See BRONZ in action in Wellington 12-5-11 -- Wellington Mcycle Petition Presentation

[riffer]

Tomorrow at 9.15 we present the epetition (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/133172-Keep-Wellington-s-motorcycle-parking-free-sign-the-petition%21?highlight=epetition)on Free Motorcycling in Wellington.

I'll be making a small speech when BRONZ present this petition. It would be great if we had some people there for support and to make some public comment on this.

In addition, if there's anything you'd like me to include in my speech tomorrow, here's your opportunity to say something.



Simon
BRONZ Wellington Media Liaison

[NONONO]

Well done cocker. Good luck. Hope you get a few there.

[cheshirecat]

Can't get the time off, but good luck

[James Deuce]

Where's your press release ripping National and Labour a new one for completely ignoring Motorcycle rego levies in the current round of discussions in the media revolving around ACC's profit helping to mitigate NZ's financial position?

Especially Labour. So much for their "support" eh?

[MIXONE]

Whereabouts?

[oneofsix]

Can't get the time off, but good luck

+1 but others might want an idea of where this meeting will be and approximately how long

[riffer]

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/meetings/committee/Strategy_and_Policy/2011/12May0915/agenda.html

The meeting starts at 9.15. There are a couple of housekeeping matters to attend to at the beginning of the meeting, and then we move into the Public Participation part, during which time I will be called to present our petition. That's likely to be around 9.20am.

Council Offices, Wakefield Street, Wellington

[StoneY]

This all follows on from the efforts BRONZ, WIMA, Ulysses, and MAG have already gone to in meeting the council and having a discussion of parking issue's with them.

Any who can find the time to attend and back Simon up on this it would be very good to see some support in the crowd.

[theseekerfinds]

I'll do my best to be there, just gotta get my kiddies to school earlier so I can get ready to ride in and utilise that free parking :yes:

[riffer]

Where's your press release ripping National and Labour a new one for completely ignoring Motorcycle rego levies in the current round of discussions in the media revolving around ACC's profit helping to mitigate NZ's financial position?

Especially Labour. So much for their "support" eh?

There's a big difference between the motor vehicle account and the workers account mate.

[James Deuce]

There's a big difference between the motor vehicle account and the workers account mate.

Gaaah. Being honourable and honest in politics and PR is asking for the kicking we continue to receive. It's a gold plated opportunity to extract some negative publicity for the actions of both major political parties and highlight the plight of motorcyclists.

There may be a difference in accounts. From a bottom line perspective for ACC it still contributes to their overall profitability.

Stop trying to play fair you mugs. The other side isn't.

[riffer]

Gaaah. Being honourable and honest in politics and PR is asking for the kicking we continue to receive. It's a gold plated opportunity to extract some negative publicity for the actions of both major political parties and highlight the plight of motorcyclists.

There may be a difference in accounts. From a bottom line perspective for ACC it still contributes to their overall profitability.

Stop trying to play fair you mugs. The other side isn't.

There's a nicer view from the higher ground. :yes:

[Smifffy]

I'm all for free motorcycling!!

[James Deuce]

There's a nicer view from the higher ground. :yes:

If you believe that you're completely deluded. I remember why I thought BRONZ were a waste of time, effort and money 20 years ago. You cannot work with Politicians, you can only consistently represent their policy and actions as unfair and dishonest until a significant proportion of the population believes your counter-propaganda enough to register in polls. Until their actions risk votes politicians will serve only their own agenda, no matter how they sugar coat it.

Working with them is a recipe for being swallowed by a bigger, more polished machine, much like you guys have been. These people are not our friends and want us off the road.

[Scouse]

There's a nicer view from the higher ground. :yes:
Higher ground Schmier ground anyway your a boring old fart and even though you class your speach as "a short speach" it will probably send everone to sleep. JD is corect in that you have to play them at their own game.

[riffer]

Thanks for the support guys. Good to know the old kiwi knocking machine is still in action.

[StoneY]

If you believe that you're completely deluded. I remember why I thought BRONZ were a waste of time, effort and money 20 years ago.

Well JD we are doing a shit load more than just whining in KB mate, and I don't recall that being your attitude when I asked you to be the official journo for us in Nov 09 old pal.

This time we have 4,300 odd signatures to back Simon's short speech and the 3 questions he is putting to the council exec's.

It's real easy for those who don't actually take ANY action to knock the efforts we make, but when will we see ANY of these people actually step up and do ANYTHING to make a difference themselves????

I rest my case.

Thanks WIMA, Ulysses and MAG for the ongoing support on this issue, representing all Wellington and visiting Motorcyclists rights.
Small battle, but one we just might come out with a win for once.

[theseekerfinds]

...Working with them is a recipe for being swallowed by a bigger, more polished machine, much like you guys have been. These people are not our friends and want us off the road.

:Oi: then get off the f$#ken road you pessimistic wanker and free up some more space for the rest of us.. and enough talk of being swallowed after polishing that's for another section of the site I believe :tugger:

[James Deuce]

"Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule." Friedrich Nietzsche

[James Deuce]

Well JD we are doing a shit load more than just whining in KB mate, and I don't recall that being your attitude when I asked you to be the official journo for us in Nov 09 old pal.

This time we have 4,300 odd signatures to back Simon's short speech and the 3 questions he is putting to the council exec's.

It's real easy for those who don't actually take ANY action to knock the efforts we make, but when will we see ANY of these people actually step up and do ANYTHING to make a difference themselves????

I rest my case.

Thanks WIMA, Ulysses and MAG for the ongoing support on this issue, representing all Wellington and visiting Motorcyclists rights.
Small battle, but one we just might come out with a win for once.

That's nice but a number of PR opportunities have slid by in the last week.

[theseekerfinds]

That's nice but a number of PR opportunities have slid by in the last week.

they'd be all the ones that you've picked up and run with then would they?

[bogan]

Good work, and hope the presentation went well guys.


That's nice but a number of PR opportunities have slid by in the last week.

How exactly do we ensure they don't slip by? it seem any press releases are only read by motorcyclists anyway.

[theseekerfinds]

I've just come from attending the WCC meeting where BRONZ presented the petition and despite the fact that it followed behind two presentations where the council was really focussed the council were really positive about the petition and the presentation so a big :niceone: must go to Simon for that. the Mayor and a couple of councillors had positive feedback which helps immensely, though a report is due out in August on the parking issue so we will see just how it will all pan out then.. :wait:

[oneofsix]

I've just come from attending the WCC meeting where BRONZ presented the petition and despite the fact that it followed behind two presentations where the council was really focussed the council were really positive about the petition and the presentation so a big :niceone: must go to Simon for that. the Mayor and a couple of councillors had positive feedback which helps immensely, though a report is due out in August on the parking issue so we will see just how it will all pan out then.. :wait:

Glad to hear it was well received. BTW did many manage to make it to support Simon?

[theseekerfinds]

only one that I saw, when I enquired as to which room it was being held in the supposed service desk at the front didn't even know which meeting it was a part of so others may have shown up and not known where to go..

[oneofsix]

only one that I saw, when I enquired as to which room it was being held in the supposed service desk at the front didn't even know which meeting it was a part of so others may have shown up and not known where to go..

sounds like typical open and honest government :blink: have a front desk to help people but don't tell the front desk anything.

[Hanne]

It's good that you got a chance to present it, the queue to get into Wellington meetings is clearly much shorter than up here in Auckland! Look forward to seeing what happens with the report....

Hanne

[James Deuce]

they'd be all the ones that you've picked up and run with then would they?
Under what mandate would I "run" with them?

[James Deuce]

Good work, and hope the presentation went well guys.



How exactly do we ensure they don't slip by? it seem any press releases are only read by motorcyclists anyway.
Someone isn't understanding the squeaky wheel premise.

[theseekerfinds]

sounds like typical open and honest government :blink: have a front desk to help people but don't tell the front desk anything.

they tried to send me into the part where you pay rates and the like and they don't even know how to do their own job let alone know where the real council work goes on :shit: did I say real council work? sorry for that mistake

[oneofsix]

they tried to send me into the part where you pay rates and the like and they don't even know how to do their own job let alone know where the real council work goes on :shit: did I say real council work? sorry for that mistake

Glad Simon knew where to go. :yes: Guess this is where getting along side councils helps, you then don't have to rely on their helpdesks :Wink:

[bogan]

Someone isn't understanding the squeaky wheel premise.

How do we get people with oil to hear the squeaking? was my point.

[theseekerfinds]

Someone isn't understanding the squeaky wheel premise.

I'd like to have seen more squeaky wheels at the presentation but hey folks gotta work.. what forum would we squeak in to get the oil, do we go to the papers or flood facebook and those social networking type sites with our squeaks.. I agree though, more squeaky wheels need to come to the fore

[StoneY]

Just spoke with Simon and it seems we can tentatively chalk up a minor victory at this point.
Time will truly tell though in August

We used senior councilors own statements in quotes, we used 'dust to dust' analogies backed up by Bryan Pepperil a Harley owning councilor, and thanked them for the cooperative discourse we have had since the e-petition went viral

Great work Simon and all who contributed, and yet again thanks to WIMA, Ulysses and MAG NZ for the initial support at the opening round of discussions

[oneofsix]

Just spoke with Simon and it seems we can tentatively chalk up a minor victory at this point.
Time will truly tell though in August

We used senior councilors own statements in quotes, we used 'dust to dust' analogies backed up by Bryan Pepperil a Charley owning councilor, and thanked them for the cooperative discourse we have had since the e-petition went viral

Great work Simon and all who contributed, and yet again thanks to WIMA, Ulysses and MAG NZ for the initial support at the opening round of discussions

so an example of the various groups working together to achieve a good outcome for the whole motorcycling community. Well done. :woohoo: But because this is politics lets wait before we party. :wait:

[riffer]

You're absolutely right there theseekerfinds. Thanks for the support today. Good to see a fellow biker there.

I'd rate this one as a win for us. As theseekerfinds said, presentation of our petition came after two lengthy submissions. Council listened politely and intently and offered positive reaction to the petition.

I explained the massive increase in motorcycle traffic volumes (rising 10% year on year compared to 0.5% for all other traffic) and the effect this way having on the WCC parking infrastructure. Quoted MTA's Andy Cuming and Council's own Ian McKinnon on these matters for evidence - this raised a few eyebrows in council due to a scruffy biker in a suit using the council's own words to support their argument I can tell you.

Moved on to talking about unofficial carparks of the past being eradicated (Boulcott St in particular) and the effect this has had on motorcyclists, being forced to find alternative parking arrangements.

Thanked Job Visser for the work he's been doing in negotiating with parking buildings on our behalf and enquired as to the progress made in the accommodation of motorcyclists in parking buildings and provision of lockers, as our research indicates that there is little movement in this area.

Mentioned the casual discussion held between the infrastructure executives and the motorcycling representatives (of which BRONZ is part) and that we understood that there is a commitment from the Council that while parks may change position and some may become time limited, our parking spaces will not be reduced in number.

Talked about the environmental factors vis-a-vis motorcycles and scooters - arguably less environmentally damaging, particular as new motorcycle registrations are on the increase and we are seeing the motorcycle fleet more rapidly turning over, meaning newer bikes which are held to higher emissions standards are largely replacing older, less environmentally conscious models.

Asked about the large piece of pavement corner Courtnay Place and Taranaki Street near the old toilets and whether it could be converted to bike parking. Council were cagey about this but got a commitment that it will be added to discussions.

Asked if Council is still intending to assess all locations presented by the motorcycling public as potential motorcycle parks as per the comments posted to kiwibiker by Jon Visser asking us to assist in this issue.

Council let me run over time which was good. At the completion they accepted our petition with 4265 signatures on it, and tabled it.

There is a meeting in August which I have informed them we will be attending, and this was acknowledged by Council that they accept that we are not going away.

The Mayor personally thanked BRONZ for our positive attitude towards working with council on solutions to the parking problem and stated that they looked forward to working with us on this ongoingly.

Councillor Pepperell added that Council also needed to consider the dust-to-dust carbon footprint of motorcycles was hugely better that cars, and Council needed to recognise that motorcycles were part of the solution, rather than a problem.

This was duly noted by Council and the petition was unanimously accepted by all present.

We are looking foward to continuing to work with Council on getting a better deal for Wellington motorcyclists and consider it a victory that we won't be losing any of our free parks.

[Katman]

I agree though, more squeaky wheels need to come to the fore

I'm not far off moving from a squeak to a tortured screech.

[theseekerfinds]

awesome work Simon, and I must add that the Mayor also made positive comments about the petition and how it was well presented to the council so again :niceone:

[Fatt Max]

Good work there mate, well done

[StoneY]

I'm not far off moving from a squeak to a tortured screech.

That reminds me of one of my ex girlfriends singing ability..... oooo shudder!

[cheshirecat]

Really good stuff s
I particularly like this

"The Mayor personally thanked BRONZ for our positive attitude towards working with council on solutions to the parking problem and stated that they looked forward to working with us on this ongoingly.

[theseekerfinds]

was the way the lady presenting before Simon made the gaffe over the difference between the correct use of the word Penal and Penile :facepalm: that was a very funny moment and the levity introduced seem to carry over to Simon's presentation :D

[Kendog]

Nice work :rockon:

[caseye]

You are a flaming Leg End riffer, well done that man and lets loo0ok forward to the August result.
While these things do take time and results are rarely seen immediately I reckon that with the support of over 4000 Welly bikers, Jon and the other motorcycle organisations that BRONZ Welly have done something quite special here.
Well done.

[Nasty]

awesome work Simon, and I must add that the Mayor also made positive comments about the petition and how it was well presented to the council so again :niceone:

+1 mate ... onya!

[riffer]

While these things do take time and results are rarely seen immediately I reckon that with the support of over 4000 Welly bikers..

To clarify that, 48% of respondents to the petition were from the Wellington Region, with a large majority of that from around New Zealand, and a significant minority from overseas.

While Infrastructure Performance had attempted to use this information to try and minimise the strength of the petition by saying that only 33% of petition signees were actually ratepayers, the fact that commuters and Wellingtonians resident both elsewhere in the country and overseas still felt strongly enough about what was happening in our fair city to sign a petition about motorcycle parking was not lost on Council.

We reminded them of this, of course. :)

[oneofsix]

To clarify that, 48% of respondents to the petition were from the Wellington Region, with a large majority of that from around New Zealand, and a significant minority from overseas.

While Infrastructure Performance had attempted to use this information to try and minimise the strength of the petition by saying that only 33% of petition signees were actually ratepayers, the fact that commuters and Wellingtonians resident both elsewhere in the country and overseas still felt strongly enough about what was happening in our fair city to sign a petition about motorcycle parking was not lost on Council.

We reminded them of this, of course. :)

Well done. This rate payers is bullshit for a city like Wellington. How many businesses etc would there be paying rates in Wellington if it weren't for the commuters and unless they shift the ferry terminal to say Wanganui :shudder: and the Govt. then the rest of NZ also have a vested interest.

[riffer]

Need to slightly tweak my figures, after I've checked my notes.

33% of signatures from Wellington City
19% from Wellington region

48% from outside Wellington Area

[StoneY]

Well done. This rate payers is bullshit for a city like Wellington. How many businesses etc would there be paying rates in Wellington if it weren't for the commuters and unless they shift the ferry terminal to say Wanganui :shudder: and the Govt. then the rest of NZ also have a vested interest.

I made that point at the initial meeting that almost every motorcycle rider in the country will pass through Wellington on business or pleasure one day, and need a park.
They turned that into a further justification on the time limit slots near retail and govt locations, hahahaha

However I reckon we (the motorcycling community) have done a stellar job here, and Simon used the councils own approved democratic process as our tool, the E-Petition!

I love it when a plan comes together.

[cheshirecat]

I suppose 33% of the votes would be close to 100% of the MC commuters meaning further justification for more spaces in line with WCC's commitment to carbon emmisions and so forth.

[Smifffy]

I suppose 33% of the votes would be close to 100% of the MC commuters meaning further justification for more spaces in line with WCC's commitment to carbon emmisions and so forth.

Don't make the error of confusing a statement to commit to the reduction of carbon emissions with an actual commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

[cheshirecat]

Don't make the error of confusing a statement to commit to the reduction of carbon emissions with an actual commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Absolutely - Heaven forbid they would actually do something