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.
Last week, the Government and Auckland Council agreed on the ‘Auckland City Deal’, which seeks to enhance co-ordination between the two bodies to enable better investment in the city to get the most out of what Mayor Wayne Brown has called the ‘Engine’ of the economy. This will see better communication between the mayor and prime minister, co-operation on certain legislation, and funding.
The weekend also saw Cyclone Vaianu hit the country, with parts of the country facing damage and flooding. The government now has the job of responding to the damage, and deciding what needs to change, looking forward to future cyclones.
This week, Host Alex spoke with National Party MP Ryan Hamilton about each of these topics.
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.
Auckland Council's next planning committee meeting is taking place next Thursday.
The topics list includes a decision on mass housing reforms, which could see rates of housing intensification rise across Tamaki Makaurau.
To learn more about what this means, Liam had a chat with councillor Pippa Coom on our regular City Counselling segment, also chatting to her about the upcoming mayoral race.
For City Counselling this week, News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Manukau Councillor Lotu Fuli about the potential establishment of Māori seats on its governing body, lowering the voting age to 16 for local elections, and a new $2 billion dollar flood relief package.
For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about Council's progress on emergency response systems and the buyout scheme for homeowners impacted by floods.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Willie Jackson about the independent commissioner being appointed to Wellington City Council, the government’s review of Ihumātao, and the cuts at Whakaata Māori.
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