My Account
Penlink not a priority
John Kirkham Manly (abridged)
I moved up to Manly (from the North Shore) two years ago. Being more aware since moving onto the peninsula, of local issues and this Penlink project, I have asked many locals of their opinions, (especially of the latter). I have met no one who is in favour of this Penlink project (apart from those with personal or business interests). People say it is so wrong to be spending this money when the peninsula and the Hibiscus Coast have so many needs leading into the future. Opinions vary from more prioritised needs, such as: an extra motorway lane up into the Millwater /Milldale suburbs and eventually into Warkworth; an immediate upgrade of the overloaded and aging sewage system on the peninsula that is struggling to cope with current population/housing; repair and upgrade of the water system, especially on the peninsula – maybe future proofing to develop the Hibiscus Coast’s own reservoir system; community facilities to accommodate young and older residents; improving road safety and footpaths, plus the conservation and retaining of bush, parks and coastal areas. I strongly feel this Penlink is to accommodate the Auckland Council and developers only and not of any benefit to the people that count – local residents and ratepayers. In the end it is the people of this region (the ratepayers) who should have their say, not the greedy and controlling outside influences. The peninsula does not need any more housing, because it is being pushed to the maximum to accommodate the present population.
Free plan offered
David Mountain, Manly
For many years the layout of Whangaparaoa Rd near Coast Plaza has driven me mad. I have no idea why it was deemed necessary to put three sets of lights in less than 500 metres and two extra entrances to the plaza. The entrances on Wade River Rd and Link Crescent are plenty. As most people will know, the problem with traffic lights is the dead time they create between phases. For safety you stop a whole line of traffic and then a few seconds later you start the opposing. You also wait for the cars to speed up and slow down. All this time adds up to a lot of time when no-one is using the road. I’d challenge anyone to start counting the time when nobody is using the road and you’re waiting for a green light. There is a major problem caused by these three sets of lights as people queue to get past in the morning and Evening. I’ve attached my suggested design for Auckland Council/Auckland Transport, free of charge, to fix this giant mess. No need to pay traffic consultants a million dollars for a report – just follow the diagram. The roundabout at the Link Drive intersection is probably unnecessary but please, no more lights!
A number of readers asked the paper about the state of things outside Whangaparaoa Community Hall (BEFORE see top), which they described as unsightly and messy. The site is the base for community groups, including Love Soup and Restore Hibiscus Coast. Here is the response, which included the AFTER photo: Project Manager for the hall, Rusty Marx, says the site has been a hive of activity in recent weeks. “A recent donation of timber is being de-nailed on and off-site, then re-purposed for racking for Love Soup, a smaller Restore Hibiscus Coast container and more efficient racking for timber and paint that we need for projects. We’ve also been stretched with space for donated materials that we’re re-purposing or donating to others. We’d love to have more volunteers to help. “Love Soup director Julie King says over lockdown, when Love Soup stepped up its food rescue activity to meet community need, the hall quickly made extra space available inside and outside in containers. “Now we’ve just added a warehouse facility in Albany that will help take some of the pressure off at the hall,” Julie says. Community garden coordinator Dee Pignegy says the garden has been a work in progress over winter, coping with composting and re-organising the gardens. “With spring on us we’ve been shifting mulch for an orchard, as well as screen planting around the containers to make more food producing areas and beautify the place. We can also use more volunteers to help with the gardens.”
Cook Island event makes family connections
When Xtina Manuela organised a Cook Island Culture Day at Whangaparaoa Library, she had no idea it would lead to meeting members of her extended family. Xtina moved to Manly a year ago and this is the first event she has organised on behalf of the local Cook Island community – to celebrate Cook Island language week, August 2-8. Doing so put her in touch with famiy members in Orewa and Gulf Harbour, including an aunt, Tu Geldard. The event, on August 8, included a drumming demonstration as well as shared meal, talks and dancing.
