Dexter Traill
Ex Inspector Dexter Traill is a man of many talents. A policeman and traffic officer for 33 years, these days Dexter works with the Office of the Ombudsman as the Kaiwhakahaere: Maori Hononga Hapori - Director: Maori and Community Engagement. His aim is to build the cultural capability within the Office of the Ombudsman and to lift the profile of the Ombudsman Office to the hard-to-reach communities. And also introducing a Te Ao Maori Transformation Programme. His previous experience as a sports administrator and mental health coach is useful in his current role.
The position of Ombudsman had existed in New Zealand since the appointment of Sir Guy Powles to the role in 1962, making NZ only the second country, outside of Scandinavia, the first being Sweden to establish the position. The main purpose of the role was to act as a mediator for people who made complaints against Government departments, local Governments, and Boards of Trustees. “We investigate complaints of mal-administration.”
During 2019 and 2020 there had been approximately 2800 complaints received by the Office of the Ombudsman and in general made by the public against Government Departments, Local Government Agencies, and Boards of Trustees. Complaints are often related to the Official Information Act.
Fundamental to Dexter’s work is that he and his team need to understand the people they were investigating. ”We need to give assurances that all information we receive will be kept in the strictest of confidence, and we must do our best to see things from all points of view.” “Fairness for all”
The Office of the Ombudsman is reactive in its approach, but it also needed to make decisions about complaints it received. It was required to explore all avenues before making its decision, ensuring it is considered and fair.
A big fan of Arthur Lydiard, Dexter stressed the importance of physical and mental exercise as a way of helping younger people to lead healthy lives and to make the right choices.
In closing, Dexter said how proud he felt to have worn the uniform and the professional way his fellow Police colleagues dealt with the recent protests outside Parliament.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
New World Khandallah parking warning and appeal to nearby business owners
For very valid reasons (local commuters abuse) the New World has allowed the draconian Smartcomply company to police their carpark on their behalf.
Smartcomply will hit you with an $85 'fine' if you stay one second beyond the 60 minutes allowed.
Can I appeal to all nearby business's (especially eateries) to display a clearly visible "ARE YOU PARKED IN THE NEW WORD CARPARK' notice so customers can be warned about the possibility of an unpleasant post dining experience surprise.
A local eatery, and New World itself, could lose future custom due Smartcomply's excessive actions, as is likely our case.
Indeed I would urge any business local to a Smartcomply operation to implement a "ARE YOU PARKED IN ..........." notice if they wanted to avoid a lose in trade.
Here is the link to their Terms and Conditions that all entrants to a carpark under their control are expected to notice and read.
smartcomply.co.nz...
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