What does 2015 have for Auckland?

 

Yesterday was the third anniversary of Talking Auckland being established. I can say it has been a very interesting three-year journey starting as a small fry to now one going through the next growth phase of leading independent commentary on Auckland issues.

 

2015 is going to be another big year both for Auckland and for me. Transport Blog has nicely laid out what 2015 has installed for Auckland in the transport department: 2015 – The Year Ahead. The big issue and debate for Auckland will be the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan which goes out for consultation on the 23rd and runs until March 16 (see: https://voakl.net/2014/12/18/governing-body-to-adopt-long-term-plan-draft-for-consultation/ and https://voakl.net/2014/12/18/long-term-plan-adopted-for-consultation/) In June the Governing Body adopts the final version of the Long Term Plan and July 1 the LTP goes operational.

Talking Auckland will be covering the Long Term Plan consultation and debate as it happens.

 

So what else does 2015 have for Auckland and me?

• Auckland Plan goes under a moderately intensive three yearly evaluation and review
• 2015-2025 Regional Land Transport Plan goes live
• Southern Motorway upgrade between Papakura and Manukau begins late 2015
• I start going through five of the six Unitary Plan hearings on my submission
• The hopeful construction and operation of the Manukau Pocket Park at Lot 59
• Finally getting Council and Auckland Transport to stop beating around the bush and build the Manukau South Rail Link

And no doubt probably a few other things along the way that I haven’t thought of.

 

So a busy 2015 and it has only just started.