Ed Said - What is it we really want?

 

Well, it’s official. Poultry giant Tegel has withdrawn its application to establish a broiler chicken operation in Dargaville. This can be viewed as both positive and negative in my opinion. Positive in that the many who protested against it on numerous grounds have been vindicated. Negative in that a multi-million dollar operation, sorely needed in Kaipara, will not now proceed, unless Tegel has a change of mind and appeals the Overseas Investment Office decision to decline the application to purchase.

Perhaps they went about this the wrong way. Had they initially simply bought the dairy farm and run it as a dairy unit for a year or two making donations to local events and sponsoring local teams I believe that would have been a foot in the door. Then had they applied to incorporate the chicken operation they would already have had a positive presence in the town and would have certainly been seen in a different light. Remember that old saying ‘Its not what you do, it’s the way that you do it’.
It’s also curious that a town crying out for industry on the grounds of (a) high unemployment and (b) community growth, should pass up what I, and many others, see as an opportunity missed. With all due respect, Mum and Dad having a shot at a burger bar is not industry. Dargaville Business Group chairperson Jean Johnson said “Dargaville has missed an opportunity to expand its commercial standing but is keen to invite other positive businesses to invest in the Kaipara” adding the town had plenty to offer. Just what does it have to offer that it could afford to turn this down?
 
Though both the Northland Regional and Kaipara District Councils had declined consent the mayor Jason Smith still rued the lost opportunity citing also that of the billion dollars the present government had to spread around the regions via MP Shane Jones, not one cent had yet come to the Kaipara. There appear to be other places prepared to accept Tegel so their future in New Zealand will be interesting. 

Poultry apart, the other matter of importance to all in the north is that of the galloping fuel prices, projected to be considerably higher by year’s end. Despite Auckland alone being lumbered by an 11 cents per litre levy, northern fuel stations have jumped on the bandwagon too.

Full marks to our Prime Minister being quick on the offensive BUT all we get is working group number 151 appealing for gas companies to open their books. Actually Judith Collins made the same appeal 2016. Some fuel companies refused. Does it really matter? We already know they are making megabucks. The working party is to change legislation giving more power to the commerce commission FORCING all fuel companies books to be opened. The second reading was last week. It will possibly be passed into law this year. 

The Commerce Commission will have a report some time next year for government to finalise a plan… and so it goes on, more delays. I can understand the delays however. As I believe the government tax take on fuel is something over 50 cents in the dollar, why would they want to reduce fuel prices? This is the golden goose which will replenish the coffers from which they hope to fulfil their election promises. However, every commodity we use on a daily basis will gradually cost more due to transport charges, and promised wage increases, cheaper this, free that – if they ever do eventuate – will be little more than the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. What do you think?

Rob