While I oppose the installation of water meters—let’s not give technocrats a chance to charge us for something that we should get for free, living on an island—I believe in transparency. Wellington already does well in putting government valuations online, so why not more?
   As I discussed transparency with some of my colleagues at the Medinge Group, it was suggested, especially by Ton Zijlstra, that we could, in Wellington, make data on air quality and water usage (where already available) publicly accessible online. We could also put information on water quality in our rivers online, for instance. This could allow communities and enterprises themselves to come up with solutions to make improvements, giving power to the people.
   It doesn’t mean the city would stop taking responsibility for these issues. However, I believe that being transparent and open can result in innovations we haven’t come across yet. As always, your thoughts are welcome.

air · creativity · information · innovation · internet · public utilities · transparency · water · Wellington · Whanganui-a-Tara

When I was manning one of the stands at the Newtown Fair earlier this year, we had a petition for Wellington residents to oppose the adoption of water meters and charging for water. I noticed that the campaign has continued today outside the Newtown Mall.
   By the looks of things, today’s campaigners were more successful, filling up more pages of their petition. I know from my experience that there were people both for and against water charging, with the majority against. How do site visitors feel about this issue?

privatization · profiteering · technocracy · utilities · water · Wellington · Whanganui-a-Tara