Action at the Farm

Thanks to the kind sponsorship of Chaos and Mayhem Limited I attended, with the pod, the Action at the Farm today at Alan Gibbs Farm in Kaukapakapa.

I have never been to Gibbs Farm and was blown away with what Alan has achieved there. He gave a speech. For those who have heard Alan speak before you can well imagine how execrable it was, but his speeches are legendary and when you are as rich as Croesus you just don’t care what people think about you or anything else you have to say.

However it was interesting from the historical perspective of the farm. He bought the farm in 1991 and paid just $250,000 for the land. Surely it is worth many millions now. He also explained that not a single hill on the farm is the same as when he bought it, that he views the land as part of his sculpture. And he isn’t finished yet!

The property is magnificent, but I’d hate to be the one who mows the lawns. I have attached a slideshow of the art and sculpture.

Rodney Hide also spoke and gave his vision for election year to the faithful adherents. I particularly liked the focus of the policy mix. Not as broad as before and focussing on sensible deliverables that will steady New Zealand. The two key planks that will drive other initiative is “One Law for All” and a version of a TABOR which will seek to limit the expansion of the state. This is vintage Act and it is pleasing to see that they are focussing on the economy as a central platform. Rodney also outlined the goal is for at least 8 MPs. That means they have to get around 6% and on current polling that just isn’t going to happen.

Still the TABOR is a good idea and one long past due in New Zealand since Labour just ignores the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

MPs in attendence were Hilary Calvert, Heather Roy and John Boscawen. Had short chats with John and Hilary, Heather is obviously still in a snit with me. Also saw David Garrett. ACT’s Botany candidate, Lyn Murphy, was there as well, good to see her campaigning hard for the people of Botany in Kaukapakapa. I also caught up with Dick Quax who was looking pretty chipper even after helping Jami-lee Ross put up all his signs yesterday.

I also saw Sean Plunket and Michelle Boag there. The Act staffers were trying to tack down Plunket because apparently he bludged his way in. I have no idea why Michelle Boag was there. Maybe she wants to tank Act like she did in 2002 with National. Anyway while everyone else was walking around the magnificent farm, there was Boag was swanning around in the back of  a Jeep like the mistress of the manor.

It was a fantastic day and I appreciate the kind generosity of my sponsor, Chaos and Mayhem Limited.