Art, energy and bicycles

Sometime ago I suggested that it would be a wonderful idea if Wellington looked at the Parisian bike solution.

Well, now London have jumped onto the bandwagon, or should that be bike?

Now we just need dedicated bus lanes (rather than shared). And we might see our transport problems dramatically change like Paris. Of course that would take some courage, but not much more.

Keeping with the London theme, and mindful of our reputation, I wonder if our cities architects will ever consider adding wind turbines into future tower designs? Well, Sydney property developers, keen to reduce the energy consumption of their commercial and residential buildings, wanted too — but a lack of wind meant it was not feasible.

Secure green energy and ample water supply could well be our business destination edge over Sydney.

Lets make it happen!

And speaking of art and creative design. The word is, the mayor has announced that there will be no more funding support for the NZ Art Show. A show estimated to bring 10,000 visitors into our city.

So much for supporting a creative community (and local business)?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/jul/18/strata-tower-london-green-architecture, http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/windpowered-highrise-living-20100730-10z80.html, http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/29/cycle-hire-scheme-live-updates

Creative capital

We need to make Wellington the creative capital of New Zealand.

Both in terms of film production and information technology.

But to do that we need the infrastructure – and that means internet access. These are the new roads of the knowledge economy that we need to start building in our city.

Our council have had over 3 years to put in place such infrastructure – and we have seen absolutely nothing.

Its now, more than ever, an economic imperative in today’s modern economy to enable everyone to have access to the internet, because people can use the web to save money, find new employment and business opportunities, and give themselves access to many other benefits.

And it will allow council to deliver service to citizens faster and at much lower costs. Heritage order consents come to mind as something that would really benefit from lower costs.

And one way of doing this is ensuring not only that internet access is a right (and council need to lobby central government), but by providing low cost or free Wi-Fi access to residents and business in Wellington.

Finland have just passed laws that promote internet access as a right. And Jack Yan is also promoting Wi-Fi access for Wellington if elected – which I fully endorse.

And if done properly it can be done with a high degree of success.

Check out some real examples.

Lets make it happen.

Vote for new voices on council, that bring fresh new proven ideas, to make our city better.

http://www.govtech.com/gt/660767,  http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/14/finland-broadband