Waitemata Greenways

The inner city’s Waitemata Local Board is working on an environmentally pleasing three year project that would connect parks and open spaces in its area by providing safer walking and cycling facilities and at the same time improve neighborhoods.

This “greenways” draft plan has been given priority by the Board and funded to the tune of $150,000. It now has backing from Board and a consultation programme is being developed for the project team to work with various stakeholders including Auckland Transport, Walk Auckland, Cycle Action, local residents and business associations, sports clubs and other interested parties.

This project would result in the ability to increase recreational opportunities within the community by improving links between neighbourhoods and open space facilities, and for local streets to function as slow speed environments where the community can gather and socialise.

It is also designed to promote active healthy lifestyles, nature conservation and reduce traffic pollution, in turn creating safe access for travel to work or school.

Priority greenways have been identified as routes which can easily be delivered, and, have a high level of demand that could be linked into other planned projects.

Aspirational routes and networks will rely on the completion of other significant infrastructure projects while also considering the Board’s budget.

While it is recognised that future plans may need to traverse through private property that would require purchase of land to complete, the endorsement of the current report shows no such options proposed.

Waitemata Local Board Members Rob Thomas, Shale Chambers, Jesse Chalmers, Greg Moyle, Pippa Coom and Christopher Dempsey have worked with officers to develop and identify greenway routes and prioritise projects.

The project would involve various levels of street restructuring by introducing planted swales, narrower carriageways on some streets that would lower traffic speeds, wider footpaths and cycle provision. Much of this work, dependent on Board budges, would also work to improve storm water quality and reduce flooding as well as a general enhancement of the environment.

The first project to get the green light in the New Year is the Cox’s Bay Creek boardwalk and footpath upgrade. Under the existing renewal project, the Cox’s Bay Creek boardwalk was set to be rebuilt to a 1.8m width from its current narrow span of 1.2m.  This 60cm increase wouldn’t be suitable given the present substantial use of the bridge.

Due to the urgency of the renewal, the Local Board took a proactive role in the development and future planning of the boardwalk as a greenway. Work on the boardwalk will commence early next year at 2.5m width, which, will fit in nicely with proposed Greenways network.

LG door-in-door fridge and the Auckland City Mission

Each year the City Mission support thousands of Aucklanders that have no one else to turn to.

Throughout December they provide 2,000 emergency food parcels, distribute approximately 20,000 Christmas presents and host around 2,500 people at New Zealand’s  largest community Christmas lunch.

So, what does an LG door-in-door fridge and the Auckland City Mission have in common?

Recently LG launched their “wider than a car” new 84″ TV and Door-in-Door Fridge. As part of the launch they held a silent auction for LG appliances, including the first-in-the-country door-in-door fridge, with all proceedings going to the Auckland City Mission.

Wilf Holt from the City Mission was their to receive my donation for the fridge.

But sadly due to my poor spatial awareness, we arrived home to the realisation that it wouldn’t fit.

And blocking the emergency fire exit wasn’t an option.

So thank you to LG Managing Director Mr  Brian Kim and his team for hosting us at the event and for exchanging the fridge.

And as a member of the Waitemata Local Board it has been a pleasure to provide ongoing support to the City Mission for the work they provide our inner-city community.

If you would like to lend a helping hand this Christmas become a City Mission Angel by visiting the  City Mission website, click here.

Or make a donation to the City Mission Christmas appeal at the Silo Park Markets.

 

St Mary’s Bay Bridge complete

This week the final sections of the St Mary’s Bay Bridge across State Highway 1 was completed.

The official opening is planned to take place on Saturday 15 December.

The Auckland Transport Blog describes “The design resembles a traditional Maori fishing net. The draped fish netting design is a reference to the area’s historical importance to Maori as a fishing ground.”

On my cycle home one night I spoke to the Project Manager from Fletcher Construction about the project delay. Over the last few months they have been testing the plastic panels and their adhesive bond to the metal bolts. Rigorous testing had been undertaken to unsure that the panels would be safe above the motorway.

There are three gaps in the panel design to allow for unobstructed views of the city skyline. And a lift and ramp to allow for disabled and bicycle access.

Thank you to NZTA for keeping residents informed and creating another connection to our harbour edge.

 

Newmarket Viaduct Flyover surplus land