Remembering 15 March 2019 isn't enough
We don’t need any more empty platitudes of sorrow on this anniversary. We need firm action and strong resolve. Across the board.
-Anjum Rahman
Reducing fuel prices and public transport fares welcomed but needs long term solutions
It's great that the government has announced a reduction in public transport fares, given how critical mode shift is for addressing climate emissions, congestion & road safety.
Eastern Busway feedback shows Burswood diversion unpopular with locals
Auckland Transport have released the response to the December consultation on the Pakuranga to Botany leg of the Eastern Busway.
International Women's Day 2022
Happy International Women's Day to everyone, but especially the incredible women in my life. You're awesome, thank you for everything you do.
First thoughts on Auckland Council's 2022 Budget
First thoughts on the Auckland Council draft budget - better than the previous attempts but still not great.
February Newsletter
I hope my first newsletter for 2022 finds you well and that you've had a good break over summer.
Auckland Council finances still don't add up
Major transport projects like the Eastern Busway have been delayed because Auckland Council told us they didn't have the money to fund it. Yet the NZ Herald has revealed that council is sitting on $285 million of unspent regional fuel tax earmarked for transport.
Happy Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate it.
Wishing you prosperity, health and happiness in the Year of the Tiger.
Submission on Eastern Busway consultation (Pakuranga to Botany)
My submission to Auckland Transport on their proposal for the Pakuranga to Botany section of the Eastern Busway.
Labour and National team up on housing - but will it be effective?
Yesterday saw a massive announcement on housing - a rare show of bipartisan support with Labour and National announcing an end to single house zones in the largest cities in New Zealand.
The right to self determination is one of the most fundamental human rights.
My submission on Inquiry into Supplementary Order Paper 59 on the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill
Harmful conversion practices should be banned
Parliament is accepting submissions on the proposed ban on conversion practices. There is no justification for the damage they cause and there is no place for them in New Zealand.
Howick Local Board meeting for July 2021
Monday night was the Howick Local Board meeting for July with discussions on bikes, dogs and bylaws. I always try to attend to see what’s happening in the community and at Council.
35 years since homosexual law reform
9 July 2021 marks the 35 anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform, which passed it’s final vote in parliament on 9 July 1986 and came into effect on 8 August the same year. It’s a time to remember those involved, celebrate the progress and strive for more.
Auckland Transport $37B plan nothing to celebrate
On Monday 28 June, the Board of Auckland Transport approved their ten year plan known as the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP). The plan comes with a hefty price tag of $37 Billion which on the face of it seems positive - Auckland has under invested in transport for far too long. However, there isn't much to celebrate.
Further delays to Eastern Busway are unacceptable
Yesterday Auckland Transport admitted that the Eastern Busway has been delayed yet again.
They've blamed a council funding squeeze but the reality is that AT is incapable of delivering on their promises.
Did this pole really need to go here?
For years I've been battling with Auckland Transport to try address the lack of pedestrian crossings on the Mt Wellington Highway near Sylvia Park. Not just a major shopping destination, it's also a transport hub for the area but there's gaps in the footpaths.
Where's my bus?
I'm meant to at a sustainable business event, talking with other local young professionals about what we can do to tackle climate change. Huge challenge we have to face.
But instead I'm standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus that may never come.
Road safety needs to be taken seriously
It's Road Safety Week and Auckland Transport have shown their support. But what we need is action.
Community Patrols NZ conference
In mid-March I spent a weekend in Palmerston North at the Community Patrols New Zealand leadership conference representing Botany.