Rates reform as urgent as ever
We urgently need to reform local government funding. I've campaigned on this for years and will continue to until it's resolved.
Stockade Hill too important to lose
Having spaces to remember and reflect on those we've lost is an important part of community. Stockade Hill is that place for Howick and surrounding area, serving as a gathering place for locals.
Tarnica Park issues go deeper than just anti-social behaviour
There are serious concerns about safety in Tarnica Park with reports of anti-social behaviour, fighting and even a stabbing not long ago.
Macleans Park has new friends
Great first meeting of the Friends of Macleans Park, a new community group to reduce the pests and weeds in the park while replanting and improving the natural environment.
Changes coming to Pakuranga Road with mixed feedback from locals
Last Wednesday night, over a hundred locals packed the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club for a public meeting on transport. Organised by Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, the meeting was focused on some upcoming changes to Pakuranga Road proposed by Auckland Transport (AT) as during the construction of the Eastern Busway.
Will a transit lane for Pakuranga Road be a help or a hindrance?
As any local will know, Pakuranga Road is an extremely busy place every day and with the incoming construction work for AMETI Eastern Busway, this is going to get worse. To help, Auckland Transport is proposing some big changes
Is freedom camping free enough?
On Monday evening I attended the public meeting on the proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw.
The short version is that freedom camping is legal everywhere NZ unless expressly prohibited. This is governed by the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (from Parliament) and some of the rules are out of the hands of the council.
Stickers no solution to illegal dumping.
While I applaud Auckland Councils efforts to investigate and prosecute illegal dumping, putting a sticker on them is not the solution.
Rising sea levels are putting our infrastructure at risk
Local Government NZ has released a report that shows the massive risk to infrastructure from climate change. This is great leadership from Local Government NZ - the risk to infrastructure from Climate Change is very real and we must be planning for it now.
Is a transit lane the solution for Pakuranga Road?
Pakuranga Road is one of the busiest roads in the country and is often congested with traffic (even in off peak). We need a solution and Auckland Transport is proposing a transit lane.
KiwiBuild has built up expectations but not much else
I’ve always been sceptical that KiwiBuild could deliver on its promises to deliver so many homes so quickly. My father and grandfather were both in the building industry and it’s never as simple as nailing some planks together.
Vanity projects are not the answer to our transport problems
Today Auckland Council proudly announced that they're wasting an unknown amount of money on trams for Wynard Quarter. This is a waste of money and effort that should’ve been focused on real transport, addressing congestion and safety.
Again Aucklanders made to pay more for transport
Very unhappy to see that public transport fares are once again going up.
Aucklanders have been paying extra for fuel to help boost investment in transport (which we desperately need). It's been difficult for many but we've adapted because it means better transport for Auckland. But for Auckland Transport to then increase fares due to the same fuel tax is farcical.
Art might be subjective but it's meant to communicate an idea
Art is definitely subjective and very few pieces of public art will impress everyone. The new artwork in Howick is controversial and has many questioning it’s value.
Construction and destruction underway
As part of the changes required for the AMETI Eastern Busway, Auckland Transport has begun removing 61 houses along Pakuranga Road.
Like many, I was concerned about the loss of housing especially considering the current housing market. Investing in transport is an absolute must for East Auckland and we need to get this busway built so we can move onto other transport projects, but it's important we make good decisions.
Connections and pathways
Within the space of a week we saw the opening of more local cycling and walking infrastructure, great to see more progress.
Women's safety is everyone's concern
I’m struggling with the Grace Millane story. What happened is awful and wrong, and my heart goes out to her family and friends.
Youth leaders delivering for Howick
The Howick Youth Council presented their review for 2018. What an incredible year for an awesome and inspiring group of people!
I’ve had the privilege of seeing these young people work and they’re unstoppable. Their determination and passion for their community makes me proud to live in the area.