Happy New Year – I trust that you had a wonderful break and came back refreshed for 2020 and were able to enjoy some precious time with your family and friends.
2020 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year. Not only is it an election year, but there are a number of significant issues which need addressing in Pakuranga and which I am looking forward to advocating for on your behalf.
Transport will remain at the top of my list. Just this week I met with Mayor Phil Goff to discuss the AMETI/Eastern Busway project which is currently under construction between Panmure in Pakuranga.
The purpose of the meeting was to raise concerns about the timing of the project which east Auckland has been waiting for since 2006 when the project was first mooted – the completion date still being 2025.
Last year Auckland Transport said there would be another delay in the planning for the Busway between Pakuranga and Panmure and a delay in construction of the Reeves Road Flyover.
My message to the Mayor was that the community needs certainty and wants to see action.
1. There is concern over Auckland Transports ability to deliver projects to announced timeframes.
2. The delay in construction of the Reeves Road Flyover could mean additional construction impacts on traffic as this will now likely be built at the same time as the Busway between Pakuranga and Botany. All through a busy transport corridor.
3. Landowners in Pakuranga affected by the Busway and Flyover need certainty so they can make development plans. With a delay of another 18 months for Auckland Transport to finally decide where the new busway and Reeves Road Flyover will go, this impacts on any plans these landowners may have and their ability to make final decisions.
I also made it clear that the community expects better communication from Auckland Transport about this project going forward.
Whilst the Mayor doesn’t have operational decision making over Auckland Transport, I hope my advocacy to him will ensure more accountability of the decisions Auckland Transport make in east Auckland and better engagement for our community in these decisions.
As 2020 begins I will continue to advocate for better transport and more transport choice in Pakuranga and for certainty for the remaining stages of the Eastern Busway and Reeves Road Flyover.
Simeon Brown
MP for Pakuranga
