City, Sue Thyself

David Weigel | March 20, 2007

If you want to visit the sites of Peter Jackson films or moments in Split Enz history, do it fast, before New Zealand's state cannibalizes itself:

Waitakere City Council successfully prosecuted itself last week in the name of even-handed administration of regulations after it failed to get consents to move six houses.

In Waitakere District Court the council was fined $4800 and ordered to pay $780 court costs and will pay the money - aside from the court's 10 per cent share of the fines - to itself.

Via Samizdata.

Comments

Thomas Paine\'s Goiter|3.20.07 @ 10:29AM|#

*SPROINK*

Is this like crossing the streams?

|3.20.07 @ 10:30AM|#

Hah. I like that.

Governments should sue themselves way more often.

|3.20.07 @ 10:42AM|#

What exactly did they plan on getting out of this lawsuit? Why not just reprimand or fire those individuals that caused the problems?? wtf??

|3.20.07 @ 10:43AM|#

Split Enz...Now there's a concert I would like to see.

|3.20.07 @ 10:58AM|#

Smacky,

Crowded House (half of the original Split Enz) begins their comeback tour at the Coachela Festival next month. They usually slide a couple of Enz' tunes into their sets.

|3.20.07 @ 11:03AM|#

d,

Yeah, I knew Crowded House is playing Coachella this year. I wasn't aware that they still performed Split Enz songs, though. Unfortunately, I won't be able to fly cross-country and pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket to see them.

Have you seen Crowded House, then?

LarryA|3.20.07 @ 12:18PM|#

But when is the U.S. government going to bust itself for selling porn?

|3.20.07 @ 2:38PM|#

Samcky,

Saw 'em once years ago. Thought briefly about Coachella as an anniversary trip, then saw how much lodging would cost (in addition to the $250 event tickets, plus airfare and rental car). My wife doesn't camp, and it was going to be more than 2 grand for the whole trip. Not to mention, a fat, bald, 40-year old would likely look out of place (and so would I).

|3.20.07 @ 7:45PM|#

Smacky,

I recommend Ted Leo's version of the Split Enz "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," especially live.

I saw the Split Enz in April or May 1981 at Painter's Mill outside of Baltimore, with the little-remembered Urban Verbs opening. It was memorable only because it was the first show I drove to after getting my driver's license.

Ted is cheaper, better, easier to catch.