On our regular City Counselling segment, Jessica Hopkins spoke to Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom about the year ahead for the Council.
They discussed the local elections happening this year, the Government's light rail announcement, and how our recent move to Red has affected Auckland residents.
She also asked Pippa about the controversy surrounding a proposal to put Auckland regional parks into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Is the Green Party out of touch with Pacific people? Well, AUT journalism lecturer Richard Pamatatau seems to think so. In an article written for E-Tangata, Pamatatau says the Greens do not do enough to reach out to Pacific voters and that the fact only two Pacific candidates are on the list is a reflection that the party is indeed out of touch. Pamatatau says the Greens have much to learn about engaging with the Pacific population, and the list placing of Leilani Tamu (20) and Teanau Tuiono (19) is evidence of that. In the article Pamatatau also claims that Green delegates were given a special instruction by the party's general secretary to ensure 22-year-old Chloe Swarbrick secured a top place. Reporter Sam Smith spoke to Pamatatau about his claims.
An Auckland Council proposal could see some off-leash parks become leash only, as well as further restrictions on dogs running free at some beaches. Public submissions close on the 23rd February, with the proposal receiving much criticism from communities so far.
Additionally, in late October, councillors voted 11-8 in favour of $11 million being spent on improvements at Waikaraka Park and moving all speedway events - namely Western Springs - in the city to that venue. This decision has also received much criticism, with action group Save Our Speedway saying proper process wasn’t carried out when the future of Western Springs was discussed at Governing Body meetings on October 24 and October 30 and now requesting judicial review.
Sofia spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics, starting by asking her what some of the feedback from people about the dog walking proposal has been so far.
An Auckland protest group has been organising demonstrations against the now former President of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye. Previously they were calling for her to be resign, but despite her being impeached last week - effectively ending her presidency - the demonstrations aren’t done just yet.
Producer Mack Smith spoke to April Rin Kwak, one of the organisers and participants in these protests. He began by asking her why she decided to get involved.
Safety measures on public transport are of growing concern this week following the fatal and unprovoked attack that took place on route 76 in East Tāmkaki on Monday night.
Earlier this week there were also multiple critical incidents that occurred simultaneously across Auckland’s West Coast beaches and waterways, seeing an unusually high deployment of emergency services and surf lifesavers for this early in the summer.
Swedish home and furniture retailer Ikea opened in Sylvia Park a week ago today, drawing huge excitement for many.
Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.
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.
His Worship is talking big plans for Auckland city, as well as his throne, and those heavy, oh so sacred, chains. Covering the costs of Eden Park, new plans for the viaduct and Kauri dieback, are we actually doing enough Phil?
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