Also a recap into planners and how they can influence economic development Wondered how your city and/or region works. Wondered what Planners do to enable (that is enable not disable) … Continue reading Ben goes Planning Part 2: A Deeper Dive. Building Safer, More Connected Communities – A Policy Framework for Integrated Cycling Networks and 30 km/h Zones
The hidden logic behind the City’s Blue Print of Marsden Point Wondered how your city and/or region works. Wondered what Planners do to enable (that is enable not disable) the … Continue reading Ben Goes Planning Part 1: 5 Surprising Truths About How Your City Works (Learned from a Video Game)
So, was I the City Cereal King or just a Planner enabling the economic development of the city and/or region? Because while Marsden Point is in Cities Skylines 2, in real life while my main wheelhouse right now is Policy Planning or Land Use Planning, I draw upon other aspects of planning ensuring the best for the area I am representing and/or advocating for!
Using Urban Simulator to illustrate how cycling can work for you So, you have medium density being built in your city, businesses want to establish or expand as a consequence … Continue reading Making Cycling Work for YOU and Your City!
No they do not impact arterial roads nor the movement of people and goods, at least not negatively! It seems that a policy push to introduce 30km/h speed zones in … Continue reading 30km/h Streets are your Friends in Cities and Towns!
How much goes on to get to the point of residents and businesses moving in, and for visitors to part with their coin? It takes around 12 hours in real … Continue reading From 28,000 to 68,000 population (in 51 minutes). The Planning and Preparation of the City!
A revolutionary vision for intercity rail in New Zealand promises to reshape the landscape and unlock unforeseen potential in the upper North Island. The Regional Rapid Rail proposal, with its strategic goals and outlined benefits, aims to connect major centers, catalyze regional development, and bolster environmental sustainability. By leveraging existing infrastructure and prioritizing integrated land use, the plan seeks to stimulate economic growth while enhancing the liveability of towns and cities. This visionary approach transcends mere transportation, offering a transformative solution for urban connectivity and unlocking untapped opportunities.
This post, originally dating back to 2017, outlines the need for a revamp in New Zealand’s planning and infrastructure agencies. The proposal involves the establishment of a National Planning Agency and a National Infrastructure Agency, aiming to streamline inter-regional planning and development. The current lack of coordination and inefficiency within existing institutions is highlighted. The suggested reform encompasses a restructured Ministry for Planning, Infrastructure and the Environment, comprising of three key agencies. These changes are intended to enhance collaboration and coordination for more effective and holistic planning and development across the country.
This scathing critique of the National Transport Policy calls for a new regime with smarter solutions. The author proposes reversing the fuel tax hike, restoring funding to local road maintenance, and implementing congestion charging. They advocate for a shift towards universal RUCs, increased rural road safety measures, and the development of low traffic neighborhoods. The post also outlines strategic public transport projects and warns of industry displacement due to infrastructure upgrades.
Provocative Summary:
“Enough with the delays and dithering! Let’s bring in the masters to get our transit projects off the ground and out of the public books. With Japan’s expertise in rail and potential assistance from Singapore or Hong Kong, we can finally achieve a reliable inter-city rail and a much-needed Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Stage 2. By keeping costs off the public books and creating vital transit-oriented developments, it’s time to stop dithering and ask for the help we clearly need.”
Talking Southern Auckland 