City Counselling

Last week saw public transport usage in Auckland reach a 7 year high, on account of high fuel prices across the country. While high usage bodes well for public transport, the network is facing difficulties around overcrowding. In addition, Auckland Transport is pushing for central government support to lower fares, which ministers have rejected. 

Auckland Council has also conducted a review into its resource management consenting processes, and found multiple spots for improvement.

And central government has announced dog control law reforms, which Auckland Council has welcomed given its extensive existing operations in animal control.

To discuss each of these issues, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson.

These past two weeks have seen traffic in the city peaking, with the start of March Madness heralded in by students returning to university and people returning to work. While Auckland Council is working to bolster public transport services, some parts of the city still run into major congestion issues. 

This past week has also seen discussions around Planning Change 120, more commonly referred to as PC120. While the plan initially proposed a housing cap of 2 million for Auckland, the government has pushed for it to be reduced to 1.6 million.

The council has responded with a set of compensatory changes that would focus on reducing sprawl and boosting CBD intensification. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown spoke particularly strongly on the changes, indicating that if the government did not accept the change, they would stick to the original 2 million target. 

For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to councillor Shane Henderson about each of these issues, beginning with March Madness.

Central government has granted new police powers to issue move-on orders for rough sleepers around the motu, with failure to comply resulting in penalties of a $2000 fine or the possibility of three months incarceration. 

2 cases of measles have been reported in Auckland, both of which have been linked to overseas travel.

And, the celebrations continue in Tāmaki this week with the Chinese Lantern festival taking place this weekend at the Manukau Bowl.

Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.

Auckland Museum is in a precarious situation around funding, requiring significant support to manage the asbestos concerns of last year and other maintenance issues. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the government should pay for some of the repairs, especially as they provide financial support for Te Papa in Wellington. 

Also this past week has seen proposals for a merger between the Kaipara and Rodney district councils. This would split Rodney away from the rest of Auckland, a move with various pros and cons for the region.

Finally, yesterday saw the Auckland International Events Centre opening after thirteen years of construction. For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about each of these issues, starting with Auckland Museum.