Brian Anderson The Western Front www.sunlive.co.nz

Owen McShane died on March 7. Many have read his work in the National Business Review and the Metro magazine. Very few will ever appreciate the contribution Owen has made supporting people in New Zealand and overseas.

He had one major problem in life. He knew what he was talking about – an attribute which is not always popular. But his advice was driven always by his deep desire to make the world a better place for people.

He was sought after all round the world for his wisdom. His Centre for Straight Thinking with its regular digest and blog has been an inspiration to many trying to make sense out of our current complex overregulated society. He was extremely generous with his time when I contacted him for help with my research, but few in the Western Bay would have known of the time he has spent supporting people in this region.

A few years ago, five councillors, elected on the RUA ticket, campaigned successfully to thwart the council's proposed Fields for the Future programme – which planned to limit all rural subdivision on properties adjacent to the council's 1000km of gravel roads. With Owen's help at all levels, right through to the Environment Court, the Fields for the Future was abandoned.

It is sad that our current regulatory environment is now achieving those same goals and rural subdivision has almost come to a halt this year. Owen was very scornful of planning for planning's sake. He has left an incredible volume of wisdom in his writings and whoever stands up to take on his mantle will still have him as a guide.