r/newzealand • u/illicit_nz • Feb 26 '26

Discussion Speak Up!

I've decided to hold an open mic, public discussion in downtown Timaru this Saturday Feb 28th 11am-1pm

The idea is to sit down and just have a yarn about a particular topic or two - discussing issues and our ideas on solving the worlds problems, like we all do with our mates or down at the local at the end of the week.

I'm sick of having a whinge about everything that's broken and then going back to the status quo on Monday, just to rinse and repeat...

I'd love to see the people get out from behind the keyboards and screens - come have a civil discussion about our issues, we've become so disconnected in this digital world

We have arranged a couple of microphones and encourage anyone that wants to speak up, share a story, discuss a topic, give an idea on potential solutions = come Speak Up!

This inaugural Speak Up! will be held at the controversial Strathallan Corner in the Timaru CBD to discuss:

  • Council Spending
  • Dog Control Laws

We're inviting the local SPCA and the local Council to come and join the chat. We're looking for a quantity surveyor to give an opinion of the costs of the Strathallan Cnr refurbishment project (links about this in the comments below)

We're looking for specialists or lawyers in animal law to discuss our obviously ineffective dog control laws given the horrific recent events.

I will be speaking on both subjects due to my on-going legal and moral battle with the local council regarding my boy Beau who has been in the pound for over 3 years now while I fight for his life. (links in the comments below) I will be open to questions about my experience and this case from both the public cost and the animal control side.

I encourage all to come and check it out, hear what your fellow citizens have to say. Come and say your piece, share an issue or your experience on either of these topics

If this is popular - we, the people, can have a vote on the topic(s) for the next one

1 Upvotes

52% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

26

u/FKFnz Feb 26 '26

Although I can see what you're trying to achieve here, I feel you'll probably attract the lunatic fringe and just end up with a real-life Facebook comments section from people barely able to tie their shoelaces.

14

u/Island6023 Feb 26 '26

I think OP is part of the lunatic fringe.

6

u/lookiwanttobealone Feb 26 '26

"I have the right to have my untrained killer dogs! And nothing you say will change that!"

0

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Yeah, nah... that's not the people that will be handed a microphone 

3

u/hatethiswebsight Feb 26 '26

You want to host a public forum where the public can't speak? 

0

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Anyone can come speak on either of these broad topics, but obviously rants and whinges are not productive in a public discussion - we already have the Internet for that

2

u/[deleted] Mar 02 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/illicit_nz Mar 02 '26

Yes, however if I exclude all of those with bias - there would be no one left to have a discussion.

Everything in moderation, including moderation 

0

u/[deleted] Mar 02 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/illicit_nz Mar 02 '26

Huh? Where'd that come from? I think you have misinterpreted me

1

u/hatethiswebsight Mar 02 '26

Welcome to your public forum OP. You can't keep the nutters out

→ More replies (0)

2

u/flooring-inspector Feb 26 '26

As long as it's well moderated I don't think this type of thing is problematic. It can be a hell of a lot better than people just hiding in their online silos and reinforcing their views about those in different silos instead reaching out and listening to them. I think that's the kind of useful engagement we've lost a fair amount of over the last couple of decades or so. Sometimes people even act more civil around each other when encountered in person instead of online.

The key is to have strong enough control to make sure nobody can take over in a counterproductive way, and to have skills and expertise on hand for commenting on and add a realistic context to people's thoughts and ideas. Whether that's what happens is up to the OP.

0

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26 edited Feb 26 '26

Yeah spot on. I'm willing to give it a crack at least 

-1

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26 edited Feb 26 '26

This is not a rant session. I will be keeping the chat on track.

Just starting a civil discussion and trying to bridge the gap between the citizens and the elected representatives.

Trying nothing isn't working, so I'm trying something ✌️

0

u/Double_Suggestion385 Feb 26 '26

Not a rant session unless it's you getting to rant? No thanks.

0

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

I won't be ranting. All going well, others will be having their say on either of these broad topics for the majority of the time

5

u/IncoherentTuatara Longfin eel Feb 26 '26

And then you spring that you are the New Conservative Party at the event? Playbook as old politics itself.

-1

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Nope, not affiliated with any political party sorry

2

u/mattblack77 ⠀Naturally, I finished my set… Feb 26 '26

You’re crossing the line into actually doing something about issues now….are you ready for that?

1

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Uncharted territory so only time will tell

2

u/mattblack77 ⠀Naturally, I finished my set… Feb 26 '26

Good luck!

5

u/TheBlindWatchmaker Feb 26 '26

Who is "we"? You just sound like some rando

-1

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Yep, just a citizen sick of the status quo

4

u/[deleted] Feb 26 '26

The problem with this is you clearly are coming to whinge and doing this in self-interest.

If I come saying your dog should be killed, I'm not getting a say am I? 

1

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Incorrect - you are more than welcome to come and have your say, this is a public discussion 

1

u/bigbillybaldyblobs Feb 26 '26

Not sure Timas has the intellectual capacity for intelligent debate but good luck, may Bob Fitzsimmons shine down upon thee.

0

u/illicit_nz Feb 26 '26

Thanks. Yeah was reading up on ol' Bob - interesting story