Prophet at the margins
Update 2.30pm Friday 23 February: Seems we were wrong... it's not merely the WDC's contribution Mickey wants to get his hands on (which he's placing at $48,000 not $35,000) but "one-third of the $2 million ($666,000)" spent on the MRI so that he can use it on Wanganui's "own tourism branding and promotion".
We can well imagine such a campaign: $660,000 spent covering cost over-runs on Mayoral "tourist attractions" such as the Splash Centre and $6,000 on a road sign pointing the way there.
No thanks, Mickey. Let's leave it to the professionals, shall we? Bail out your own failures and then explain the debt burden you leave behind as your legacy.
Which isn't to say that some of the criticisms of the MRI campaign aren't valid - though market research suggests the public likes the brand. And it's the wider public - not Mickey, not the MRI Board, not LawsWatch, not even local iwi - who will decide whether it works and whether they want to visit the region.
And while Michael Laws has never been known for his sense of subtle irony, accusing all and sundry of unprofessional behaviour whilst publishing the link to a website he's obviously been given in confidence proves he doesn't have much of a sense of hit-over-the-head-with-a-brick irony either. As a result the website has had to be taken down.
But, courtesy of Velocity, Watchers can still get a look at and example of the tourism branding. We couldn't do the photograph justice by reproducing it here, so just click on the thumbnail at left and you'll be transported to the full view. This isn't the entire campaign, remember, just a sample of it.
On a slightly different note, and with a hat tip to Kiwiblog, we can't resist reproducing this illustration to aid those Watchers, from both sides of the fence, who come here to engage and debate and wonder why others in turn can't bring rationality to their arguments:
And while Michael Laws has never been known for his sense of subtle irony, accusing all and sundry of unprofessional behaviour whilst publishing the link to a website he's obviously been given in confidence proves he doesn't have much of a sense of hit-over-the-head-with-a-brick irony either. As a result the website has had to be taken down.But, courtesy of Velocity, Watchers can still get a look at and example of the tourism branding. We couldn't do the photograph justice by reproducing it here, so just click on the thumbnail at left and you'll be transported to the full view. This isn't the entire campaign, remember, just a sample of it.
On a slightly different note, and with a hat tip to Kiwiblog, we can't resist reproducing this illustration to aid those Watchers, from both sides of the fence, who come here to engage and debate and wonder why others in turn can't bring rationality to their arguments:
55 comments:
Well I'll play devils advocate (and I'm not in the Laws camp).
Pathway of the prophets? What is that? Sounds like something from the middle east. And is the logo those words with the holes in the letters coloured in?
Man! I'm in the wrong business, what did it cost?
It looks childish (as does the WDC branding) and I don't see how it could draw visitors.
I'm in the wrong business...I don't see how it could draw visitors.
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I do.
What business are you in? Clearly not a creative one.
"Something from the Middle East"? Are you a racist or something? You sure you're not one of Mickey's lackeys?
What made up bullshit brand is this? it says nothing about our region.
it says nothing about our region.
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Clearly you haven't lived here any longer than Mickey. Do you actually know anything about our region? It's history, for example? It's not my job to educate you, but someone should.
So where can we see this brand? Pathway of the Prophets sounds crap, the wording won't draw the tourists.
What a stupid reply from 10.21pm.
Apart from Ratana, name a "prophet" of relevance to Wanganui? And what are we selling - magical mystery tours to a dead spiritualist?
The WDC has just published Laws's typically vitriolic, ignorant and 'its all about me' opinion.
Naturally the MRI should have just Laws to do it, he knows everything, about international travellers, branding and the region.
As has been stated local iwi were central to the naming, and maybe they have been around just a wee bit longer than Laws, and have just a small idea of the history of the region.
Why doesn't Laws just piss off to his own little island, brand it as he likes, criticise the living day lights out of it, install soft water and be happy.God knows he's a sad, angry, little man in this part of the world.
Mickey the fuckwit is digging himself into a deeper hole. I checked out the "secret" website and - bearing in mind that it's a work in progress - it looks fantastic.
The website looked crap - gloomy and dark but now its off. Thanks to the MRI for being so "open" again.
Laws has stitched them up beautifully if the WDC gets its way and gets its own share of the $ out.
anon 6.45. In answer to your question 'name a prophet from Wanganui' – M. Laws of course and tours to the intellectually dead.
Had a look at the site too, looks amazing. But how could WDC put a confidential link up, very professional!
I dont often agree with the mayor but he's got this one right.
But Wanganui is dark and gloomy
Apart from Ratana, name a "prophet" of relevance to Wanganui?
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The Wanganui region is the third oldest settlement in New Zealand. Its original discovery is attributed to Kupe, New Zealand's legendary discover. Tamatea, Captain of the Takitimu Canoe, fully explored the region, and soon after, attracted by the Whanganui River, Maori settlers came to the region.
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How did they know NZ was here? Land dwelling birds flying north to Hawaiiki had to have come from somewhere! If that's not prophecy what is?
This is really basic information. All I did to get the above was go to Google and type in "wanganui maori history". The bit about the birds is a little bit of local oral history.
This brand campaign will speak directly to exactly those visitors the MRI says it will. We sometimes forget that what seems normal to us - clean(ish) air, dense bush etc. are a distant memory in Europe, the US & Asia. Adding an element of mythology to that can't hurt. The photo's are stunning, and the graphics give a nod to our rough & ready nature.
What a shame for Michael that he can't see that. I feel sad for him.
Laws has stitched them up beautifully
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Yeah!!! Stick it to them!!!! Stick it to all of them!!!! Yeahhh!!!
You really don't think much of Michael's character, do you anon? What sort of person goes around "stitching people up"?
Michael asked: 'Wanganui, where the bloody hell is it?'
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To criticise an unfinished project is a bit like going to a timber frame house half-way through construction and asking why the lights don't work.
Bitter and frothing might be good for beer, Michael, but it doesn't look good on you.
Does anything???
Shit what is his problem, the MRI as stated have researched this, they have to attract the punters, the punters are not us and especially not Laws. I hope like hell the MRI have found out what the overseas people want and presented us that way. I actually quite like what I have seen – not what I would have expected but it is different, so thats good. I suppose to attract people we have to be, come on all the other usual tourist stuff you can get better elsewhere. But we've got the Maori tradition and stuff and I think thats cool.
Why does Laws have to bash the hell out of everything a lot of money has gone into it, give it a chance.
Wake up Wanganui, see ourselves from an international travellers point of view, a River big deal, Historic big deal we need something a bit more provocative. We are not even on the map, the MRI is trying to change that, whats Laws done?
Put it this way would you travel to Gore, River yes, Historic yes, ever heard of it??
Get the picture. Its not as easy as you think.
Luit Beringer articulated what her staff could not: Sally Patrick is a joke.
Sally, now your career has been touched by Michael Laws, how do you feel about it turning to shit?
Follow the money, LawsWatch (as with everything Mickey touches).
This whole MRI thing is simply Mickey's idea of effective fundraising for his Heart pipe-dream.
He just thinks he should get his hands on the whole $2m from the MRI to build the Mickey-Sally Memorial Museum-Library, and maybe even drop a few MRI bucks into making the Sarjeant compliant.
"Something from the Middle East"? Are you a racist or something?
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What a brain dead response. How on Earth could you find racism in someone saying that a phrase sounded middle eastern. Perhaps you just didn't have anything to add to the debate and are one of those people who can't help themselves and have to type *something*.
Uwe Kroll and Bob Buchanan tell it like it is in the Chron today. To paraphrase, they point out the fact that Michael Laws is a stupid liar who should "pull his head in".
We all knew that. Can't you print some real news, Chron?
"Among his peers in this region there was an expectation that he might act a little differently in a partnership arrangement to the way he acts within his own district.
"So we would like to tell him, in the most statesman-like way possible, to pull his head in."
Lovely.
In need of a good laugh, anyone? Check out ‘Rana reckons’ on Page 6 of that tawdry little throwaway (that named M Laws “Man of the Year”) Dirty River Press, about halfway down the middle column …. Whereupon Rana Waitai (‘he’s related to me by marriage,’ said Mickey) Waitai, tries desperately to crawl up Mickey’s bum by “helping” him kick the MRI … only Rana is as thick as two short planks, as everyone knows. So this is what he says about the new MRI brand …
“… and I assume they are talking about the sad and drab looking dish cloth that is draped from the power poles in the avenue…”
Well who could disagree with that, Rana, old chum. But of course what YOU quite rightly think is a sad embarrassing dish cloth is, of course, your old pal Mickey’s attempt at “branding” Wanganui.
So do tell, oh friends of Michael, what you think of that, then. One word springs to mind: You’ve been PUNK’D … but don’t let that stop you changing the subject.
Who remembers back in October-November 2005 when Michael just loved Rangitikei mayor Bob Buchanan sooo much he got him along to speak at the Vision (sorry council) retreat that no-one much except for Mickey and Bob and Dotty bothered to show up for:
Said Mickey at the time: “...a couple of people thought it might be entertaining to have 'a celebrity mate or two' present. I thought about that, the expenses involved, and the Retreat’s purpose … and instead asked Rangitikei’s Mayor Bob Buchanan to be our speaker.”
Or a few weeks later when Bobby consummated the affair with $5k of his ratepayers’ money for the Mickey River Dog circus:
“Which is why I was humbled by the Rangitikei District Council's support of $5,000 towards organising the RQ premiere. Our grateful thanks to Bob Buchanan and his team.” (Mayor's e-Column - 24/11/05
My haven’t they come a long way to this morning’s Chronic where Mickey’s former love object gives the mad dog mayor across the border a bit of “zip loose lips” advice on the front page.
For watchers spared the daily spectacle of the Chronic, Bob was speaking on behalf of our northern neighbour Sue Morris of Ruapehu, also … “we would like to tell him in the most statesman-like way possible to pull his head in” … “Laws is the one talking gibberish”.
So well done, Mickey, you’ve now managed to piss off the only mayor who was prepared to give you the time of day.
How on Earth could you find racism in someone saying that a phrase sounded middle eastern.
We can't speak for anon @ 8.27 pm, anon @ 9.49 am, but we imagine that they might have used the term racism in the sense of "cultural ignorance and stereotyping".
Because it is ignorant to assume that only those cultures from the Middle East had prophets and that Maori did not, and then to base criticism of the tourism strategy on that misconception.
For instance Te Whiti and Te Kooti were both considered prophets; Hori Enoka Mareikura and Mere Rikiriki founded the Maramatanga movement; and some works put the total number of Maori prophets at more than 60 - there's a lot more to it than the Ratana movement, anon.
We'd refer anyone interested to "Mana from Heaven: A Century of Maori Prophets in New Zealand" by Bronwyn Elsmore (Reed Books 2004, ISBN 0790006367).
Something elegant and beautiful from "The Middle East"
As opposed to anything Mickey Mayor has ever achieved.
We can't speak for anon @ 8.27 pm, anon @ 9.49 am, but we imagine that they might have used the term racism in the sense of "cultural ignorance and stereotyping".
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So if something sounded pasta-like would I be wrong to say it sounded italian? Or is it merely because of the reference to the Middle East that we jump on a PC wagon? As a Kiwi I have never heard of Maori prophets (excuse my ignorance) I have only heard the word used bibically and/or in middle eastern cultures.
Still no doubt would-be tourists will hear the word (phrase) and come flocking to Wanganui.
Maybe I'm being over-sensitive but being accused of racism (and worse the implication I might be a laws lackey) just got to me!
Oh shit! my dictionary is racist/stereotyping!!
"Prophets (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The second of the three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures, comprising the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve. Used with the. See Table at Bible.
Prophet One of the prophets mentioned in the Bible, especially one believed to be the author of one of these books. Used with the.
Prophet Islam Muhammad. Used with the"
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel but no mention of the Prophet Rangi!
Looking over the week's headlines that Mickey/Mas generated out of the MRI saga, as a student of history it's all to easy to see parallels to the tactics adopted by Hitler as he singled out minority groups for his hysterical and very public false allegations and demands. But it's good to see that the MRI people and other mayors aren't just silently taking this appalling treatment ... it's just that if you add up the major headlines, Mickey/Mas have made sure Mickey gets the lion's share.
Well we don't think you're racist, anon @ 10.11 pm - in fact we'd agree with you, presented with a NZ tourism campaign which included use of the word "prophets" the reaction of most people would be "Huh? I didn't know NZ had prophets!"
And that, we suspect, is the point - to excite the would-be tourist about discovering something new.
Whereas Mickey's idea - "Look, a mountain! Look, a river!" just plays on what people already know.
Or we could all just be like anon @ 10.16 pm - close our minds and rely on our dictionaries to tell us about the world. Did your dictionary mention Wanganui, anon? It didn't? Well it must not exist, then. And if it does, it can't be very interesting.
Funny isn't it? I didn't accuse you of being a racist, anon, I asked whether you were one "or something".
If you'd said "it sounds Italian" in the same context I would have asked you the same question.
Which country exactly is "The Middle East" anyway?
From the defensive tone of your response, I'd say you do protesteth just a weeny bit too much. As for the dictionary, well I suggest you read a history book if you want to know about history.
If I were Michael Laws I'd be calling you stupid about now.
Branding always struggles to keep everyone happy, in fact if you do get 100% acceptance the chances are you have compromised too much. Like the new (awful) WDC branding (it is technically flawed), the MRI branding will need selling hard as the features and benefits (less the costs) are not that easily accessible (tangible/easy to experience). It troubles me that the MRI board and soon to go CEO think that the brand will now generate new features and benefits for the region. Talk about over-promise and under-deliver!! They need to find, and then close, the gaps in the promotion model. Get the product right first, what hard-to-copy and easy-to-sell (i.e. not an awful 3hr drive on nasty roads) gems have we got? Everyone involved in branding of Wanganui and the Region seems to be trying to sell sizzle rather than the steak (and things like the Mayoral Mile is more like mincemeat). When are we going to get some tangible ideas coming from our so-called leaders? Be leaders, forget your pride, and start asking the right questions rather than assuming you have the right answers. I am sick of seeing mistakes made in this area, branding has an important influence on our futures.
Hopeless Higgie has the gall to start talking about wanting to make Whanganui a safer community, esp for children, while her boss makes clear that he reserves the right to put the boot into unfortunates like children with peanut allergies with this little caveat in Higgie’s oh-so-luverly press release … “The Safe Communities approach need not involve politically correct over-reaction …” sneers/snarls/snaps Mad Mickey.
Where is mad Mickey's response to Mayor Bob? I was very disappointed that the Chron had nothing on the front page, and the WDC website is similarly bereft of bile.
Come on Michael, you can't have actually pulled your head in, surely!
Anonymous said...
Where is mad Mickey's response to Mayor Bob? I was very disappointed that the Chron had nothing on the front page, and the WDC website is similarly bereft of bile.
Come on Michael, you can't have actually pulled your head in, surely!
1:52 PM, February 26, 2007
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OR EVEN ZIPPED HIS LOOSE LIPS??? SURELY NOT!!!
So what is the mayor doing for the next seven weeks away from the office?
Now Mickey's being pulled up publicly for telling lies about Waverley High School by a former principal who says:
"Michael Laws, on talkback, stated that students tampered with results n the internet. That's untru -- check the 2005 Board of Trustees minutes." (Taranaki Daily News)
Can anyone name something he HASN'T lied about?
So what is the mayor doing for the next seven weeks away from the office?
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Pulling his head in?
So what is the mayor doing for the next seven weeks away from the office?
4:00 PM, February 26, 2007
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Who cares
Sunday News says ML is going to be dancing in DWTS. Surely not.
Well if Sundaze Snooze says it's true, it must be true!! Quell horreur!!
Our Michael on DWTS (Drongoes Wankers and Swats that Suck)... oh well, who else would have a bunch of washed up has-beens like Mickey and Holmesy and, god forbid, Suzanne Paul?
Resignation of Cr Sue Reynolds - 26/02/07
Councillor Sue Reynolds (formerly Pepperell) today tendered her resignation as District Councillor. It will be effective from the end of today's Council meeting.
Mayor Michael Laws praised Councillor Reynolds' contribution to the Council and presented her with a plaque bearing the official Wanganui crest. …I hope that her example over the past three years will encourage younger people to put their name forward for the October local body elections."
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Never fear, Mickey, there undoubtedly will be a long queue of little Mickey’s lining up to plunge their snouts in the trough that’s been so good to Pep (sorry Rey .. hey where the hell did that come from) and collect a nice little Wanganui councillor’s salary while enjoying the delights of life on the run in Wellington (Morgs springs to mind for some reason).
In view of the way Mickey exposed the ratepayers to litigation last week over the MRI and the likely legal bill that got run up having it checked (and changed) by the $500 an hour types at Sue Grabbit and Run (aka Kensington Swan in Wellington, it’s interesting to see just how big the blow out in legal costs for the six months up till Dec 31 is, and our boy’s already off to a great start in 2007.
Julian Harness, Chief Financial Officer, reports:
"The Council is forecasting that at 30 June 2007, rates funded activities will be approximately $384,000 overspent. The main variances are:
Legal fees $160,000 overspent
Wanganui Inc and economic development expenses $185,000 overspent
Mickey's boy Harkness makes it all come out sweet ("The council proposes that the forecasted deficit is reduced to zero by savings in the Whanganui River Control activity and urban water supply electricity and extra investment income").
Now where do you think all those legal fees have gone? Out of Wanganui of course to Sue Grabbit etc in Wellington. And what might they be for?
Well, for starters there's the:
Gang bylaw
Museum trust board
Performing Arts Trust
Staff matters ie dodgy redundancies (and what about the Spin Fairy)
Carol Jones's dog case - see below
Wanganui Gas buy up
How to bullshit about asset sales from endowment properties
And no doubt lots of others that have been kept well below the radar by the dodgy Dr W.
So how about coming clean and itemising this particular piece of mismanagement, Mickey. Not to mention how much swill you’ve shovelled into Ron Janes’ trough at Wanc.
Sunday News says ML is going to be dancing in DWTS.
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Then they're deluded. He'll be prancing and preening, and being obnoxious, just like usual. And then he'll get voted off the show early on, and merit the derision he invokes.
Carol Jones's dog case - see below...
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Check out Carol Jones' website. She's got a time frame up that shows the Kensington Swan opinion came in after the event, in a pathetic attempt to save Mickey’s and Warbum’s sorry asses … and it sounds like she's not about to give up.
http://kellaware.wordpress.com
Wasn't it LW that said some time ago that Mickey is nothing cos he hasn't been on DWTS yet. Well there ya go LW, he must be something after all. Doncha just hate being wrong.
he must be something after all.
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Of course you are dear.
Wasn't it LW that said some time ago that Mickey is nothing cos he hasn't been on DWTS yet. Well there ya go LW, he must be something after all. Doncha just hate being wrong.
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Well done Mickey, you've made it to the third round of DWTS, wow I'm SO impressed, a man of your standing finding his true self in front of thousands of viewers. This will really show off your more intellectual side .... Sweetie! Dance Boy ........ Dance for your supper.
What's this? Lawswatch comments being published on the Chron letters page?
Has the Chron been punk'd?
Heh, I see Mental Mickey has turned his bile ducts in the direction of Nick Dobson, the senior sergeant in charge of traffic ops in Central. Best of luck Mickey, he's not the sort of person you want to try pushing around. On second thoughts, go ahead....
Poor Mickey seems to have punk'd himself (to borrow his latest little in-joke).
After a lifetime of trying desperately to push into the select band of "prominent" persons he now finds himself squealing and moaning about the unfairness of it all. A bit like his fellow Trashy Island 'celebs' when the Auckland drugs shock horror probe broke.
It's tough at the top, ain't it, Mickey!
Mickey's such an asshole
He seeks to destroy anything good for Wanganui.
Sway said:
"They need to find, and then close, the gaps in the promotion model."
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That's all very well, Ken, but how are they going to repair the big hole in the mayoral sanity?
Even setting aside the usual and obvious evidence of deep psychopathy, this takes the cake. Perhaps the mad mayor is putting himself under too much stress.
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