The Ulimate Contractual Backstop

The theme of the day is democratic representation by persons of a certain ethicity. Blair has a very good writeup on the subject, inviting would be reps to take up the challenge in 2010.

Meanwhile we witness another similar democratic process that has not 'gone the usual way' as the government looks for value for taxpayer dollars. It is now being challenged by the loser. Using the ultimate backstop. A complaint to that arbiter of the grievance industry, the Waitangi Tribunal.

It should have been consulted over two West Auckland contracts because of its local "rangatira" role.

A normal democratic business practice was employed and as it is said, winner takes all. And will very likely do a damned fine job.

It awarded the contracts on merit to agencies that best showed they could meet local needs.

It does not consult unsuccessful tenderers before awarding contracts.

The government agency provides the correct response.

Monopoly to abandon home users

The incumbent comms monopoly has announced that it will ditch pain in the backside home users in favour of supporting paying business customers when it comes to broadband.

As if after the recent Bubble fiasco and the lack of support that can be had from Telecom was not enough, they are now about to totally cut off the home user. Seems they want yet more monies from users to deliver a 'guaranteed service'. I thought there was a law stating offerings had to be commercially fit for purpose.

I suppose, at least they are being honest about it. Instead of offering 'all you can eat', they are stating what customers have long known about the non-existent support. For a 'slightly differently priced service' (read well increased, although Telecom and the word service remain mutually exclusive)

there will be some guarantees about helpdesk and support

Still I expect nothing less from the monopoly. BTW, just how is the breakup of said monopoly going Minister of Comms?