A Kiwi super city?

Ever hired a car in New Zealand? When you drive it around, people stop and stare. I’m not talking about a European convertible here. More like a 5 year old Holden with 160,000 on the clock.

“Nice wheels, bro. Iz thet the ‘04 ‘dore. Sweet.”

You see, it’s a bit cut-off. Lost in time and space. Lost in a reality all of its own. And despite the warrior image, it’s gentle, friendly and, shall we say, slightly old-fashioned.

In keeping with this other worldliness, the New Zealand Herald is in the middle of a major series: “Auckland the Super City: a Herald special feature”.

The series charts the city’s “spectacular growth since 1945” as it prepares to become a “single Super City”.

Super City! Capitalised for superness!

Bless.

Speaking of spectacular growth, are you prepared to have your mind boggled?!! From 1976 to 1986 the population skyrocketed from 707,000 at a density of 19 people per hectare to a crazeeeee 755,000 at a crushing, err… 19 people per hectare!

In the last 24 years the population has gone bonkers – 1.16 million now with 23 people per hectare. That’s 4 more people! Per hectare! In 24 years.

I wonder if they know that Paris has 2,000 people per hectare.

I love Kiwis. They’re so cute.

Couples we’d like to see - Part 1

As a selfless and romantic organ, Gliberty is kicking off a free introduction service. Some people just deserve each other and we're here to help.

Let's get these two together as soon as possible - Keli Lane and Matthew Newton.

They’ve so much in common – self-love and, ahem... allegedly , a tendency to violence as the ultimate expression of it.

Mugshots

The Chicago Tribune runs mugshots of the recently arrested. Yes, it’s voyeurism but fascinating all the same.

Who said those cop shows were realistic? Even actors don’t look this stupid or unfortunate. But more interesting than the dull eyed slack jawed mugshots are the crimes for which the mugs have been arrested. Personal favourites include:

Theft of manholes – Say no more.

Murder, neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing – As if she wasn’t in enough trouble without stooping to false dobbing?

Murder and attempted battery – How do you fail at battery but successfully kill?

False impersonation of a police officer – Are you really going to do it like that? OK, that's bad, you’re under arrest.

And take a look at those who resisted arrest. They're easy to spot. Ouch.

More evidence of panic

Does Warwick McKibbin have a web page? If not, he should emulate Henry Ergas.

Panicked decisions are bad decisions. Lying to cover your ineptitude is contemptible.

Promising to repeat your mistakes is arrogance and narcissism.