

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

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


Ban of fireworks misdirected
For all the reasons to justify banning the public sale of fireworks, it seems that many have missed the point.
Grant McLachlan
Nov 1, 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


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


Contrived problems are the problem
You can’t please everyone. When the Rodney Local Board tried to please a vocal minority they annoyed the apathetic majority by making...
Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Nov 3, 20153 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