How best to describe a good come-uppance?
Call it a victory. That's what Diana Stil, President of the Demolition and Asbestos Association has decided to do.
She announces 'We have Won!!! because finally the management of the demolition and rebuilding of Christchurch has now been placed in the hands of the big guns - Fletchers, Mainzeal, Hawkins, Fulton Hogan etc have now joined forces to take over the management and have finally given high priority to health, safety and the environment.'
Aah, sorry Diana - the Government remains in change and if they have delegated specific tasks, those responsible for those tasks remain answerable to the Government and the State of Emergency that still applies. And in those delegations you're not the bright light you considered yourself to be setting up shop to get work for your own company.
I note Diana grimly hanging onto her health and safety cap that got her in some much trouble for trying to interfere with the efforts of Urban Search and Rescue. Surely she must realise the efforts in Christchurch are not some battle between contractors and Environment Canterbury that should be 'Won' to use her words. It is a combined effort with many different agencies playing a role which she unfortunately misinterpreted as an opportunity for her own Demolition Company.
It's either naivety or a thick hide to claim a victory after being told to butt out because you were hampering USAR, and pure naivety or duplicity to consider that the Christchurch authorities were unable to connect Diana's duel role as President and owner of one of the contracting firms looking for work. Diana has probably displayed why outsiders should keep under the radar when visiting other territories and not bring petulance and arrogance to display against 'lesser' locals.
Anyway, I can agree there has been a victory of sorts - getting systems in place and people to work in a uniformed and constructive way for the benefit of Christchurch rather than the benefit of some fellow Aucklander's egos.
I have met Diana and have had business dealings with her over the last 6 years. I have found her to be a great business woman full of integrity and honesty. She is definately passionate about the demolition industry for all its members, not just a few as you have suggested. The demolition association is just like any other industry association like contractors federation etc where business owners and persons are involved. The demolition industry is a niche industry, with only a handful of truely skilled persons within NZ, unlike Australia, the US etc.
ReplyDeleteThe devistation in Christchurch is a national tragedy and will require resources not only from Canterbury, but all over the nation, to get this beautiful city up and running as quickly as possible.
To say that this involves Aucklander's egos - isn't that rather niave of yourself?.
Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be misinformed because Diana Stil doesn't represent all the members of the Demolition Industry, (in fact only a minority) and the passion you describe she has for them is shown by her own words 'There is a warning that must be said to those two so called members who contributed to the difficulties of great magnitude that we have had to endure and therefore must be dealt with at this next meeting.' I'm sure you would agree that is a warning from her showing a 'passion' for revenge.
Diana has written a lot about the situation in Christchurch best described by her agreeing that she was in a supporting role which soon became shown as her 'insisting' how the Urban Search and Rescue Team should be deployed in a particular situation.
I accept that Environment Canterbury should be disturbed that an outsider came in, proffering advice and 'wisdom' and who apparently soon thought they were in charge.
In regards my naivety regarding Aucklander's egos, the fact remains that Diana introduced herself into Christchurch as President of the Demolition Assoc, an association of which only a minority of demo companies are members. She was at the same time the owner of a Demo Company looking for work, later she became involved in trying to stop search and rescue procedures by professionals at a point when she was organising logistics for search and rescue, some of which were from her own company.
I can tell you clearly now that USAR didn't have any mixed motives, or pretend to be one thing while in fact being another, a situation which is far less certain with Diana.