Green Hawkes Bay

Baybuzz has posted Q&As from Green, Labour and National candidates for Napier and Tukituki; a supporter from each party on their motivation for supporting their party; and thoughts from commentators. An intelligent and interesting read.

My thoughts are here.

Green Party supporter Dave Head concludes:

I had a letter to the editor published in the HB Today today (thanks Mr Pierard). Here’s a hyper-linked version…

Dear editor

I feel compelled to respond to your imbalanced editorials of 9 and 14 Oct.

In attacking the air quality standards, you fail to mention that air pollution from PM10 results in 1100 Kiwis dying earlier than they would otherwise, and many more with respiratory problems – costing the country $1.14 billion a year. Households will need support to change heating, and add insulation, which is why the Green Party provided a 15-year $1 billion fund to assist in the transition. National has now said it will scrap this support for households.

In attacking the hot water plumbing standards, you fail to mention they will save an average $300 a year in electricity. The primary reason for the standards is to save electricity, and money. Most winters we face power shortages, and new power plants cost money and the environment. My mother’s complyingshower-head [a Methven Satinjet] has great pressure [and she has solar hot water and super-efficient cylinder to boot].

I’m proud to promote policies that will save Kiwis’ lives, health, money, environment and climate. But I respectfully suggest that it is your attitude that will result in “self-eradication”, as you put it, not mine. Come Nov 8, voters can choose between your attitude (promoted by National) and a clean green future.

Sincerely,

Quentin Duthie
Green Party candidate for Tukituki

It’s a bit tough finding time to blog when you’re out and about daily.

This week I was in Hastings all of Monday, including investigating a proposed gravel quarry at Maraekakaho and visiting Bridge Pa, and then at the Waipukurau Meet the Candidates on Monday night.

On Tuesday I went up to Wairoa for a meet the candidates in the evening, where I filled in for our Napier candidate Brett Stansfield.

On Wednesday I was in Napier where I met with the chair of the Regional Council, and visited the Union centre to meet workers.

On Thursday I did a meet the candidates in Taradale, and joined our Ikaroa Rawhiti candidate Bevan Tipene Matua for a korero on Radio Kahungunu and then at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

Tonight (Friday) I joined the monthly community roast meal with 40 locals at the awesome Paper Mulberry, where the staff wore “I only date boys/girls who vote Green” labels.

This morning Steve, a courier van driver, dropped off a parcel at my family home in Otane.

On talkback radio in his van, the Government announcement of an efficiency standard for showers was being debated, or more accurately pilloried. Steve was livid – “bloody Government, the latest is they are going to ban decent shower heads” (paraphrased). He paused when I explained I was the Green Party candidate, and that this new building standard is part of Jeanette Fitzsimons’ great energy efficiency work, that it would lower power bills and reduce energy demand. I also explained it only applies to new hot water plumbing consents (new houses or renovations). Realising it wasn’t the “ban” being attacked on radio, rather a cost-saving standard for new houses, we moved on to air quality (which I have commented on earlier) and insulation. Well, with a bit more explanation, the bits of the jigsaw – efficient show heads, appliances, good insulation, solar, clean heating – fell into place…

The HBToday takes a predictably pro-National anti-everything-good stance.

Frog gives a great explanation of showerhead issues.

[And again here frog dispells the myths]

I will be speaking alongside other candidates at these upcoming events – please join me:

Thurs 9 Oct Forest and Bird 7:30pm Wesley Lounge Hall, Cnr Hastings and Eastbourne Sts, Hastings

Monday 13 Oct Waipukurau 7pm St Andrew’s Hall, Waipukurau

Tuesday 14 Oct Wairoa 7pm Presbyterian-Methodist Church, 86 Kopu Rd, Wairoa

Sunday 20 Oct ‘Spirited Conversations’ 6:30pm Cafe32, Havelock North

For further Green events in Hawke’s Bay keep an eye on: http://www.greens.org.nz/event/hawkesbay