Month: September 2015

A Reminder After The Muriwai Beach Tragedy

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Stay safe, seat belts on and OBEY the Speed Limit

From Auckland Council

Muriwai beach tragedy

Auckland Council’s Rodney Ward Councillor Penny Webster says last night’s fatal crash on Muriwai beach is a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this time.

“Muriwai Beach is a very popular destination with both tourists and locals and we are devastated that these young men have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances,” says Councillor Webster.

“The weather patterns and terrain of the beach is unique and can make driving conditions difficult at times. Driving on the beach is also very different from driving on the road,” says Councillor Webster.

Council encourages people wanting to drive on the beach to get a permit and read the corresponding safety advice on responsible driving on the beach prior to heading out to this popular location.

Under Auckland Council’s Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw, vehicles are not allowed on beaches without the written permission of council. On September 1, council began a 12 month trial of a permit system for Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches.

The permit system provides a way for council to explain and reiterate safety requirements for people who choose to drive on those beaches.

Since 1 September, 734 permits have been issued for Muriwai beach.

Rodney Local Board chairwoman Brenda Steele says, “We’re encouraged by the large number of people who have already signed up for this permit, however the permit is the first step. We need to educate drivers further of the importance of being aware of their surroundings, including all the other people and animals using this much-loved beach.”

Under the new system, people driving on beaches are required to fill out a free online permit. In doing so, they must read the rules and guidelines for driving on beaches, which include staying off the dunes, looking out for partially submerged objects, only accessing the beach three hours either side of low tide and slowing down when there are people or animals around.

Auckland Council continues to work alongside other agencies to improve safety and driver behaviour on Muriwai beach and is currently working on communicating further to beach users prior to the busy summer period.

—ends—-

Safety first is no accident. Stay safe this Summer for all’s sakes.

Change in Investor Immigrant Rules to Target Start Ups

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Mayor endorses Government review

From the Office of the Mayor Len Brown:

Auckland Mayor supports changes to investor migrant rules

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has endorsed the government’s review of investor migrant rules and hopes it will see more funds directed into startups and growth companies.

The Mayor’s comments follow the release of a paper from Auckland business incubator Icehouse which proposes changing New Zealand’s Investor Migrant Policy to channel a portion of wealthy migrant investment into New Zealand’s strategic capital needs which include providing capital for emerging growth companies.

“Auckland is creating an innovation city,” says Len Brown.

“We have seen the emergence of companies like Orion Health, PowerbyProxi, Adherium and Wherescape. We are also the location for a number of venture capital and private equity funds, and some of New Zealand’s most active angel investors.  About half of all angel investment in New Zealand goes into Auckland-based startups.

“The key constraint for many technology companies, however, remains investment capital.

“An initiative which deepens the pool of capital available to be invested into growth companies will help shift our economy to one based on technology and innovation. And if that means these companies can grow while maintaining their New Zealand base that will be positive for the economy.

“The Icehouse idea has merit.  If we can attract migrants who want to invest into growth companies and opportunities in Auckland and New Zealand, it can only be good.

“I hope the government gives it careful thought as it undertakes the review.”

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Sounds good although I hope the idea is not going to be Government handled thus picking winners like Minister Steven Joyce likes to do (and fails).

The idea would benefit Auckland especially as like-type business and industries clump together naturally (rather than having a public authority do it via innovation hubs) for agglomeration bonus effects that start kicking in.

In Southern Auckland’s case that would be:

  1. Education
  2. Food and Beverage
  3. Health/Population/Social
  4. Technology

Busways and why Whangaparaoa could use one.

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Whangaparaoa, Howick, Pakuranga, Botany-Manukau, North Western Motorway; all prime candidates for good quality dedicated bus ways to get the people moving (both by bus and car) where Heavy Rail is not available and light rail is either a long way off or non viable.

Potential exists for Whangaparaoa being close to Silverdale and the Albany (Super) Metropolitan Centre. Will our leaders realise this?

(Answer is No)

Bryce P's avatarPearcy's Place

Pic courtesy of https://dgunderblog.wordpress.com/ Pic courtesy of https://dgunderblog.wordpress.com/

We know that the old suburbs in central Auckland were developed around the tram network. Indeed the tram network was the creator of the corridors we now know as Dominion Road, Mt Eden Road and Sandringham Road (and many others).

But, how do we emulate the kind of dense development the tram network created but without adding huge costs? Buses. Yes, dedicated busways added into existing transport corridors. Would it work? Well, in places globally that have introduced right of way bus lines, they work very well. Some were even built as a part of the development. They serve local areas and connect to Rapid Transit for longer journeys. Here is a couple of great blog posts about such a place. The subject is Almere in the Netherlands.

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/guest-post-richard-lenthall-on-the-busways-of-aimere-netherlands.html

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/aimere-netherlands-as-bus-oriented-development.html

How does this relate locally? Imagine if you will, a reinvigorated Whangaparaoa Road with pockets of…

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Ideas Wanted for Aotea Quarter

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What do you think the centre of the City Centre should have

From Auckland Council:

Share ideas to make Aotea Quarter a hub for all Auckland

All Aucklanders are invited to share their ideas for re-shaping the Aotea Quarter into the city’s arts, culture, and entertainment hub.

Public consultation on the Aotea Quarter Framework opens 9 September (today) and runs until 22 October.

The consultation will feature an information desk in the Aotea Centre, focus groups and public walking tours guided by planning experts explaining potential major improvements for the area around Aotea Square.

The vision is to use under-developed council sites to add to other recent upgrades in the area including the Aotea Square, Q Theatre, Lorne Street, Bledisloe Lane, Khartoum Place and the Auckland Art Gallery.

Potential sites include the Civic Administration Building, Town Hall south car park and Aotea Centre surrounds.

Eventually, the Aotea Station, as part of the City Rail Link, will deliver people to the quarter’s door step, transforming travel links to the city centre.

“There are huge opportunities for the area to really lift its game and become the cultural and entertainment hub for all Auckland,” says Councillor Chris Darby, council’s political urban design champion.

For more information and to give feedback, go to shapeauckland.co.nz.

Public ideas will help inform the future direction of the quarter and the council’s decision-making.

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You have until 22 October to give feedback. Also remember that Aotea Quarter will house the nearby Aotea City Rail Link station which will be the number one station on the rail network in terms of patronage.