THE WRATH OF HELEN

Another historic rape trail ends with an acquittal. However what is most frightening about this is what might seem to some as the unseen hand of the Prime Minister Helen Clark behind them. Reported in todays Herald is a comment from high profile lawyer Gary Gotlieb.

Defence lawyer Gary Gotlieb claimed the Crown had prosecuted Mr Ogle only because the case was referred to the commission of inquiry into police conduct.
"And I have to say it again, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck from the Prime Minister referring it back to them. Hey, doesn't that make you feel uncomfortable? It certainly makes me feel uncomfortable."

Does the Prime Minister have a hidden agenda to reduce the power of men in this country? First she took on the male doctors at National Women's Hospital with some shonky statistics and help from Sylvia Cartwright and then she rid herself of Police Commissioner Doone. Now she seems to be after rank and file policemen who have had rape claims (that have already been investigated and thrown out) against them in the past.

The Prime Minister has also recently had allegations made about her sexuality and is rumored to be in a lesbian relationship, while there is strong suggestion that her husband is homosexual. She has also surrounded herself in the halls of power with a number of openly homosexual men and lesbian women. Does the Prime Minister of New Zealand have a hatred for men?

WATERFRONT STADIUM NOT VIABLE

In an article from NZRugby world Eden Park’s Rob Fisher says a waterfront stadium is an expensive and high-risk proposition that cannot be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup.

http://www.nzrugbyworld.com/article.aspx?articleid=2140

Mr Fisher released a report prepared for Eden Park by quantity surveyors WT Partnership, which said a 60,000-seat waterfront stadium would cost between $612 million and $767 million, excluding land and relocation costs of up to $150 million.

“Our advisers believe that total costs for the waterfront will be more than double that for Eden Park. You’ve also got to factor in substantial additional costs to develop infrastructure such as Britomart and Quay Street, as well as sewerage, stormwater and drainage systems, to meet the demands of a 60,000 seat stadium. It looks like an open chequebook.”

Mr Fisher said a waterfront stadium would not provide any additional economic benefit for Auckland or New Zealand, compared to Eden Park.

A report by Eden Park’s economic consultants, Horwath Asia Pacific, says a waterfront stadium would not increase the estimated $240 million boost to the Auckland economy from the Rugby World Cup, and was "highly unlikely" to produce greater long-term economic benefits than a redeveloped Eden Park.

“The numbers just don’t stack up. Eden Park can achieve the same economic benefits for far less investment – and our business case, developed in conjunction with PricewaterhouseCoopers, demonstrates that we can continue to operate sustainably after the Rugby World Cup, without any need for ongoing ratepayer subsidisation.”

I feel strongly that a waterfront stadium will be a mistake. Save the extra money and develop an adequate transport system to get around Auckland and include a station at Eden Park. This will enable supporters to get to the city centre after the game to celebrate (or to drown their sorrows). Keep the iconic Eden Park and save our money!