The third version of Roskill will be out soon!

Yes, it’s true. I am having Roskill re-edited yet again, this time by a well-known editor, Richard Stratford. We are down-sizing it so that it will appeal to the teenage market. Everyone knows that getting kids to read these days is becoming a real battle, hence overly long books (that’s anything over 70,000) just don’t cut it.

You can look forward to the new slimmed down version, with the errors expunged, ready to be launched with at our younger readers in mind. It will still appeal to parents, but the message will be more concise. Watch out for my announcement. I am hoping to reach out to the school ‘class text’ market. Roskill is aimed at young people who live under the threat of a parent who chooses to use ‘P,’ (Methamphetamine). Parents should read it to better understand the ramifications of their use of this scourge on New Zealand society. Check out my website for updates re Roskill. The older version is still for sale.  www.authorneilcoleman.com You can buy my books from the site or direct from me   neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com  

If you don’t want to buy, then check out your local library for my books. Ask and they may buy.

1)     ‘Coastal Yarns,’ by Neil Coleman

2)    ‘Roskill,’ by Neil Coleman

3)    ‘Talk To Me,’ by Neil Coleman

Sky City Government deal--is it good for NZ?

There is no doubt that John Key, our sort of popular Prime Minister, is good at making deals. His past working life would bear witness to that statement, even if I don’t have much in common with the methods he may have used. OK, I’m just not part of that particular life choice. To some he is a hero, yet other the devil incarnate. I am not a political/moralist who would judge him for the way he made his money. In my ideal world, there is room for many approaches to life.

I do however take a different view about the deal he is purported to have made with Sky City re the proposed Convention Centre. Even though he has been ‘exonerated’ by an august body from any underhand dealings, there is still a strange smell about the ramifications of this deal.

The ratepayers of Auckland will not be burdened with a debt for this new centre; something that will bring a sigh of relief after having witnessed yet another round of rate rises. That in itself will silence many critics, who base their ‘happiness levels’ on things economic rather than any strong social conscience. The 500 extra poker machines would be a small price to pay, from their point of view.

For those who witness the damage done by ‘out of control gambling, this new move will represent nothing but more suffering and social dysfunction as yet more families are torn apart by the effects of gambling. There is a good deal of evidence to show that gambling in all of its forms is a potent force in wreaking havoc in a large proportion of our families. The desperate are not the only victims; others too are drawn into the never- ending search for that big win.

We see the results in WINZ (Work and Income New Zealand) and CYFS (Child Youth and Family Services) offices as families struggle with the effects of gambling addiction. It is easy to say that if Sky City doesn’t draw in the ‘players,’ other forms of gambling will play to the crowd and the harm is simply removed to another sector. We must ask the question----is this new centre worth the carnage that will result?

Many will say that the economic benefits will outweigh any damage in the form of increased tourists spending resulting from the extra 20,000 visitors estimated to visit Auckland and the convention centre. Perhaps that argument is similar to the trickle-down theory; one that is much touted by those at the top who ‘allow’ a little wealth to flow down to the minions at the bottom. I can’t see a lot of evidence for this in our history.

I suspect the forces behind both arguments will be quite evenly split, so we are not going to see a pullback by the present Government and I believe that the Labour Party will probably go along with the plans, especially once the contract is let. The present Mayor, Len Brown seems to have sucked up to the big boys too, as he eyes other plans for the future of Auckland. Get used to the ever lengthening lines outside the City Mission; made up of the homeless and desperate. Maybe they will even move their premises---away from eyes that ‘may be offended by the sight of society’s ‘flotsam’----- Out of sight, out of mind.

The Harawiras, led by a 'gentle granny.'

I have been aware of the Harawira Family (Whanau) for more than three decades, dating back to the infamous time at the old Carrington ‘institution,’ that was led by the ‘gentle granny.’ She came in for a torrid time in the media as she was exposed for the bully she was. It seems that nothing has changed for the family as yet another incident; this time by relations of Titiwhai, all members of a so-called anti-violence organization.

There are reports that Titiwhai is extremely angry at the reported beating of a 12 year old child who apparently ‘mouthed’ something at the young men, who had been drinking at a nearby gathering. It must be very difficult for Hone as well. He has made a strong stand against violence along with his partner. Just when he was on the verge of gaining some respect for the work he has done, re his anti-smoking and anti-violence stance, this comes along.

We must remember, that family ties may be strong, but that is no guarantee that some members may act in a thuggish manner and that all of the Whanau should not be dragged into the resulting furore and that the ‘good work can continue. Deep down, I think that Titiwhai is a ‘gentle granny’ and that the media just loves to find the cracks on the family. What other family in New Zealand comes in for so much attention? Yes, you have to think, don’t you? Still, if you put yourself in that position by the actions of family members---well the pigeons do come home to roost, don’t they!

Gay, Bi and Transgender young people in our schools

Firstly I need to say that I didn’t use the word ‘queer’ to substitute for ‘gay’ as some in the Rainbow Community describe  themselves or are so  labelled by others. I come from an era where the word ‘queer’ had very negative connotations, so I ‘won’t use that to talk about friends, students or anyone else in the community.

Right I got that off my chest. For teenagers, the years between 12 and 20 are difficult enough time; facing everyday issues and struggling with identity are in themselves a stressful time. For those who are trying to work out their sexuality identity, the struggle is that much harder. Much of the ‘journey to self-realization’ happens while they attend our secondary schools (in NZ).

As teachers and those who work with our students, we have a special responsibility to allow that journey to happen in a safe environment. Sadly, this is not always so. Suicide figures for teenagers in the Rainbow Community’ are much higher than for the general population. While there has been an improvement in support for all students at secondary school in the last few decades, we still have a way to go for those who are ‘different’ in any way. For the RC students, that is an absolute truth.

Some schools are lucky enough to have the PSSP (Peer Sexuality Support Programme) in their schools, but these schools are a minority. All schools by law must have ‘anti-harassment’ policies, but not all schools implement them in the manner intended.

Teachers and those who work in schools bring with them their own understandings and positions about the RC, sometimes holding very narrow and unsympathetic views. At best these people keep those views to themselves, for a range of reasons, including religious beliefs, cultural understandings and views that are ‘uninformed.’ Others are just ‘uncomfortable’ around RC students, preferring to ignore issues that arise in their classrooms. That they have an obligation as teachers to uphold ‘anti-harassment’ policies is neither here nor there. I guess you could say the same about other school policies. It comes down to the ‘collective buy in’ of staff members. Some do, others don’t.

Young people are increasingly searching for support and that can best be delivered by teachers who have a better understanding of the issues faced by our RC students (and others). That means, staff development and time to reflect. Sadly, that is not happening to the extent that the RC needs. For those schools lucky enough to have the PSSP Programme in tier schools, then there is a good starting point; both for staff development and dialogue with students. There is support from the Ministry of Education’ in New Zealand and from the strong Teachers’ Union, the PPTA, but we have a long way to go before all students feel safe in their schools.

It was great to see the revival of the Hero Parade, now aptly named the Pride Parade. Auckland’s mayor and the Auckland Central MP played a part in this fabulous celebration for the Rain Bow Community. Long may it continue, this time without break for a decade. It was so good to see young people out there, saying---‘we’re back!’

Texas wants to be the real 'lone star state.'

I read with interest a report that said that some of the populace in Texas wish to leave the USA and go it alone. That they are the 15^th biggest economy in the world speaks heaps for such a desire; they could actually do it. Apparently there has always been a move in Texas (and in other states) to do just that, but it has always been a small minority of Texans who wish to follow through.

I have often wondered at why more states don’t have movements to leave the Union, but not quite so stridently as Texas. There seems to be a move in many countries to ‘fragment;’ from Spain, to The Russian Federation and possibly regions within China. If we looked hard enough, I guess it wouldn’t be hard to find other examples of regions wishing to break away from the ‘mother state.’

I wonder if there is any such move in New Zealand. The only area I can think that would lean that way is the inland area around the East Coast. They after all never bowed down to the Crown in our struggles here.

West Australia would be the most logical state in Australia to have such ambitions and they have the wealth to manage such a transition, but in all cases, I doubt that the aspirations of the few would become a reality for the many.

What then will happen in Texas? I guess things will carry ion as per normal. I cannot see the USA fragmenting any time soon, but who knows what ‘conditions’  and events will turn the dribble into a flood? The process of ‘nation making’ has always been and always will be a continuing force in our future.

Facebook---is it allowing too much 'unreal' communication?

Facebook is part of the lives for a huge number of people worldwide. It has allowed many people to communicate in an instant throughout the day (and night!) and probably been instrumental in millions of real time liaisons, often resulting in permanent relationships. It is loved by most and has opened the ‘doors’ of communication to a vast number of people who may have normally remained lonely, isolated and friendless. Yes, Facebook has a great deal going for it.

It has its downsides too. Many of the so-called ‘friendships’ are shallow, unreal and possibly dangerous. Communicating with someone you have never met can have its issues; namely distance, possible misinformation, criminal activity, ‘grooming’ and downright misrepresentation of character and identity. That is just a short list.

Those issues have always been with us but Facebook allows for a far greater participation in social interaction for a huge number of people. Facebook often changes the way it runs and its rules. If a person is not up with the play, they can be left ‘exposed’ to the surveillance of countless millions of people they do not know, in any sense of the word. Hence, it could be said that Facebook is potentially a dangerous space for the naïve, young and not so young. Trust is a word, not a reality for many users.

For those of us who work with young people, we know that Facebook is an integral part of their lives. We see their ups and downs; the dangers, the sadness and anger when things go wrong. In its extreme, it can be life threatening as young people grapple with their own problems, issues and life journeys. Parents are often totally unaware of the actions and activities of their children online; not just with Facebook of course.

Facebook can be all consuming; taking young people out of their reality and interrupting other important tasks, including education, participation in other ‘healthier activities and risking the formation of real time and place friendships. Tell any teenager that and they will vehemently disagree with you, conveniently forgetting that they may well have been the ‘butt’ of a cruel ‘gossip circle’ in the past week.

Those working with young people are themselves barely able to keep up with social media developments; Facebook just being one of them. We should all assume that the kids are way ahead of us in such matters. Thereon lays a danger. We as adults, parents and caregivers are not up with the play for the most part. Below the surface of the young peoples’ behaviours there is often a whole lot going on that we have no idea about. Facebook may be the ‘header,’ but the machinations will be totally hidden, leaving us thinking that the sullen mood is ‘just one of those things’ that teenagers go through.

Leaving things alone and doing nothing is no longer an option. We must become more familiar with the good and the less good of Facebook and others (yet to come!) social media platforms. We indeed have our work cut out for us. One thing we can do is be open to communication with our ‘charges,’ be we parents, teachers, counsellors or anyone else with a stake in the future of our young people.

Will we be able to swim on the 'new' beaches at the Onehunga Foreshore project?

The Manukau Harbour has been seen as the ‘poor sister,’ to its busy and dazzling counterpart on the other side of the Auckland Isthmus. This has not always been so however as in its early development the Manukau represented a ‘faster and more direct’ journey across the Tasman Sea to Australia. It was only after ships became too big to navigate the treacherous Manukau entrance that Onehunga became left behind on some sort of time warp.

The same could be said for the recreational use of the Manukau. In the early days of settlement, it was possible to see ladies dressed in their fashionable bathing costumes alighting from horse-drawn changing carriages and the ‘bay’ was quite the picnic spot.

Then came the pollution; some from badly run industrial sites and of course the terrible sewerage ponds and plant near the once beautiful Puketutu Island. One would never consider swimming amongst such filth then and even more so once the bay became disconnected and landlocked because of the new motorway.

The ‘bay’ as some of you will know is one of my favourite places (when the tide is in) for walking my beloved Jack Russell, although ‘walking’ is a bit tame to describe her manic rushing about and playing with her best friends (Doggies of course). The ‘bay’ is one of the few places where we can let our dogs loose.

Things are about to change. Maybe, we will be able to swim again, once the new beaches have been constructed on the other side of the motorway. Perhaps our dogs won’t be welcome during Summer time daylight hours, but everything is really moving along and in a few years we will be able to enjoy the ‘fingers of fill that are thrusting out into the bay. If only we could be sure that the new beaches will be clean enough; that is the question.

I have begun to swim at an off the leash area next to Waikowhai Bay, about three bays around from Onehunga. The only problem is the ‘hike’ back up to the upper car park after a swim. That sort of negates the idea of having a refreshing swim. However, the water felt and looked clean and my enquiries resulted in advice that the Manukau is fine for swimming so long as one does not do so after heavy rain. Is that not the same over the Isthmus, on the ‘sparling Waters there?

Let’s hope that things will be great for the new development and that once again, Onehunga can assume a position it so richly deserves.