Transport Planning, Urban Planning, Watching a City Develop Well in Cities Skylines that is. In my downtime I will often hone my skills on the Cities Skylines game which … Continue reading Just Another Day in The City
Is Auckland Transport Focusing on the Wrong End of Mill Road
Traffic would show Southern End needs investment first not the Northern End The Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor upgrade by Auckland Transport (note: the upgrade is the northern end of … Continue reading Is Auckland Transport Focusing on the Wrong End of Mill Road
Thoughts on the leaked Labour Election Review
The reason for me reblogging this is because when you have a large chunk of your Opposition failing (and heck Labour is quite successful in doing that at the moment and pretty much nothing else) then our democracy is in trouble.
Our democracy relies on both a “strong government,” a “strong opposition,” and “strong cross benches (where a Party acts in a more independent manner siding with both sides depending on the issue).”
If we have a sick opposition at central level it does affect at Local Level such as Auckland Council as well. We have no leverage nor alternative to seek out on prickly issues such as the City Rail Link (which we should just do ourselves any way). This is because there is a lack of central opposition doing its job in both putting a torch under the Government’s backside AND (and this is where the USA has some advantage over us) force more bi-partisan agreements.
But looking at the original blog post in which I am reblogging on it seems Labour the opposition continue to immolate itself and to borrow the dogged phrase from National; not focusing on things that really matter…..
(Bread, butter, work, house, amenity are things that matter to most as absolute priority)
Rail Network to Custard Again [UPDATED]
Digger cuts the signal cable
More issues for the Auckland Rail Network this evening with a digger cutting the signal cable at Otahuhu.
As of now (when the post was written) from limited Auckland Transport Tweets Eastern Line services are terminating at Syliva Park or running to Manukau while the Southern Line covered by the diesels are running every 20 minutes (timetable suspended again). But Tweets are infrequent and no presser to the media or the blogs on the situation. Auckland Transport must be “too busy again” to deal with it (This Is What Auckland Transport Thinks of You – The Rail Passenger [UPDATED])
I was forwarded this link and it seems rather apt:
Stay safe Auckland as we are still under a Severe Thunderstorm WATCH with reports of more thunder cells rolling in from the Tasman!
Ben’s Thoughts: What if Auckland Could Build the City Rail Link Itself? #Auckland2016
Time to forget Government and do the Auckland Transit Link (CRL) Ourselves? With the Government continuing to dither of its contribution to the Auckland Transit Link (the City Rail … Continue reading Ben’s Thoughts: What if Auckland Could Build the City Rail Link Itself? #Auckland2016
Draft Newmarket Metropolitan Centre Laneways Plan
Not everything is City Centre Centric
The Waitemata Local Board is seeking feedback on enhancing the vibrancy of the Newmarket Metropolitan Centre.
From the Waitemata Local Board:
Opinion on priorities sought for Newmarket Plan
Public opinion is being sought on the vision and priorities proposed in the draft Newmarket Laneways Plan. Waitematā Local Board has drafted a vision for the area to improve the quality of the streets and public spaces, making the area safer, more inviting, more interesting and more walkable.
Newmarket is one of Auckland’s busiest retail zones; it has a large residential component and is expected to experience a boom in daytime activity as the new University of Auckland, Grafton campus, begins to reach its potential. Quality planning of the area needs to take place to best prepare the centre for future growth.
Waitematā Local Board Chair, Shale Chambers, describes the Newmarket Laneways as “an area that is important for social interaction and for a more pedestrian focused retail precinct”.
“Newmarket is home to increasingly popular events and activities. We need to make sure that the planning for the area takes into account its changing face as well as the needs of those how live in and around Newmarket today.”
All those interested in providing feedback on the draft plan are invited to either complete an online feedback form on shapeauckland.co.nz before Sunday 14 June, or attend a public Open Day the next being:
– Osborne Street, Saturday 6 June, 11am – 2pm
Copies of this draft plan is available at local libraries, the Waitematā Local Board office and online on www.shapeauckland.co.nz
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Update on Manukau Parklets and the Manukau Interchange MK3 designs from Auckland Transport.
Auckland Transport has been ‘reminded’ that I am awaiting further information on both the parklets and the designs to the Interchange. I have been informed that once the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board have been briefed any updates that become available will follow.
And This Is What Auckland Transport Thinks of You The Rail Passenger – Again
Not a lot Some days I really dread firing up Tweetdeck and Facebook in the mornings. Why? Because I wonder if both will be going like anything with messages of … Continue reading And This Is What Auckland Transport Thinks of You The Rail Passenger – Again
Berry: Sell Surplus Auckland Stadiums. #Auckland2016
Mayoral Candidate Stephen Berry says we should sell surplus stadiums
In the run up to #Auckand2016 and the Local Elections Talking Southern Auckland from time to time will look at some of the larger issues facing either Southern Auckland or wider Auckland. This morning mayoral candidate Stephen Berry has mentioned about the Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) Stadium Strategy that has been dogged in controversy.
From Voxy:
Sell Auckland’s surplus stadiums – Berry
“Auckland has too many stadiums and the Auckland Council should look at selling some of them,” Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry says.
The Affordable Auckland leader has described Auckland’s stadium situation as a “debacle,” after the council’s stadiums strategy was sent back to the drawing board yet again. Council-controlled Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) has been given another year to consult on its strategy, which has upset the Warriors franchise over plans to move its games to QBE Stadium in Albany.
Berry says the Auckland Council should kick the current strategy to touch and change its entire approach to managing Auckland’s stadiums. “The stadiums strategy will leave sports fans unhappy and ratepayers out of pocket, funding white elephants that sit empty for most of the year.
“Auckland has an oversupply of stadiums and the Auckland Council needs to think seriously about selling one or more of them. For those that remain, we need to make sure the sports codes that use them pay for their fair share of their upkeep.”
Berry says the council should appoint an independent panel to review the region’s stadiums, with a focus on reducing costs for ratepayers. “As an example, the council is planning to spend millions upgrading Western Springs to host one cricket match a year. This has all the makings of a white elephant, which is ironic considering its close proximity to Auckland Zoo. Cities around the world have got themselves into financial strife by spending too much on sports stadiums for little return. Auckland needs to avoid making the same mistakes.”
“Several of Auckland’s stadiums are in prime locations and would fetch attractive prices if sold,” Berry says. “The money raised from stadium sales could be used to pay off debt, reduce rates increases or even fund the infrastructure and transport improvements Auckland desperately needs.”
He says it’s “questionable” whether the council should even own stadiums. Eden Park, the largest stadium in the country, is run by a separate trust.
“At the very least, RFA should be merged with another council-controlled organisation, such as ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) to save costs.”
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Thoughts?
Ben’s Thoughts: A TopShop/TopMan in Southern Auckland within next 2-5 years? #BetterAuckland
What if or Could We? As part of the refocus of the blog and in the prelude to #Auckland2016 I will from time to time pen some thoughts on ‘What … Continue reading Ben’s Thoughts: A TopShop/TopMan in Southern Auckland within next 2-5 years? #BetterAuckland
North Shore Up for the New Bus Network Consultation
Don’t forget to have your say
The North Shore is now up for their say in the New Bus Network consultation rounds. This particular one is “special” insofar as the destination routes in the City Centre are altered owing to the enabling works of the Auckland Transit Link (the City Rail Link) starting later this year. So please take note there.
From Auckland Transport
Public feedback invited on new bus network for the North Shore
Transformation of Auckland’s public transport network is underway, and from 2 June to 13 July feedback is open on proposed changes for the North Shore.
Rapid buses on the busway, new frequent services across the North Shore, improved neighbourhood services to get to the busway, and a simpler, more connected network are some of the features included in the proposed changes.
“The New Network will shift us to a completely new way of operating,” says Anthony Cross, Public Transport Network Manager. “Rather than just making modifications to bus routes here and there, we’re addressing the structure as a whole.”
For the North Shore, this means making the Northern busway more accessible to more people, and also increasing the number of local and Auckland-wide destinations you can travel to once you get to a busway station.
“It’s about increasing the freedom of where you can go and what you can do with public transport,” he says.
“Our current network isn’t built for transfers, which limits the number of destinations you can travel to easily. It’s also focused on catering to commuter travel, with frequent services running during morning and evening peak. The changes we’re proposing will overcome these limitations, by providing services that are designed to connect with each other, a new zonal fare system, as well as high frequency services that run all day, every day.”
This includes four new frequent services proposed for key routes across the North Shore. These buses will run at least every 15 minutes between 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, so passengers can simply ‘turn up and go’, even on the weekend. The Frequent Network will be supported by Connector and Local services, with lower frequencies appropriate to passenger demand.
The launch of the North Shore New Network is planned for 2017, however the time for feedback is now.
“Public feedback is crucial to creating a network that benefits Aucklanders,” says Anthony. “We’re asking people to look beyond their personal journey and weigh the benefits of the New Network as a whole, however we need to know if the new services will get you where you need to go.
“Now’s the time we can make changes – once the New Network is implemented it will be much harder.”
North Shore residents will receive a copy of the consultation brochure with a map in their mail box. Feedback can be given online, at a public information event or by completing the form in the brochure and mailing it back.
For more information on the North Shore consultation visit www.AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork.
The New Network is a region-wide public transport network that will change the way people travel. It will include Frequent, Connector, Local and Peak services. The Frequent Network will have buses and trains at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
……….Public Information Events
Date Time Event Sat 6 June 10am – 3pm Devonport Library Sun 7 June 5.30pm – 10pm Glenfield Night Markets Sun 14 June 7am – midday Browns Bay Market Thurs 18 June 4pm – 7pm Albany and Constellation Busway Stations Sat 20 June 10am – 2pm Northcote Library Chinese and Korean speaking staff will be present at this event
Sat 20 June 8am – 1pm Beach Haven Market Sun 21 June 10am – 3pm Birkenhead Library Sat 27 June 10am – 2pm Mairangi Bay Shops Sun 28 June 7am – midday Takapuna Markets Weds 1 July 4pm – 7pm Sunnynook and Smales Farm Busway Stations Fri 3 July Midday – 4.30pm Upper Harbour Local Board office, Albany Sat 4 July 10.30am – 2.30pm Greenhithe Village Hall Sun 5 July 2.30pm – 7pm Sunnynook Community Centre Chinese and Korean speaking staff will be present at this event
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A PDF Brochure
Talking Southern Auckland 