Selling parks and reserves won't fix anything
Stunning Saturday afternoon for a community meeting in Aberfeldy Park in Highland Park. Sadly this park is on the list for potential sale under Auckland Council's so called "asset recycling" programme which will see over $224m in community assets sold.
Auckland Transport is increasing fares, yet again.
In what feels like deja vu, Auckland Transport is yet again increasing the fares for public transport. From 7 February about half of all passengers will pay an average 35 cents more for each trip. In 2016 they reworked the fare structure and every year since then fares have gone up. Last year they blamed petrol prices and this year it's COVID19. The reality is that Auckland already has one of the most expensive public transport fares in the world and making it more expensive is only making our transport issues worse.
Reflecting on 2020
As we head into 2021, I've been reflecting back on the previous year. 2020 was a lot and certainly not the year I’d planned for! It's tempting to write it off and pretend it didn't happen but amongst the chaos there were still good times.
Inaction, waste mar the first decade of Super City - NZ Herald
After a decade of vanity projects, wasteful spending and empty gestures, Auckland Council’s abysmal financial management is finally catching up with it. While some may delight in its downfall, the residents and ratepayers are left to face the brunt of its inept management.
Selling land is short sighed
I'm not ideologically opposed to asset sales - sometimes it makes sense to sell some unused land to fund something better and more useful for the community. But selling them to fund a shortfall in revenue means we're loosing out, especially when it's clear that even this massive selloff will do little to plug the gap.
Lack of skatepark needs to be addressed
When it comes to parks and recreation, what we do have is often too small or desperately out of date. Lloyd Elsmore Skatepark isn't just outdated, it's dangerous.
Council should be investing in the safety of our children
We've got our priorities wrong Auckland, keeping our kids safe should be at the top of the list. More students walking and cycling is better for congestion, the environment and children’s health. Instead our city gets distracted with half-baked ideas for waterfront stadiums. We need to focus on real priorities, cut the fluff and get on with it.
Auckland Council's ineffective governance of CCOs
Considering the massive impact that CCOs have on our daily lives, you'd imagine that they would be a top priority for Council. But in reality "council’s many plans, policies and strategies offer almost no practical strategic direction to CCOs."
Point View Drive gets another community clean up
Point View Dr offers some stunning views over East Auckland, but unfortunately some people dump rubbish which ruins it for everyone. Today we had 2nd annual clean up, organised by Howick Local Board Member Mike Turinsky
Cockle Bay long history of advocating for improvements continues
The Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association has existed since the 1930s, advocating for the needs of locals and to ensure it remains a beautiful place to live.
Politics is harder than most people know
It's physically, emotionally and financially draining. Most candidates/politicians I've met, do it because they want to make a positive difference, they give it everything and it quickly becomes all consuming.
Howick Local Board feedback on Emergency Budget
On Thursday evening last week I attended a special Howick Local Board meeting. Timed to allow the members to consider feedback from locals on the proposed Emergency Budget before it goes to council.
Government investment in water infrastructure looks promising
I'm genuinely impressed that the proposal looks to be following a reasonable consultation and engagement process! I'm often critical of governments top down approach but this looks remarkably good.
Submission on Auckland Council Emergency Budget
This is my submission on the Auckland Council Emergency Budget.
The proposed budget is really disappointing. It lacks vision, is extremely short sighted and consultation has been poor.
What Auckland Council's proposed Emergency Budget means for East Auckland
I’m deeply concerned about the cuts to safety programmes, environmental management and public transport which will all cost more than just money. The missing information on the Eastern Busway, Community Safety Fund and Ormiston Town Centre make it difficult to fully understand the impact.
Auckland Council's proposed emergency budget is drastic
With everything that has been happening, we've become accustomed to drastic action in the face of a crisis. But even still, the proposed Auckland Council emergency budget is still a shock.
Eastern Busway cannot come soon enough
In a piece in the NZ Herald, Christopher Luxon and Simeon Brown have both called for the Eastern Busway to be built faster. It's great to see the support for this critical transport infrastructure project for East Auckland.
Taiwan's membership in the WHO shouldn't be a political decision
I don’t often agree with Winston Peter’s but on Taiwan joining the World Health Organisation (WHO) I agree. In the same way that China doesn't get to decide what Taiwan does, they don't get to decide what New Zealand does either.
Opportunity for an informed choice on cannabis reform
This year, NZ voters will be asked for their vote on two referendums, including one on the legalisation of cannabis.
The government has provided a summary of proposed regulations so we can make an informed decision
Howick Local Board goes online to approve transport investment
The Howick Local Board for April was held online but not open to the public. I normally attend these and it was a shame to not be able to attend this, but I understand that changes are necessary in these challenging times.