@alpinefolk @lightweight Some of it is straight out resistance to change and really ignorant eg cycle lanes and pedestrianisation have been proved time and again to INCREASE trade for retailers, but many on George St believe its upgrade will be a disaster 😬

@lightweight @alpinefolk I’ve been thinking it’s very quiet here recently, so big thanks to @dznz whose rant has led us into this monster thread 😆

@alpinefolk @lightweight Snap, just made a similar reply 😆 Agree 100% and I often think longingly of that time when private transport almost disappeared.

@lightweight @alpinefolk Yep, those who are progressive and community-minded attract huge resistance if they get into powerful positions. Our Ōtepoti mayor is a very good person but some of the business lobby treat him like evil incarnate. The fact he got elected gives me hope though.

@dznz Yes, things are grim 😬 I do sense a growing intolerance towards the super rich and the extremes of inequality though. And climate activism is gathering force. 🤔 I find choosing a life of voluntary simplicity has helped my mental health, but I acknowledge my privilege to be able to do this. All the best to you :birdheart:

@lightweight @dznz Yes! Modelling a different way of living might make us eccentric, but it definitely challenges people to reflect on their own lives 🤔

@lightweight @dznz @bsmall2 Yes! And a key part of the Transition Towns movement is imagining a good sustainable future, and then building communities that start living in that way now.

@dznz @lightweight @bsmall2 Rob Hopkins was an initiator of the concept in England and has written several books. Check out his own website and podcast for some inspiration! It’s really a community-led thing rather than a top-down one. An example in Dunedin is The Valley Project - see www.northeastvalley.org

@lightweight That’s very good, though I think @bsmall2 is not here in NZ!