Earlier in the week, Jacinda Ardern announced a temporary slash to the regional fuel taxes and public transport costs across the country.
These cuts are intended to ease the cost of living for New Zealanders and will last for a period of three months.
For this week’s fortnightly chat with Auckland city councillor Shane Henderson as part of the regular city councelling segment, Casper and Shane discussed the announcement, what it will do and whether it might play into permanent policy.
They also discussed the Auckland city councelling budget consultation and why it is important that young people submit to it before it closes. Casper first asked Shane how he feels the announcement will affect Aucklanders.
Cycling infrastructure has been widely reported as receiving $1.7 billion in new funding, with investment in renewable transport forming a part of Auckland’s plan to halve emissions by 2030.
Auckland city council has also closed submissions the NPS UD public consultation, informing its plan for housing intensification.
For Casper's fortnightly chat with Auckland City Councillor Shane Henderson they discussed this investment in Cycling infrastructure as well as an update to their discussion a few weeks prior around housing intensification. Casper first asked Shane what is planned for Auckland’s cycling infrastructure in the 2022 budget and what its implications are for the city.
Eight local boards from central Auckland voted on the issue of special character areas in Auckland, contributing to a longstanding debate around housing intensification and preserving Auckland’s inner-city suburbs.
For the our regular city counselling segment Casper spoke to Auckland city counsellor Shane Henderson to get a sense of what happened in this debate, what the vote means and how it might affect the future of housing in Auckland.
For city counselling this week Simon spoke with Waitākere councillor Shane Henderson about the recently announced extra harbour crossing project as well as light rail in Auckland. Shane also spoke about the bus driver shortage and how communities in the west are still in recovery mode post cyclone. Simon started by asking Shane to discuss the varying states of recovery in these communities.
Last night former police commissioner Mike Bush released his review into the council's response to the January 27 floods. Simon spoke with Manukau councillor Lotu Fuli about the report and what the report means for the council. Simon also spoke with councillor Fuli about the public's response to the Auckland city council's proposed budget. Simon started by asking councillor Fuli to explain what stage the budget is currently in.
For City Counselling this week Simon spoke with Manukau councillor Lotu Fuli. Lotu discussed the damage caused by Tuesday's floods, as well as the issues around public transport for those wanting to get home after the emergency announcement. Lotu also spoke about Mayor Brown's allegations of voter fraud in South Auckland. Simon began by asking Lotu about the flood damage caused by Tuesday's rain.
For City Counselling this week Simon spoke with Manukau Councillor Lotu Fuli. Lotu spoke about the budget meeting which is currently taking place where councillors are voting on the mayor’s budget. Simon began by asking Lotu how morale is among councillors after last week where abusive emails were sent to councillors, and how she is finding the budget process.
For this week’s City Counselling, Beth caught up with Counsellor for Waitakere Shane Henderson. They spoke about proposed congestion charges, which could come into effect as soon as 2025.
Mayor Wayne Brown has previously proposed charges of $3.50 and $5 during peak hours for car-users on State Highway One, between Penrose and Greenlane, and State Highway 16, between Lincoln Road and Te Atatū Road.
Producer Jasmine Gray speaks to Councillor Julie Fairey about the folllowing for this week's edition of City Counselling: Auckland Council has unveiled their long-term housing development proposition in the form of Plan Change 120, which is now open for public submissions until December 19. Key focuses include intensifying housing density in high-infrastructure areas.
And this week Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei welcomed the world’s largest indigenous education conference to Tāmaki Makaurau, bringing over 3,800 visitors. Accompanying the conference is Te Ao Pūtahi, a free public festival showcasing indigenous artistry, that is happening in Aotea Square until 7pm tonight.
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.
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