Rachel is back in the building, and we have a lovely show for your Thursday! On Political Commentary, Rod Oram discusses Meka Whaitiri’s exit from Labour, the Restore Passenger Rail protestors and how they’ve been received, and Michael Wood’s letter of expectations to Immigration NZ. Plabita Florence, chef and owner at Forest, is up in the studio on Breakfast Food, chatting foraging and food waste minimisation. Gareth Shute is in to chat about his NZ Music Month historical walks and tours around the city, including around Queen Street, Karangahape Road and the Auckland Town Hall. Whakarongo mai nei!
Auckland Council has made the decision not to support the building of a second Waitematā harbour crossing, which would cost $56 billion dollars and involve the construction of two underwater tunnels and light rail connecting the North Shore to the CBD.
And in the past 12 months, Auckland Council has spent $7.4 million on recruitment.
Beth spoke to Counsellor for Waitakere Shane Henderson about these decisions.
The Auckland regional fuel tax ended on 30 June that has been active since 2018, with the purported aim to ease cost of living pressures.
The generated tax revenue was used for road safety initiatives and public transport infrastructure projects including the eastern busway, new electric trains for the City Rail Link and redevelopment of the downtown ferry terminal.
Without a fuel tax, the infrastructure funding will come from rates which are unlikely to increase to recoup the loss of tax revenue.
I spoke to Senior lecturer in Urban Planning Dr Timothy Welch about the short and long term impact of the removal of fuel tax.
Jess plays new tracks by Arcade Fire, Lomelda, Helado Negro and many more. Local musician, Him, talks about her latest album, Kangaroo Dreaming, for Long Player.
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