gjm

I wasn't aware they campaigned against it, but I do agree that National hadn't - at that time - actively suggested a regional fuel tax. In fact, Steven Joyce did everything he could to prevent councils independently raising revenue for road and transport projects, while (at the same time) blaming local councils for their failure to deliver transport projects. Of course, the proposed regional fuel taxes (blocked by Joyce) were replaced (by Joyce) with numerous smaller nationwide fuel tax increases contributing to central government coffers. National imposed a nationwide 15c per litre tax increase to raise $10.5bn to fund their 'Roads Of National Significance' program, and were proposing a further 5-10c per litre nationwide increase for further RONS programs. Apparently they "ran out of time to present that to the country" before the last election. Unfortunately we're in that cycle where one majority party proposes something, which is then discounted by the other party when they get in and they then propose something else, which is subsequently discounted by the first party... And so on. And then I was forced to overhear Judith Collins whinging, whining, moaning and bleating about how everything Labour does is "so unfair on people who have to travel to work." As if she cares! Just wait 'til we have a National government again. I'll be ranting about how ineffective Labour are in opposition!

I'm almost prepared to hold my breath waiting for the National accolytes to all be up in arms over it. While the National Party sit back and giggle, and throw a couple more useless comments into the mix. It's not like National weren't going to do the exact same thing. Oh, wait... They were! Still, this way, the Labour haters get to have a good moan. (As, I'm sure the National haters would have done.)

Update. Didn't get the role in Taranaki with PowerCo. Despite all the good feelings, the feedback received on the day, and so on, it was felt that I wasn't perhaps a 'good fit' with PowerCo. I've had a few very short-term bits'n'pieces of work, but noting significant or really substantial. Just learned that I didn't make interview for a role with HealthShare (who provide IT services to Waikato DHB, among others). The role description was a bit sketchy so I may not have fitted with that, but the essence is that it was for a person to manage people rolling out software across the DHB. Which was predominantly exactly what I was doing at CMDHB. There may have been some impact from them having advertised directly (which I didn't see) and my having applied via a recruiter (who would be paid had I been awarded the position). There have been a lot of other jobs under the pen, a few interviews, but nothing tangible. I have applied for a role I was offered 5 years ago. Let's see how that goes.

Waved 'bye-bye' to the E36 318i 5-speed. ?

Tax Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Not dodgy, but something you have to be damned careful with. Maybe the owner went down this road, used the money to buy a nice car, and then found he couldn't meet his financial obligations? Hence recovery, and sale by auction?

I'm on the edge of my seat! Don't leave me hanging!

Probably has more running cars than I do! ? ?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1773099660 She'll do.

Andrew would be happy to help! Not like he has anything else to do...

This is one of those "you certainly should" situations. There is nothing to stop you replacing the bushes in you (drum brake) rear arms, replacing hoses, stripping and rebuilding the entire brake assembly, and so on. That's just maintenance. And E36s were certainly factory-fitted with rear disc brakes. Did BMW make any other modifications to the brake system - master cylinder, for example - between drums and discs? Check RealOEM, BMWfans, or whatever your favoured online parts catalogue is. I'd postulate that anyone capable of correctly rebuilding a brake system (which is something you can do at home and does not require certification) could capably replace drums with discs. Of course, the cert process is designed to confirm that capability, and the safety of the installation.

@Allanw - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1771072734

I'd love one. But $150k? ?