Busier than a one legged man in a bum kicking competition this morning so this is about seven hours later than I like but I could not let council profligate spending pass me by.
Auckland Council has just confirmed an overspending of $17.4 million on various works around the place. This is not they have spent $17.4 million on roading and street works and the like, they have overspent to this amount. 3 mil of this was on one project alone namely St Patrick's Square. I wasn't aware we even had one of these but the extra dosh here was requred to upgrade the paving to a higher standard thus reflecting the 'cultural, religious and historical significance' of the square. This well known centre of all that is good in Auckland is presumably going to be paved in ermine trimmed platinum pavers. What the hell is this all about? One. How can it be budgeted that paving for a single town square is measured in millions (plural) of dollars in the first place. Two. If you are quoted a price for a job, that is what you pay. You don't go over budget and you certainly don't go over by about 40% where that equates to over $3 million. Three. Why does the person who presided over this mess still have a job? Why do we accept that council or government officials stuffing up is so much par for the course that it is written in the job description? This latest abhorrance will just be an item on page 7 of the paper for one day and that will be it. The Budget blowout will be paid and the bloke who signs the cheque will suffer no penalty in pocket or career advancement and will just tee himself up for the next one. It is nuts.
Speaking of madness we haven't heard from Keith Locke for a while but he reminds us all this morning that he is still around and still as mad as a box of frogs. The New Zealand Trade Board or whatever they call themselves have managed to get a trade pavillion parked on the Champs Elysee for the duration of the Rugby World Cup. This is going to take the shape of a massive blow up rugby ball. Sounds pretty good. Can't miss it, rugby and New Zealand - good association of ideas, come in and get a free kiwi badge and the opportunity to bolster New Zealand's exports. This is what makes the world go round. Not for Luddite Keith though. He thinks trade is evil and has been since the days of muskets, blankets and mirrors. Loopy Keith reckons the pavillion is a mistake. He reckons it is unsightly and as the French are 'an artistic and cultured people' it would do our trade no good to upset their sensibilities with a large blow up rugby ball especially as this will be 'spoiling the vista' of the Eiffel Tower. Keith must have been snacking from Nandor's lunch box. What a load of crap. The Eiffel Tower was constructed in the 1890's for a World Fair (a trade exhibition) and was regarded by many of the artisitc and cultured people of France at the time as an eyesore.
Just get rid of him. He is a waste of space and has been ever since he nailed his political colours to the mast by being an advocate of the policies of Pol Pot. I have to pay for this nonsense. Grrrrr.
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