Bryan Vickery Media Taranaki

02/10/2025

Blake Dickson is my nephew. He works in Port Headland for BHP. He’s very modest; for more than eighteen years he’s been driving the longest train with carriages in the world ( three kilometres in length).

He hates talking about his unique work. I am very proud of him and his partner Danielle.

02/10/2025

I am sharing this video because it’s a critical issue in this election. My view on the rates cap issue, for many of you is annoyingly nuanced. Imposed rate caps from Central Government are an anathema. But if the new council gets a mandate from the voting public to opt for a voluntary rate cap (such as 7 percent), I pose the question, how is that inimical to the council’s vision? Is that slash and burn?

I am not convinced that the NPDC in the next 18 months will find sufficient operational efficiencies to manage rate increases. I would be delighted to be proven wrong. What do you think? Can there be pragmatic flexibility on this issue? Or is it ideological divide between the left and the right?

01/10/2025

Money talks. Brisbane has a $288m bespoke pedestrian and cycling bridge that crosses the Brisbane River. I note with envy that all public transport across the state of Queensland costs just 50 cents.

According to AI metallurgical coal exported to China and India has been the main driver of QLD’s economy for several decades. It makes up 40 percentage of the state’s economy, with annual exports of $25 billion.

30/09/2025

I was absent from my last official council meeting. Paradoxically I spent time with my family in Brisbane, including a graveside visit. I was disappointed I never got to hear five valedictorian speeches by Mayor Neil Holdom and councillors Anneka, Tony Bedford, Bali Haque and Marie Pearce.

I wanted to be the only NPDC councillor who could claim a 100 percent attendance record of all compulsory meetings. But my nephew is getting married so I put family first. It might be a middle aged male thing, but I have never had a sick day or an absence from work until now.

However, I concede that showing up is the bare minimum when it comes to being a councillor. Fortunately a friend messaged me recordings of the valedictory speeches. The current council despite ideological and fiscal differences has been a tight and harmonious unit.

30/09/2025

I am sharing this article by the Christchurch Press newspaper because it’s further evidenceSarah Lucas for Mayor is a serious contender for the mayoralty-and that campaigning is tough. You may not agree with Sarah’s policies, but many respect her grit and resilience.

Aspiring mayors say their identity - not their policies - are being targeted on the campaign trail.

30/09/2025

I am proudly associated with the Taranaki Media Archive. I would encourage you to get along to the Len Lye Cinema to see great historical footage.

Your chance to see our history on the big screen. Program includes memories of Aunt Daisy, Dalvanius at Telethon 1988, The Springboks visit in 1956, Genevieve visits New Plymouth, Rob Tucker being hired by the Queen …..and Lots Lots More!!

29/09/2025

Betsy & the Reckless live

THE TARANAKI BIG BLUES BANGER

SAT 18 OCT, 1PM-10.30PM, BUTLERS REEF, ŌĀKURA
TICKETS@EVENTFINDER EARLYBIRD ONLINE/$45

10 BANDS, BIKES & BREWS, ŌĀKURA MEAT.CO.BLUES BANGER BBQ, FAMILY FUN,BUS TO/FROM THREE SISTERS BREWERY

Three Sisters Brewery presents a banging line up of NZ blues legends and local stars playing the blues, soul & rock 'n roll!

Bluefrog Rata, Hudson & Lurman. Blues Buffet featurng Erna Ferry, Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie, Karen Clarke Blues Woman, Msalignment, Radio Wah Wah, Hoos Blues, Betsy & The Reckless, The Peanut Butter Blues Band and The The MOST FM The Bell St Blues Show DJ's.

27/09/2025