This cooler autumn weather is something I particularly enjoy. Autumn is a time of harvest, a time to prepare for winter, and a time of colour. It’s a time to put aside, prepare and appreciate the small things, especially when there are dark clouds on the horizon. Because there are dark clouds, or rather, storms on their way. The Coalition Government running rough-shod over community concerns is something we’ve come to know well here in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Whether breaking promises and cutting funding for the hospital; cutting pay equity – affecting female-dominated workforces in social services such as education, healthcare and social work; killing the critical 2024 land and water plan that had achieved such broad consensus; or cutting funding for public transport and energy hardship programmes that are so needed here. This Coalition has shown its true intent towards us in Ōtepoti Dunedin. So much for local decision making.…