I am met by a blank look and slight incomprehension (what do the numbers mean?).  But when I follow up by saying that Grey Lynn 2030 was the catalyst behind the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market there is immediate understanding and appreciation – of course there is a farmers market in Grey Lynn! Of course it is connected to the community!

I and the rest of the Grey Lynn 2030 steering committee feel really proud to be associated with the market.  For me the foundation of the market is a perfect example of the way a transition town group can encourage local action and cooperation.

The story of the market’s beginnings needs to be captured for posterity before it slips away and takes on mythical qualities. Here is the version I hope is accurate.

As I’m sure you all know Grey Lynn 2030 is a about creating a sustainable community through practical action. We have monthly participatory meetings – essentially bring your ideas along to create the communities we want to live in and make them happen!

At one of the first meetings Vincent Dickie was present. He understood about the importance of local access to food, eating seasonally and re-skilling the community in urban food production. He put the call out to start a farmers market, formed a team of willing volunteers and within less than a year it was up and running!

As a self styled ambassador for the market I often hear complaints about the market. For example that it is too expensive and crowded (a myth perpetuated by those who came on the first day only or presume the market is a boutique one). The management committee take the brunt of negative comments rather than hearing the appreciation for the market that we know is out there too. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate just how wonderful the market is, the fabulous people associated with it and what the market contributes to our community:

  • For me Sunday doesn’t feel right without a visit to the Market. It is not just about the weekly shop of fresh fruit and veg – it is the social time I have catching up with friends and neighbours. There is no such thing as popping into the market quickly!
  • I love keeping it local. We are lucky to have a market located centrally in our community. We can end our supermarket dependency right here in Grey Lynn.
  • I love the vibrancy of the market and how it acts as a community hub. Take the Tumeke Cycle Space (community bike workshop) now fixing bikes outside the market twice a month. And the story telling. And the busking
  • And of course the people. It is the people of the market that make it happen and keep it functioning so successfully. I thank you all for your hard work, vision and commitment. The management committee, Paul the previous market manager, Judith the administrator and now taking over as manager, the stall holders (they’ve had a hard winter and deserve our support), the Grey Lynn Community Centre, Len the caretaker, the members from the first day of the market and the visitors and shoppers – keep shopping!

I’d like to think that there will be a wide range of community initiatives that will put Grey Lynn 2030 on the map but I don’t think anything will eclipse the Farmers Market anytime soon.

Postscript: At the AGM I joined the management committee and was elected as Chair last night at our first meeting. I look forward to working with the new committee and building on the strong foundations put in place for a successful market by the original team.

THANK YOU – Exciting times ahead for Auckland

What an awesome result. Auckland is so lucky to have Len Brown as the first mayor of the Super City. He has a positive vision, he is an inclusive leader and has a real committment to working with local communities. I support his goal 100% to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world.

In the “capital” of Auckland – the Waitemata Ward area- Mike Lee won decisively on a commitment to work for regional cohesion and vision in the new Council. He brings heaps of experience and skills to the role and will be a huge asset to Len particularly in moving ahead with long overdue transport projects.

I am really thrilled to have been elected on to the Waitemata Local Board together with my City Vision colleagues Shale Chambers, Jesse Chalmers, Christopher Dempsey and Tricia Reade. We will get sworn in at our first public meeting on 3 November at 6.30pm in the Auckland Town Hall.

Thank you for voting for the go ahead, community- focused team. We have a really good balance of experience and skills and I’m confident we will be able to work  together effectively. It is exciting times in Auckland and I’m looking forward to working hard for the community and ensuring we have a strong local board that can deliver on local issues.

Personally I also owe a huge amount of thanks for all the support I have received, especially from Grey Lynn 2030 , the Cycle Action Auckland Committee and the whole City Vision team who have worked so well together over the campaign.

NZ’s best street spot

The revamped Aotea Square was jumping with activity on Saturday as part of the opening festivities. The sun was shining on a beautiful  space full of people enjoying the free entertainment. The City Vision team was also there spreading the word to vote. One visitor, however was very unimpressed with the number of skateboarders checking out the new surfaces. He complained very forcefully to us that it was a disgrace that they were “allowed” to be there.  The complainant and Aucklanders may have to get used the idea of the square providing for a range of different uses who feel at home there. But guaranteed there is now going to be a big debate about who is welcome to use the square especially as the word is out  about how perfect the space is for BMX riders and skateboards.

As Tim recently blogged on Cycling in Auckland “Aotea Square is one of Auckland’s most iconic BMX/Skate spots that have been shredded for years and was temporarily under reconstruction. It’s been around a 2 years since being first closed off and is back and pretty amazing. The council has out done themselves  with what could be now NZ’s best street spot.“

It made me wonder how David Engwicht, place maker extradionaire and urban thinker, would respond. He was recently in New Zealand talking about the Art of Place Making. He shared a number of his design secrets for creating vibrant public spaces and building community. As he says “all design has paradoxical outcomes”.   This is exactly what we are going to see in Aotea Square following on from the unintentional design of the perfect urban park (unfortunately the $80m spent on the Square didn’t extend to materials that will withstand constant shredding by skaters). However, the skaters don’t need to deter other users from enjoying Aotea Square especially once the grassy areas have opened and there is more shade.

The Auckland City Council should be congratulated on redeveloping Aotea Square as a vibrant urban space that appeals to a wide range of users- I just wish there was parking in the square for my bike!

Day after the super city election-a huge global working bee

It is hard to imagine getting up for a huge working bee the day after the election on 9 October. Hopefully I will have a big hangover from celebrating the election of Mayor Len Brown, Councillor Mike Lee and the whole City Vision team.  But global action has to happen on climate change with communities not waiting for elected representatives to take the lead in looking for solutions.

That’s why I’m part of the team organising the 350 Big Bike Fix Up for 10/10/10.   We would love to fix up all the thousands of broken bikes in Auckland and get them on the road so that we can look forward to a future that is healthy, sustainable and fun.

It is going to be a huge day!

350 Big Bike Fix-up
Let’s get Auckland’s bikes out of storage, fixed up and on the road ready for a summer of cycling.

Between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 10th October get your bike going at Shed 1, 101 Halsey Street on Auckland’s stunning Viaduct Harbour.

Pro-mechanics, Tumeke Cycle Space (Auckland’s community run bike workshop) and a team of volunteers will be there to fix-up every kind of bike. Once your bike is fixed up, give it a polish at the clean-up station, deck it out (for the kids) and join a leisurely bike ride to Queen’s Wharf.

Unwanted bikes will be fixed up and donated to Refugee Services Auckland. Bring parts to swap too.

In fact doesn’t matter what state your wheels are in – just come down to the Shed to enjoy all day entertainment and a full programme of workshops in bike skills and cycling training.

Vege sausage sizzle and refreshments available at the venue in support of the Grey Lynn School cycle trail project.

Have you got bike fix-up skills to offer? (from basic to pro) please contact Alex at tumekecyclespace@gmail.com.  The Tumeke Cycle Space team are coordinating the fix-up stations at the shed.

Big Bike Fix-Up Workshop programme

Biking from A to B in the city is easy and quick, not to mention fun. But you might have questions, like: what kind of bike should I ride? where should I ride on the road? what if I get a puncture? do I need a basket, pannier bag or backpack? The 350 Big Bike Fix Up day includes a series of workshops to give you some basic information and skills to make your biking comfortable, safe and trouble-free.

And if you can’t make a workshop, volunteers will be there throughout the day to answer your questions, and offer practical advice and help.

Riding tips and skills workshops (*times subject to change on the day)
10am   Getting comfortable on your bike
11am   Puncture! How to change a tyre (and avoid more flats)
12pm   Keep on riding: basic bike maintenance
1pm     Lil’ riders: cycling skills for kids and their parents
2pm     Which bike is the right one for me?
3pm     City slickers: skills and tips for urban riding

Take a city bike for a test ride!
Get a feel for riding a city bike with Nextbikes

Get your bike feeling right
Does your bike give you sore knees or wrists? Or irritate more tender parts?
One-on-one consultations throughout the day with bike-fit expert to make sure you’re comfortable on your bike (from 11am)

Would you like to help with a workshop or share your advice and skills? Please contact Susan Potter spotter@orcon.net.nz if you’d like to help for part or all of the day.

Big Bike Fix-up Bike Rides
Leisurely bike rides for fixed up (and decked out) bicycles departing 11am, 1pm and 3pm from Shed 1 to Queen’s Wharf return via the Viaduct cyclepath

Bike Fix -ups are also happening in Christchurch and Wellington details are here http://can.org.nz/big-bike-fix-up

Make a day of 10/10/10 by bike
Also at Shed 1 Get Growing Auckland – showing Aucklanders how easy and enjoyable urban gardening can be
Devonport – HANDS On sustainable living skills fair
Mt Eden  – Community Garden Working Bee

Across New Zealand and around the globe, on 10/10/10 communities will be taking climate action. From bike fix-ups to community gardens, home insulation to tree planting ….By getting to work we’ll show our leaders the world is ready for climate solutions.  Find out more about the Global Working Bee here

Creating a liveable city

At CYCOTECTURE:

Urban Design for a Super City
by Ludo Campbell-Reid, Environmental Strategy & Policy Manager, Auckland Council
Panel Discussion with Christina Van Bohemen, Barry Copeland & James Lunday.

Thursday 30 September 2010
7:45pm Drinks, 8:00pm Presentation (Immediately after CAA AGM)
Venue: Ellen Melville Hall, Pioneer Women’s Hall, 2 Freyberg Place just off High Street.

Super city election countdown

With voting starting today in Auckland’s first Supercity election, it is hard not to feel positive about the prospects for a progressive Council led by Mayor Len Brown.  It all depends on getting people out to vote – this is hard in a postal ballot when most people under 30 have never used snail mail and voters generally being very apathetic about local government elections (only 38% voted last time).

The City Vision team has been working hard getting the message out there to vote and sharing our vision for Auckland. Our values and policies are clear. We believe in public ownership, major public transport improvements, and giving real powers to local boards.

I’m impressed with all our candidates. They are real, hard-working community campaigners with a strong track record of service to ratepayers and our communities.

Campaigning with the City Vision Waitemata Local Board team and Mike Lee has been fun.   I’ve particularly enjoyed the candidates meetings. Last week we were invited to meetings in Parnell and Grey Lynn (hosted by Grey Lynn 2030) and today St Stephen’s church hosted a meeting with local personality John Elliott as chair.

At the Parnell meeting Hinu Te Hau spoke eloquently on behalf of the C&R team.  However, it was clear something was up the next night in Grey Lynn as Hinu was clearly frustrated with the poor showing from her team. One C&R candidate arriving direct from the supermarket apologized for wearing his motorcycle jacket because he didn’t realize he was going to be at the meeting until he got called up! Two days later Hinu took the unprecedented step of deserting the old boys to stand as an independent in support of Tenby Powell.

At each meeting Mike Lee has shone as the man to be the Waitemata and Gulf ward’s first councillor. The other big guns, Tenby and Alex are very likeable and have many valid ideas but Mike clearly has the experience and track record of public service that make him ideal to take a leadership role in the new Auckland Council.

The future of Auckland is at stake – please vote.

City Vision and City Vision supported candidates:

Waitemata and Gulf Ward:

Endorsing Independent Mike Lee for Council

City Vision team for Waitemata Local Board

Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward:

City Vision candidates Cathy Casey and Glenda Fryer for Council

City Vision team for Albert-Eden Local Board

Roskill Community Voice team for Puketapapa Local Board

Whau Ward:

Future Whau team for Whau Local Board

Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward:

Labour candidate Richard Northey for Council

Labour team for Tamaki Local Board

Maungakiekie Team for Maungakiekie Local Board

Auckland District Health Board:

City Vision Health Team

Portage Licensing Trust:

City Vision team

Easy Transport Auckland

ETA: Making space for everyone, to get everyone moving!

In March Cycle Action Auckland hosted a think tank weekend to bring together a range of creative thinkers, politicians and journalists to join  cycling advocates in thinking about  how mainstream cycling faster and smarter.

One of the ideas to come out the think tank was Barb Cuthbert’s ‘Easy Transport Auckland’ – to put not just cycling initiatives but a range of transport projects in Auckland high on the agenda for the first ‘super city’ local government elections starting in just 5 days time.

Easy Transport Auckland has gone from idea to reality in an impressively short time.  The City’s walking, cycling and public transport advocates have formed a coalition to transform the new City’s transport system.

The official launch, which promises to be the most fun event so far this election, is happening in front of the Britomart Train and Bus Station. 2pm  Sunday, 12th Sept , QE II Square.

ETA Media Release

‘Room For Everyone, and Everyone Moving’

EHelp is on its way for voters confused by the huge choice of candidates standing for the new Auckland Council and Local Boards.  It comes in the form of a new campaign,  ‘Easy Transport Auckland – ETA’ – created for the Supercity elections by the region’s walking, cycling and public transport advocacy organizations.
The biggest issue and most urgent problem facing the Supercity that unites voters across the region is Auckland’s traffic congestion. We want to see action during the first term of the new Council to provide real options for easier travel to work, schools and other everyday trips. All modes of transport have a role to play. Our goal is ‘room for everyone , with everyone moving.’ says Barbara Cuthbert, spokesperson for Cycle Action Auckland, [one of the groups supporting ETA].

The new website for ETA, www.easytransportauckland.org.nz, identifies a range of transformational projects for trains, buses, ferries, cycling, walking, cars and freight which are the key to achieving easier transport options for the region.

‘The website invites mayoral and council candidates to register their interest in working  towards delivering these projects during their three years in office.  The public can also use the website to learn about the projects and which candidates support them, before deciding  which candidates deserve their vote.’

The ETA website goes live on Friday, and will be launched at a fun event at Britomart at 2pm this Sunday, 12th Sept . Two teams of candidates representing City Vision and C&R for the Waitemata and Gulf ward, wearing model trains, buses, ferries and bikes, will compete in a giant board game to reach their target of the key transformational projects.

‘We’ll see which candidates are in form to race for their goal. We would love the public to join us at Britomart to show that easy transport is at the heart of our Supercity and this election’ says Barbara.

Note – Easy Transport Auckland is the result of a coalition of Campaign for Better Transport, Living Streets Aotearoa and Cycle Action Auckland. The joint campaign is focused on the Supercity elections, and reflects the commitment of the three organizations to sustainable transport and the integration of all transport modes across for the Auckland region.

For further information:
Contact – Barbara Cuthbert, ph 0274 125 824, cuthash@worldnet.co.nz , for ETA -Easy Transport Auckland – 8 Sept 2010

Mike Lee backs the City Vision team for the Waitemata Local Board

Media Release
City Vision – Waitemata Local Board Team

Mike Lee, Chairman of the Auckland Regional Council and Candidate for the Waitemata and Gulf Ward has given his strong backing to the City Vision Team standing for the Waitemata Local Board. Waitemata  is one of the most contested Local Boards of the 21 in the new Super City structure, with 23 Candidates standing for 7 vacancies. The City Vision Waitemata Local Board team welcomes the endorsement from such a high profile and experienced politician.

In giving his support, on his website Mike Lee says “The City Vision team has a marvellous balance of youth and experience.  To my mind their personalities, professional backgrounds, life experiences and political philosophies make an excellent fit for what will be one of the most important Local Boards in the Super City.

Mr Lee goes on to say “This is a team well worth watching – and supporting”

Bruce Kilmister, Kate Stanton and Christopher Dempsey all are currently serving on Community Boards with extensive experience of local government and involvement in local issues.

Jesse Chalmers, a company director, one of the youngest candidates standing, is the new generation of local politics.

Tricia Reade is a well-known Ponsonby resident through her work at the Ponsonby Community Centre and City Fringe Inc.

Pippa Coom, a corporate lawyer is involved with a number of community groups that focus on building vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods.

Shale Chambers,  a Ponsonby lawyer and company director, brings business experience to local issues.

Shale Chambers on behalf of the team says “Mike Lee will be a strong voice at the top table, with his public service experience and track record he is the ideal candidate to serve as the Councillor for the Waitemata and Gulf Ward and fully has our support. The City Vision Waitemata Local Board team is thrilled that Mike Lee has given us such firm backing and we look forward to working with him for a prosperous, secure, fair, and sustainable future for the CBD and all our central city communities.”

Mike Lee will join the City Vision Waitemata Local Board team for Meet the Candidates Evenings being held in the Waitemata Local board area on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th September.

More details about the City Vision Waitemata Local Board team here.

Contacts:

Shale Chambers  0274765284

Mike Lee 0274943198   www.mikelee.co.nz

Meet the candidates evenings for the Waitemata Ward and Local Board:

Tuesday 7 September at 7pm, Parnell Community Centre, Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd. Hosted by Parnell, Newmarket and Grafton community groups

Wednesday 8 September at 7.30pm, Grey Lynn Community Centre hosted by Grey Lynn 2030

Having my say on NZ’s Draft Energy Strategy

Thanks to WWF and Greenpeace I have been able to make a quick submission on the Government’s visionless Draft Energy Strategy.

Submissions are due by Thursday 2 September at 5pm.

My submission:

Please accept the following as my submission on the draft Energy Strategy and draft Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for New Zealand.

I wish to make a number of general comments.

The Draft Energy Strategy is an inadequate and inappropriate response to the challenge of tackling climate change and to providing a sustainable, clean and secure energy future for New Zealand.  There is no plan to protect New Zealanders from the rising costs of oil in the future, nor to set us on a path to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.

The stated goal of 90 per cent renewable electricity by 2025 will not be achieved by this strategy, which fails to provide clear policy goals and incentives.

New Zealand must start real work on achieving a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (on 1990 levels) by 2020. This has to include mandatory emission reductions, and a renewable energy strategy that supports the development of resources like wind, marine, geothermal, biomass and solar.

I therefore call on the Government to:

  • Shift the priorities in the draft strategy towards research, development and greater use of new clean energy technologies and away from fossil fuels (coal and oil). New Zealand has the potential to be a world leader in the development and use of home-grown biofuels.
  • Set out a clear strategy for facilitating a transition away from New Zealand’s current reliance on petrol and diesel for transport. Initial priorities should include expanding public transport in order to provide real alternatives when oil prices rise, and introducing fuel economy regulations (as has been done in several other countries) to gradually make cars sold in New Zealand more efficient.
  • Set out a clear strategy and progress indicators for achieving the goal of 90% renewable electricity generation by 2025. Policies such as ‘feed-in-tariffs’ should be implemented to achieve the desired goal of increased local electricity generation.
  • Clearly state that coal-fired energy generation will not be expanded. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) may not become viable and will almost certainly not be in place during the life of this strategy. Expanding coal-fired energy generation over the next 5 to 10 years therefore not only runs counter to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions but would also be a risky and potentially obsolete investment.

Your sincerely,

Pippa Coom

Emailed to: nzes@med.govt.nz

Further reading

Have your say on NZ’s energy future. More information here on Lynda Brendish’s Good Magazine blog.

More details about the strategy and how to make a submission here on the MED website.

Just please don’t call me a cyclist

My preferred mode of transport is on 2 wheels. My Victoria Classic sits by the front door ready for any trip I need to make – especially around Auckland’s “Zone 1”.  I’m fortunate that I don’t have the expense of a car and love the convenience of cycling.

But please don’t call me a cyclist. I would no more put “cyclist” on my CV than a person who commutes by car would put “motorist”.  I ride my bike every day just for transport and I’m involved with Cycle Action Auckland to improve cycling conditions in Auckland but I rarely go on purely recreational rides.

However over the last weekend there were a couple of special reasons to be out on my bike just for the sake of cycling. On Saturday I joined the  BIG Auckland Ride,  a lesiurely pedal around central Auckland in warm spring weather organised to profile the benefits of cycling in the inner city. Here is an account of the ride by Antoine (and more photos) on the wonderful cycling blog Cycling in Auckland.

One of the reasons I am motivated to stand for the Waitemata Local Board is a desire for better cycling infrastructure in Auckland. I’m on the City Vision team committed to prioritising  public transport and the provision of better bus and train services together with integrated ticketing and timetabling, cycleways and safer walking routes. Read more about City Vision’s policy here.

On Sunday it was necessary to dodge the rain showers to experience the only opportunity to cycle across the new Newmarket Viaduct before the switch next weekend.  As fellow Waitemata Local Board candidate, Chritopher Dempsey commented ” what a fantastic cycleway! Wide,  broad, smooth concrete – I asked if NZTA was planning to continue this  cycleway through to Orewa and south to Hamilton. Wry smile. There’s hope yet!”

Cycle Action’s chair Mark Bracey puts the ride in the context of Auckland’s burgeoning cycling culture on his Cycling in Auckland blog here.