On this week's city councelling interview Casper spoke to Pippa Coom about the Auckland fuel tax. This tax has been a topic of discussion since National party leader Christopher Luxon announced in his state of the nation speech that, if elected, his party would scrap the regional fuel tax. Auckland mayoral candidate and Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck also announced that a part of her platform is scrapping the Auckland regional fuel tax. Casper and Pippa talked about Auckland’s regional fuel tax, what it funds and the tradeoff between increasing already high fuel prices for Aucklanders and funding essential public transport projects.
This week for our regular chat with Shane Henderson Casper spoke to the councillor for Waitakere about the city’s annual budget consultation and how and why people should get involved. They also discussed the cost of Auckland’s public transport which is becoming a topical issue with the mayoral election later this year.
For their final interview together for the year, Pippa and Ilena talked about the Mayoral Conservation Awards. The awards were held online last night and recognise and reward the commitment and work of those in our communities who take a leading role in the environmental space.
They also talked about a groundbreaking new poll that shows huge public support for measures to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf, which the Hauraki Gulf Forum will be taking to the government.
This week, Ilena talked to Councillor Shane Henderson about Auckland Council’s and his own perspective on the Enabling Housing Supply Bill, which encourages intensification in single house zones in Auckland.
They also talked about the proposed Te Whau pathway, which will be open to public consultation from this Monday through to the 20th of December.
This week, Ilena talked to Pippa Coom about the Medium Density Residential Standards and what went down at Auckland Council's meeting about it last week. They also talked about Council services available at Level 3 Step 2 and new electric buses that will be replacing Auckland's diesel buses.
Ilena caught up with Councillor Shane Henderson about Auckland Transport’s Parking Strategy Review and how that figures into Auckland’s wider climate change plan. He discussed changes that are being considered for parking in central Auckland districts, as well as how things might change further out, and how public transport infrastructure needs to concurrently be made an accessible and convenient alternative if we want a greener future.
Ilena caught up with Pippa Coom about Council's recommendations for the Auckland Light Rail team which Cabinet will consider later this year. They talked about what the options are on the table for light rail, how it differs from heavy rail (such as the city rail link being built in Auckland CBD), and the need for rapid transport options in Auckland.
They also briefly spoke about Auckland Libraries’ and Council’s response to a petition asking for a click and collect system to be put in place. Since the interview, it has indeed been announced that Auckland libraries will be operating a click and collect service from November 2nd.
Ilena had her regular catch up with Shane Henderson, who this week talked about how water restrictions in Auckland will ease from tomorrow. Auckland has been under varying forms of restriction since May last year after a long period of drought, but recent rainfall events have had a positive impact on Auckland’s water stores.
Shane also talked about the new bipartisan Labour and National announcement which aims to make it easier to build houses and intensify close to city centres.
This morning, Ilena had her regular catch up with Pippa Coom. They talked about the Super Saturday national vaccination drive that is happening tomorrow, and how those who are unvaccinated or need another dose can take advantage of the day with its greater accessibility and added incentives. They talked about how those who have had two shots can encourage whānau and friends to be a part of the day.
Pippa also touched on what Auckland’s targeted rates are and how successful they’ve been. Lastly, she spoke about the upcoming, little known, but greatly important Entrust elections and why they matter.
Ilena speaks to Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom about plans for the rejuvenation of Auckland's midtown. They also discussed Auckland Council's response to the Three Waters proposal.
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