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.
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.
New Covid-19 announcements and rule updates have come thick and fast throughout the Delta outbreak period, leaving many Auckland businesses wanting answers. News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Hospitality New Zealand Auckland representative Jamie Freeman and Heart of the City, Auckland CBD’s business association, Chief Executive Viv Beck about how some of the government's latest directives have impacted the retail and hospitality sectors. They discuss Monday's announcement that in principle Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 Step 2 on Tuesday 9 November at 11:59pm, the new Covid-19 Protection Framework or traffic light system, and the call for hospitality businesses to expand their outside seating areas to public footpaths.
Today on my regular catch up with Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom we discussed the Women4Climate Mentorship Programme that is coming to Tāmaki Makaurau this year.
The programme taking place in several C40 cities globally aims to contribute to the emergence of the next generation of climate leaders by sharing knowledge and experience.
Jessica Hopkins spoke to Pippa about who is eligible, and clarified the programmes' inclusion of non-binary and gender queer people.
In Tāmaki Makaurau 500 – 1000 bikes are reported stolen each year. However, it is estimated that the actual number is between 2500 – 5000. 7% of people who have a bike stolen don't replace it and stop riding altogether, and bike theft becomes a financial barrier to choosing to bike.
Bike Auckland is an advocacy group who are working to create a better city for people on bikes. They are wanting to reduce barriers that stop people riding bikes, so people can keep using their bikes – for the planet, for climate change, for safe live-able cities and for mental and physical health.
Bike Auckland have recently partnered with Project 529 to tackle bike theft with the launch of a new bike registration and recovery system called 529 Garage. This week on the Wire, Frances caught up with Gabriel Gati who is on the leadership team with Bike Auckland and spoke about bike theft in the city and what this initiative of 529 Garage might do to reduce it.
If you are interested in getting your bike registered with 529 you can send an email to 529@bikeauckland.org.nz, visit www.529garage.co.nz or find their app by searching 529 Garage.
This week on the Friday wire Casper had his fortnightly chat with Auckland city councillor Pippa Coom, this time about AT’s proposed speed limit changes.
Liam spoke to Green Party co leader Marama Davidson about their calls for a rent freeze and rent controls, as well as Crystal Olin from sustainable cities Aotearoa about how to make city centres more green.
Jess talked with a Dr Anthony Hoete, a professor of architecture at the University of Auckland about the future of housing, and with Dr Rob Beaglehole from the NZDA about the government's proposal to ban fizzy drinks from primary schools.
Welcome back to another Friday Wire! Casper is off this week so Aneeka is filling in.
Today on the show:
Liam speaks to Aucklnad City Councillor Pippa Coom about safety in the city centre as well as the retun of their events and tourism industries on City Counselling.
Aneeka spoke to the Honorable Willie Jackson about developing a plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in New Zealand.
Liam also spoke to Martin Berka from Massey University about the rising cost of living.
Aneeka also spoke to Peter Reynolds the Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Disability Support Network.
Liam had a chat to Patrick Moyanhan from Computer Recycling Ltd about how we can eliminate e-waste.
And finally Aneeka also spoke to Dr Duane Peltzer, Chief Scientist of BioHeritage National Science Challenge about a newly-launched government plan to safeguard New Zealand's native plants and wildlife.
Winter means a tough time for many in our city here in Auckland. With temperatures steadily dropping and the cost of living steadily rising, keeping warm and well-fed is a daily concern for many. Gratis is an initiative that takes leftover food from cafes around the city and helps to feed those who most need it in our cities. On the Wire this week, guest producer Frances Wright caught up with Team Leader Natalie Wendzich to talk about the initiative.
After weeks of tension, the Ōtautahii City Council has voted to begin construction on Te Kaha, a brand new stadium for the city.
The cost of 683 million dollars for construction has been a major point of contention, but the effects of civic pride and support for the city's events industry could make it worth it. .
Liam had a chat with Jake McLelland, the Christchurch Central West councillor about the stadium located in his ward.
Today saw Casper host his final Friday Wire before the Second Semester Schedule Shakeup™ sees him take over the Tuesday Wire and Liam take on hosting duties from next Friday onwards! On todays show.
Casper had a chat with All Aboard Aotearoa about the recent High Court ruling on their case with Auckland Transport alongside City Counsellor Pippa Coom.
Liam had a chat with Michael Plank from the University of Canterbury about recent government changes making masks and RAT tests free.
They also spoke with Anita Rosentreter about First Unions court case against Uber.
Casper also had a chat with someone from the Real Estate Institute about housing market data and what all of the numbers mean.
And finally Liam chatted to Christchurch City Councillor James McLellan about Te Kaha, the city's new stadium, being given the go ahead.
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