Hard News: A long way yet
81 Responses
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Kumara Republic, in reply to
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.”
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Russell Brown, in reply to
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?
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Hebe, in reply to
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-solutionDon't know how all that has developed -- I will follow up if possible.
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Sacha, in reply to
How could this not be obvious?
just consider who profits..
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Sigh. My landlord's circumstances have changed. Anyone wants a flatmate or tenant, drop me an email.
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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.
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Hebe, in reply to
Bugger. I will keep an ear open.
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Hebe, in reply to
"Gerry Brownlee would love this!" Monumental, domineering, inhumane, barren, and, apart from certain very rare occasions, the only locals there work there
Heh.
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Russell Brown, in reply to
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.
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Chris Waugh, in reply to
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.
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Islander, in reply to
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? -
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".
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Russell Brown, in reply to
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.
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Islander, in reply to
Thanks!
I would hate to compromise a person's anonymity- -
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. :) -
Lilith __, in reply to
Now to stop idly planning other people’s city and maybe try and do something productive.
Rather you than Gerry, Chris! :-)
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Lilith __, in reply to
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! :-/
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Lilith __, in reply to
I will keep an ear open
Thanks Hebe and Islander. :-)
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Hebe, in reply to
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.
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Lilith __, in reply to
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!
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Hebe, in reply to
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...
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Islander, in reply to
Has tidal waves & the after-effects of tsunami (not to mention blowback from volcanic eruption...)
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Islander, in reply to
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!!!!!!
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Hebe, in reply to
Sounds like a riverside toilet in Christchurch; should be right at home.
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Hebe, in reply to
Islander, have you heard any more about a Sept 4 marking? are you still coming for the Ngai Tahu gathering?
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