Photo: Mercer Bay and Piha

Photo from Auckland West Coast…

Look out towards Piha from Mercer Bay loop walk vantage point

In other news. I’ve been purposely unplugging / disconnecting from the Internet for much of the evening these days. For me, It does result in having a much clearer head if you shut off your devices and shut off the internet while leaving only your phone on in a minimal state (in ultra power saving mode) and having it available strictly only for Calls and TXT in cases of emergencies.

When I do connect to the Internet, I only try and connect with a purpose (I’ll have a list of what I need to do, be it banking, paying bills, shopping for any life’s necessities) then immediately unplugging / disconnecting once all that is done,

Yes, we are naturally curious creatures, and yes “Scrolling” (be it news sites, public discussion mediums, chats, etc) does have some benefit, but only up to a point, mainly to keep abreast with the world. But beyond that it becomes counter productive and I find that many people are locked in to this dopamine loop unable to put their devices down. (Yes, it looks like Big Tech have successfully captured the masses and become the irresistible opiate of the masses – by design of course.)

Yeah, we’re playing into the hands of the world’s power elites and I’m responding by pulling back.

Photo: Mercer Bay and Piha

Review: Office of the Ombudsman NZ – Disappointing

My recent experience with the Office of the Ombudsman left me feeling pretty disappointed and concerned.

I approached the Office as a member of the public with what I believed was a straightforward, informal enquiry. Before lodging a formal complaint, I simply wanted to confirm whether my concerns regarding the actions of a local government body were within their remit. This was done in good faith, following the suggestions provided by the Office’s own website and their own online help tool.

The response I received, however, felt unduly curt and dismissive — more in the tone of a formal rejection than an attempt to guide or assist a member of the public. It gave the impression that my contact was an inconvenience rather than an opportunity for the Office to fulfill its stated mission of accessibility and impartiality.

This first impression was at odds with the values and helpful approach presented on their public website. The Ombudsman plays an important role in upholding accountability, and for the public to have trust in such an institution, the first point of contact must be handled with clarity, courtesy, and openness.

I have provided feedback to the Office about ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information on their website, so that members of the public can better understand what issues are within scope before making contact.

Review: Office of the Ombudsman NZ – Disappointing

Parking Services Ltd and Similar Ilk: Know Your Rights and Push Back

Disclaimer: This post is my personal opinion as a concerned member of the public and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you are the recipient of such a breach notice from a private parking firm, suggest consider speaking to a legal advisor or the Citizens Advice Bureau.


In recent years, I’ve watched with alarm and indignation as remote private parking enforcement companies like Parking Services Ltd and Smart Compliance Management Ltd have gained a greater foothold in New Zealand. While I’ve personally never received a parking breach notice from either of them, what I’ve seen and what others have highlighted I feel raises serious questions about fairness, legality, and ethics.

If You Receive One – Don’t Panic

If you or someone you know happens to receive such a notice from a private parking enforcement firm, please don’t just pay it blindly. Here’s what you can do. Continue reading “Parking Services Ltd and Similar Ilk: Know Your Rights and Push Back”

Parking Services Ltd and Similar Ilk: Know Your Rights and Push Back