P
1912 days ago

Port of Napier partial sale - conflict of interest?

Pauline from Hospital Hill

Port sale: conflict of interest - real or imagined? See Bruce Bisset's column in today's paper and what we can expect thanks to an Aussie called Stephen Bradford, appointed to the Port of Napier Board in 2014 under Andrew Newman's reign (remember HBRIC - their specialty was setting up holding companies to keep regional council at arms length from "complicated" financial investments): A company called Flagstaff Partners Pty Ltd, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Flagstaff Partners Holdings (formerly called HoldKing), is a "mergers and acquisitions" corporate advisory firm based in Melbourne. STEPHEN BRADFORD has been a "senior adviser" with the firm for several years. BRADFORD was CEO of Port of Melbourne Corporation from January 2004-December 2013. BRADFORD then became specialist adviser to Flagstaff on the Port of Melbourne "transaction" (2016), which resulted in that publicly-owned port being commercially leased out for a 50-year term. BRADFORD was also involved (2015) in a scoping study for the Northern Territory Government examining the future of Darwin's port – which was ultimately leased out to Chinese interests on a 99-year term, causing a stir with the US over its strategic value. BRADFORD is currently chairman of Tasports, which runs all major ports in Tasmania.
BRADFORD'S involvement with Napier Port began in November 2014 with his appointment (by HBRC) to the port's board for a three-year term. The port board and the council began discussing a planned expansion and how to finance it at the beginning of 2016.
BRADFORD resigned from the port board in July 2018, saying while he had a "minor role" with Flagstaff he was resigning on account of a "public perception" of conflict of interest, rather than an actual one. (He'd done his job.) GREAT INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM... THANKS Bruce Bisset. www.nzherald.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...

Prospa

A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.

The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.

The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!

Image
12 hours ago

Enhancing Your Home and Lifestyle!

Jade Promotions

Enjoy a wonderful day out at the Hawke’s Bay Better Home & Living Show opening this Friday! Packed with inspiration, exclusive show specials, giveaways and more the Hawke’s Bay Better Home and Living Show is on at Pettigrew Green Arena, 17th - 19th of May. Buy online here today and save with the 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer.

There are so many fabulous reasons to visit the show with everything from heating & insulation, builders, renovators, homewares, tiny homes, plants, tools, spas, health, well-being, sustainable living, art and artisan foods! With great food and coffee, grab a friend using this discounted offer and enjoy a day together.

Save the date in your diaries: 17-19 May

Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale
Adults $5
Gold Card Friday $2.50
Under 16 free
Find out more

Image
2 days ago

Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?

Triton Hearing

Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.

What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?

Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!

*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
Find out more

Image
What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
  • 88% a) The size of a pea
    88% Complete
  • 4.6% b) The size of a AAA battery
    4.6% Complete
  • 7.4% c) The size of a $2 coin
    7.4% Complete
326 votes