Tag: Auckland

Works on Parnell Station to Continue

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Opening 2017

From Auckland Transport

Preparation work underway for the Parnell station

Earthworks have begun at the site of the new Parnell train station.

In February, the board of Auckland Transport approved the $6 million station, off Cheshire Street.

The work currently underway includes earthworks to allow the platform to be installed. These are planned for completion by August.

Meanwhile, KiwiRail is working to engage contractors to complete the design and refurbishment of the former Newmarket station building and provide for its relocation to Parnell. This is due for completion by late 2015. AT will then commence fit-out work.

The opening and operation of the new station is aligned to the closure of Sarawia Street level crossing, near Newmarket. That crossing is due for closure by June 2017 but is subject to planning processes.

A station at Parnell is forecast to be used by up to 2000 passengers during the morning peak with many of them heading to the nearby universities. It will also be used by people attending events in the Domain and at the ASB Tennis Stadium, and the Parnell community.

The new station will have two platforms, ticket machines and CCTV.  Future stages may include an overbridge, lifts and enhanced access through the Domain.

Waitemata Local Board chairman Shale Chambers says a station at Parnell is highly anticipated by local residents and the wider community. “It’ll be a great additional to Parnell not only providing opportunities for local businesses but making it easier to live, work and play in the area.”

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Motor vehicle-free summit on Maungawhau / Mt Eden

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For your information

From the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority

Motor vehicle-free summit on Maungawhau / Mt Eden

The tihi (summit) of Maungawhau / Mt Eden will be free from motor vehicles as a result of last night’s meeting of the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority.

Last December the Maunga Authority agreed in principle to the move and last night progressed to a clear direction that the tihi (summit) will be motor vehicle-free, subject to confirmation of the costs associated with the various arrangements including access for those with limited mobility.

Maunga Authority Chair Paul Majurey explains that the important decision for this ancestral mountain reflects the serious consideration given to the initiative.

“There was unanimous agreement at the Maunga Authority hui last night that a motor vehicle-free summit is the right outcome for the iconic taonga of Maungawhau / Mt Eden.”

Council staff have worked closely with various disability organisations in addressing the matter of tihi access for people with limited mobility and identified practical measures such as the installation of electric gates with an access code, or similar outcomes. The access code could be distributed to people with limited mobility via the Auckland Council call centre. 

Mr Majurey explains that in making their decision the Maunga Authority placed emphasis on the spiritual and cultural significance of the tihi to Mana Whenua and the community aspirations reflected in the long-standing public programme that led to the 2007 Maungawhau  /  Mt Eden Management Plan.

The plan identified that unrestricted access raised concerns over pedestrian safety, congestion and damage to the maunga. In response to these concerns, heavy vehicles were restricted from accessing the tihi in 2011.

“Motor vehicle removal from the tihi of Maungawhau was signalled many years ago as a necessary outcome to protect this taonga, and to reflect the Mana Whenua and community aspirations of their living connections with this taonga,” says Mr Majurey.

“The removal of heavy vehicles from the summit has been successful, resulting in significantly less congestion and also a change of attitudes in visitors. The community has embraced the much safer walk to the top of the maunga, and are excited about the enhanced experience with this ancestral place overlooking Tāmaki Makaurau.”

A motor-vehicle-free tihi on Maungawhau / Mt Eden is expected to be implemented in the coming months.

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Further Information

Click here for more information about the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority.

The Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 appoints the Maunga Authority as the administering body for the Tūpuna Maunga under the Reserves Act 1977. The role of an administering body is to administer, manage and control the reserve(s) under its administration in accordance with the Reserves Act.

The Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority is independent from Auckland Council and has statutory powers and functions.

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