Councillor says Govt cuts $6m of subsidies for Haumaru Housing with 3 days notice, forcing homes to stay empty without renovations; MBIE warns of big power price hikes next year; Epic climate warning
Yes Bernard, the arbitrary nature of the deficit and lack of foresight as you say when you have a young growing population it’s not a problem to spend more. Because you wind up with happy and healthy taxpayers down the road. Keep up the good work pushing back against this narrative
In 1981, we got a subsidised solar installation for our small Waikato farmhouse. Our power usage was so low that the electricity provider checked we weren't cheating them! If NZ went that way, with the government encouraging solar installation (and sell-back of unused power), there would be NO shortage problem. Simple solution. So why not???
Because rather than a system which asks "what are the benefits of distributed solar?" we have a system which asks "where are the profits from distributed solar?".
We need to change the questions Ministers ask.
(Much like we need to change the mindset that wealthy = successful)
Info from our solar installer is that "Australian 4777 standard was approved in Australia last month, expect it to come into affect next year. Will allow bidirectional as long as vehicle complies with standard."
So now we just have to wait for V2G capable EVs, bidirectional EVSEs and lines company acceptance before we can use our EVs to power our homes and contribute to grid demands. Waiting, waiting...
Spot on… when I’m passing the large area with distribution centres and other businesses outside Palmerston North … I always wonder why they don’t have solar panels on their roof …there are acres of roofs ..
i always wonder if the rain water is collected or running straight into the storm water instead of down in the ground water …
"Nature wins in the end" - yes the ability for weeds to grow wherever there's a tiny opening for water and sunshine in an urban environment always amazes me. They're beautiful in their own way.
I look forward to the press release next year from Shane Jones blaming these “unexpected high prices” on a 7 year old Labour policy (which has not impacted the current energy market) while planning for fixes that will take years to implement. Cool.
I am avoiding the temptation to write a small essay on how the current model for ownership and operation of our energy resources has failed and should be returned to public ownership. Great graph yesterday and telling comment today. Instead, after reading through the 149 fast track, and thinking about Covid fast tracking and Seymour’s expensive ministry to get around parliamentary law, we need a better way of deciding on and implementing how things get done. It seems to me we have created rules based processes that are too prescriptive. We spend huge money on consultants. It’s now a major industry. We have a system that seems to undervalue institutional knowledge, and with no future certainty about work a lot of that knowledge is lost. Our laws and system need to put more faith in those that do the implementation. They might get more job satisfaction from that. Motivation can be our human desire to advance our society rather than profit for private companies. I suspect that’s how the energy projects of the 50s to 70s were built. Let’s make our decision making process less convoluted. What we have now is a two tier system- it will clearly be financially advantageous to be on the fast track list. And good decision making, Bernard. Family comes first. Best wishes.
Excellent points Bruce on rules-based and use of consultants. The problem the current government has is that they have demonstrated no support or faith in the institutional expertise (aka policy/laws driven by "independent advice"). So, instead of seeking external consultancy support (expensive), they've just stopped doing stuff altogether. Of course rules-based process can be blamed for everything but the Ministry of Regulation will fix all that, won't it?
Thanks Grant. I also think that “fast track” is lazy. Instead of coming into an election with a clearly thought out strategy of how to make decisions and get things done they have gone for an easy option to cater for their pet projects.
Bernard and Lynn, please take all the time you need for your family. We understand that family comes first in times like this.
The poverty/housing/ environmental issues will sadly still be here when you're able to return to your excellent daily commentary. I'm sure many of us can step up and post in Substack Notes anything that happens tomorrow, this week, and so forth while you're away.
So please just focus on your family and yourselves. As despite all the daily shenanigans of our politicians and bureaucratic leaders what counts most is family
Seeing the photo of those Haumaru Housing units, I thought, what lovely little village cottages. Well worth maintaining to keep them like that. So, another mindless government-driven cut. ... They should also add a solar panel to each roof for good elderly access to cheap power, yes?! Opportunities everywhere one looks.
Great opening on reality of money and debt Bernard. Once people understand that money from banks is just as inflationary as money from government if there is no capacity (real resource/people) to provide the service then the whole case for conventional economics starts looking pretty shakey.
Thanks Bernard for letting us know about a possible hiatus in your service. I'm proud to know someone who puts people first. Go well you and Lynn and bring lots of healing Kiwi compassion to your family.
One of the great kiwi myths is how established we - as a nation - are in our sustainable renewable electricity generation. After all we are the country with substantial hydro generation built back in the last century. We are a lucky country.
This myth begs several key factors.
#1. Our hydro production doesn’t come close to covering all our energy needs. Notwithstanding, production infrastructure depreciates, its needs expenditure to maintain it.
#2. Energy production needs infrastructure to deliver it to where it adds economic value. This infrastructure also needs investment to maintain it.
#3. “Growth” as we have pursued over past decades means we need more production and more capacity and more delivery infrastructure to maintain parity with past population and business needs.
#4. Discounting significant capacity to maintain small employment gains in the bottom of the South Island doesn’t address any of the structural issues present in this ecosystem.
#5. We also need to consider where our consumption needs will be in the future. Recognising the shifts in population centres, production capability, and the types and locations of industry we will require as we shift to climate adaption.
#6 this also needs to recognise a different model of energy production and consumption. One which is more localised and therefore more flexible and adaptive to population shifts that will need to occur. Thus requires a shift in how we think better strategically to energy production and transmission
Yes Bernard, the arbitrary nature of the deficit and lack of foresight as you say when you have a young growing population it’s not a problem to spend more. Because you wind up with happy and healthy taxpayers down the road. Keep up the good work pushing back against this narrative
I was going to quote this:
"From the age of the dinosaurs
Cars have run on gasoline
Where, where have they gone?
Now, it's nothing but flowers"
But upon checking those lyrics noticed this more appropriate verse:
"And as things fell apart
Nobody paid much attention
You got it, you got it"
(Nothing But) Flowers | Naked | Talking Heads
Best wishes for your family member
Patrick Medlicott
Let's keep banging on about distributed solar. This could make a difference quickly to upcoming energy deficit.
https://theconversation.com/more-rooftop-solar-in-cities-would-help-solve-nzs-energy-crisis-and-build-disaster-resilience-238193
In 1981, we got a subsidised solar installation for our small Waikato farmhouse. Our power usage was so low that the electricity provider checked we weren't cheating them! If NZ went that way, with the government encouraging solar installation (and sell-back of unused power), there would be NO shortage problem. Simple solution. So why not???
You explained why; no profits for providers, network.
Because rather than a system which asks "what are the benefits of distributed solar?" we have a system which asks "where are the profits from distributed solar?".
We need to change the questions Ministers ask.
(Much like we need to change the mindset that wealthy = successful)
Info from our solar installer is that "Australian 4777 standard was approved in Australia last month, expect it to come into affect next year. Will allow bidirectional as long as vehicle complies with standard."
So now we just have to wait for V2G capable EVs, bidirectional EVSEs and lines company acceptance before we can use our EVs to power our homes and contribute to grid demands. Waiting, waiting...
There are a lot of V2G cars already, Nissen Leaf, Kia, Tesla next year...
Spot on… when I’m passing the large area with distribution centres and other businesses outside Palmerston North … I always wonder why they don’t have solar panels on their roof …there are acres of roofs ..
i always wonder if the rain water is collected or running straight into the storm water instead of down in the ground water …
A classic illustration of the disintegration of New Zealand's health service:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530180/struggling-gp-practice-says-health-nz-committee-told-it-to-start-cafe-to-bring-in-cash
Excellent post today Bernard I hope it goes public. My best wishes to your relative; travel safe.
Thanks Francisco. Already missing Waiheke. Had two swims yesterday!
I had my first 2.5k post-winter one… still very cold.
In any case let us know if anything is needed around the house while you guys away… that is the Waiheke way☺️
"Nature wins in the end" - yes the ability for weeds to grow wherever there's a tiny opening for water and sunshine in an urban environment always amazes me. They're beautiful in their own way.
I look forward to the press release next year from Shane Jones blaming these “unexpected high prices” on a 7 year old Labour policy (which has not impacted the current energy market) while planning for fixes that will take years to implement. Cool.
And go well Bernard, all the best with whanau.
I am avoiding the temptation to write a small essay on how the current model for ownership and operation of our energy resources has failed and should be returned to public ownership. Great graph yesterday and telling comment today. Instead, after reading through the 149 fast track, and thinking about Covid fast tracking and Seymour’s expensive ministry to get around parliamentary law, we need a better way of deciding on and implementing how things get done. It seems to me we have created rules based processes that are too prescriptive. We spend huge money on consultants. It’s now a major industry. We have a system that seems to undervalue institutional knowledge, and with no future certainty about work a lot of that knowledge is lost. Our laws and system need to put more faith in those that do the implementation. They might get more job satisfaction from that. Motivation can be our human desire to advance our society rather than profit for private companies. I suspect that’s how the energy projects of the 50s to 70s were built. Let’s make our decision making process less convoluted. What we have now is a two tier system- it will clearly be financially advantageous to be on the fast track list. And good decision making, Bernard. Family comes first. Best wishes.
Excellent points Bruce on rules-based and use of consultants. The problem the current government has is that they have demonstrated no support or faith in the institutional expertise (aka policy/laws driven by "independent advice"). So, instead of seeking external consultancy support (expensive), they've just stopped doing stuff altogether. Of course rules-based process can be blamed for everything but the Ministry of Regulation will fix all that, won't it?
Thanks Grant. I also think that “fast track” is lazy. Instead of coming into an election with a clearly thought out strategy of how to make decisions and get things done they have gone for an easy option to cater for their pet projects.
All the best for whanau Bernard.
Please, no timeline cleansing pics from Australia. There will be no one left here soon.
Bernard and Lynn, please take all the time you need for your family. We understand that family comes first in times like this.
The poverty/housing/ environmental issues will sadly still be here when you're able to return to your excellent daily commentary. I'm sure many of us can step up and post in Substack Notes anything that happens tomorrow, this week, and so forth while you're away.
So please just focus on your family and yourselves. As despite all the daily shenanigans of our politicians and bureaucratic leaders what counts most is family
Seeing the photo of those Haumaru Housing units, I thought, what lovely little village cottages. Well worth maintaining to keep them like that. So, another mindless government-driven cut. ... They should also add a solar panel to each roof for good elderly access to cheap power, yes?! Opportunities everywhere one looks.
Great opening on reality of money and debt Bernard. Once people understand that money from banks is just as inflationary as money from government if there is no capacity (real resource/people) to provide the service then the whole case for conventional economics starts looking pretty shakey.
All the best with your family.
Thanks Bernard for letting us know about a possible hiatus in your service. I'm proud to know someone who puts people first. Go well you and Lynn and bring lots of healing Kiwi compassion to your family.
Safe travel you two, hope all goes well for Whanau.
Aroha to you and the whānau Bernard - you and Lynn take the time you need to focus on what's important while you're over there.
Take the time you need
One of the great kiwi myths is how established we - as a nation - are in our sustainable renewable electricity generation. After all we are the country with substantial hydro generation built back in the last century. We are a lucky country.
This myth begs several key factors.
#1. Our hydro production doesn’t come close to covering all our energy needs. Notwithstanding, production infrastructure depreciates, its needs expenditure to maintain it.
#2. Energy production needs infrastructure to deliver it to where it adds economic value. This infrastructure also needs investment to maintain it.
#3. “Growth” as we have pursued over past decades means we need more production and more capacity and more delivery infrastructure to maintain parity with past population and business needs.
#4. Discounting significant capacity to maintain small employment gains in the bottom of the South Island doesn’t address any of the structural issues present in this ecosystem.
#5. We also need to consider where our consumption needs will be in the future. Recognising the shifts in population centres, production capability, and the types and locations of industry we will require as we shift to climate adaption.
#6 this also needs to recognise a different model of energy production and consumption. One which is more localised and therefore more flexible and adaptive to population shifts that will need to occur. Thus requires a shift in how we think better strategically to energy production and transmission