Investigative journalism master class eviscerating corrupt council
In an era when media organisations frantically downsize, replacing substance with clickbait and advertorial content, a remarkable counter-narrative is unfolding in Queenstown.
Grant McLachlan
4 days ago6 min read
Is Auckland Council fascist?
“Fascism” is a strong word, but when examining recent events in Auckland Council governance, troubling parallels emerge.
Grant McLachlan - Column
Mar 304 min read
Has Queenstown exceeded capacity?
Queenstown risks destroying the very reason people visit the destination. With the sewerage plant overflowing, can it grow any further?
Grant McLachlan
Feb 74 min read
Bird-brained council officials are dividing communities
Snells Beach encapsulates how a poor decision by elected officials spirals into overreach by unelected officials, wasting time and money.
Grant McLachlan - Column
Feb 13 min read
Submission to Auckland Council in response to proposals for the northern end of Snells Beach
Submissions to the Rodney Local Board of Auckland Council on the Proposals of Megan Young and dog access rules for Snells Beach.
Grant McLachlan
Jan 2917 min read
The Politics of Stupid
Oscar Wilde said: "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." In Snells Beach, life imitates the films Zoolander and Hot Fuzz.
Grant McLachlan - Column
Jan 287 min read
Auckland Council: Too big to care, too complex to control.
Auckland Council has grown so vast that watchdogs lack the resources to keep up, fostering a culture that often rewards dubious conduct.
Grant McLachlan
Oct 3, 20244 min read
Eco-terrorism Snells Beach style
It started as a group who appeared to be well-meaning bird photographers. When they failed to get recognition and legitimacy from...
Grant McLachlan
Sep 17, 202123 min read
Dopey economic theory causing social decline
The Herald headline read "Auckland Council golf courses a $2b-plus development bonanza." Here is the column challenging it.
Grant McLachlan - Column
Oct 14, 20204 min read
War memorial gets official listing as historic place
Adrienne Miller with military historian Grant McLachlan, who wrote the 400-page submission for the Matakana War Memorial to Heritage New...
Sallly Marden - Mahurangi Matters
Sep 13, 20202 min read
Nuisance bylaws on dogs are the real nuisance
(Click here to view the published article.) Auckland Council officials are yet to exceed my lowering expectations of them. Their proposed...
Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Nov 27, 20183 min read
Lower rural speed limits often worsen congestion
To view the original article, please click here. Be careful what you wish for when suggesting the lowering of speed limits on rural...
Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Oct 12, 20183 min read
Council officials make mockery of Unitary Plan
To visit the original article, please click here. There is little point having an Auckland Unitary Plan if council planners ignore it....
Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Mar 5, 20183 min read
Environmental watchdog sorely needed
To view the original article, please click here. To read the above image, please right click and download the image. The estuary by...
Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Dec 13, 20173 min read
Phil Goff painting himself into corner over North Rodney
To view the original article, please click here. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff's position against a North Rodney referendum to break away from...
Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Oct 25, 20173 min read
FACT CHECK: Was the Boathouse Bay decision predetermined?
The decision by Auckland Council to grant resource consent for a 33-dwelling intensive development called Boathouse Bay has shocked many...
Grant McLachlan
Sep 30, 20175 min read
FACT CHECK: Did Didsbury bury his complicity in Boathouse Bay?
If you view this year’s 1 March issue of Mahurangi Matters, one thing stands out. Can you spot it?
Grant McLachlan
Sep 27, 201710 min read
Wowsers unite communities (against them)
"Wowser: an ineffably pious person who mistakes this world for a penitentiary and himself for a warder." - C.J. Dennis
HUMAN NATURE: Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Nov 5, 20103 min read
McVillage could be iconic
If done right, McDonalds could be an iconic welcoming focus point to the Havelock North Village.
Grant McLachlan
Aug 23, 20093 min read
The carrot and the stick
Young lawyer treats council to plates of humble brussel sprouts. Every now and again the New Plymouth District Council gets a jolly good...
Gordon Brown - Taranaki Daily News
Apr 30, 20094 min read
