My Account
Penlink alternatives
Victoria Egli, Stanmore Bay. Published October 18, 2017
The post-election edition of Hibiscus Matters reminded me that coasties are still in favour of Penlink. Coasties have an opportunity here to lead the way in innovative, smart, and healthy public transport solutions. What about introducing electric bike share fleets; creating safe cycle ways; and increasing the frequency and extending the operating hours of ferries? Electric self-driving buses are currently being used in Switzerland and Japan – would they not also be appropriate for use on the coast? It saddens me to think that when people think public transport on the coast they think only of more roads and more car parking facilities. Is a continued dependence on fossil fuel and sedentary transport options really the future we want for our children and grandchildren? Or are we prepared to think outside the box and lead the way in smarter, healthier, more environmental friendly transport solutions?
Unhappy ratepayer
Sandra Zanos, Orewa (abridged). Published October 18, 2017
I read with interest the article on The cost of Crossing (Opinion, HM October 4).This does not surprise me that Auckland Transport do not disclose the details to the Council on breakdown of costs. As they use Fulton Hogan – is this another case of who’s in who’s back pocket? As we the ratepayers have a right to know where the money is being spent and on what, and also for the AT to have local contractors bid for the job as the real world does to keep cost down. It’s about time council questioned the cost of Auckland Transport and breakdowns of work and also to question Council on their over spending. The article Tread Carefully with Health & Safety (HM October 4) with the fines is a joke when you consider the numerous occasions I have contacted the council, as have many other ratepayers, on the broken footpaths, water and mud on footpaths (created by tractors driving on the verge of the footpath) and uneven footpaths. These are all health and safety hazards to walkers, bikes and wheelchairs and still waiting to be fixed. The Council’s responsibility is to walk the areas and not drive in cars to where these hazards are reported and fix them, that is the responsibility and law under the PCBU as quoted in the article. Perhaps we could fine the Council on each hazard and maybe work will get done.
No pressure!
Elliot Marshall, Stanmore Bay. Published October 4, 2017
Great to see that our MP Mark Mitchell got back in by a country mile. Provided National and NZ First come to a deal to govern, I look forward to seeing his promise to deliver Penlink, with construction to start within three years, coming to fruition. (He said as much during the election campaign, at the Penlink meeting and in your superb Election Feature). He has until 2020. Otherwise I hope suitable and serious questions will be asked.
Penlink promised
Shannon Harper, Little Manly. Published October 4, 2017
Mark Mitchell promised to deliver Penlink “within three years” during his election campaign – after so long it’s hard to believe it could be actually going to happen. The bumper stickers could come true! I will be following with interest his progress, which I’m sure your excellent paper will report on. Although I guess, at this stage there is the small matter of NZ First’s decision to sort out!
Rough at skatepark
Liam Hutchison, Stanmore Bay. Published October 4, 2017
Following one injury after another, I have come to the conclusion that the Stanmore Bay skatepark has many things wrong. My knees are killing me. The problem is there are holes in the skatepark and also the concrete is no longer smooth. This is causing many accidents within the skatepark. I have spoken to my friends at the skatepark and every one of them agreed that the skatepark needs to be done over again. We need to take action quickly. I request that the skatepark is restored to how it once was. At least new concrete please. This would be appreciated by many people that use the skatepark on a daily basis.
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Caitlin Watson replies: Upon the opening of the skate park, skaters noted that the park’s rough surface meant that falling off a skateboard resulted in having a mark or two to show for it. This being contrary to Orewa skate park’s smooth surface, which is a modern finish. I appreciate the initiative the skater has shown in writing a letter and acknowledge the serious health and safety concerns that have been raised. The work is subject to its prioritisation in the local board’s work programme. It has been estimated that fixing the surface with a grinding or a levelling type of compound will cost around $20,000. Council is going to send someone on site for an evaluation.
Going to the dogs
Stewart Donaldson, Orewa. Published October 4, 2017
I would like to congratulate Williams Land on seeing sense and unblocking a stream that is part of the natural seaside environment. All around I see developers leveling hillsides to make flat sections, felling trees, filling estuaries with silt and otherwise treating the environment with disdain. Auckland needs more housing, for sure but my prediction is that this will soon come into balance. The place will look so bad with poor quality, badly thought out residential areas and ugly apartments miles from a city centre that other areas, outside Auckland, will have far more appeal. And so demand will drop.
