Tag: eastern busway
Simeon Brown: That’s a wrap for 2024!
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
In my last column for 2024 I wanted to start by wishing you all a very...
Community Comments on fuel station closures
Check out a few of the latest comments from our socials below. Want
more? Dive into the conversation at www.facebook.com/timesonlinenz.
GAS STATIONS IN EASTERN BUSWAY’S PATH...
There’s a kind of hush at a Pakuranga Plaza Christmas
Remember the song, There’s a kind of hush, all over the world, tonight?
It could be the theme song of Pakuranga Plaza, substituting the words...
Christmas present for Pakuranga Plaza; and Woolworths says sorry to customers
Pakuranga Plaza is being gifted a welcome Christmas present, with confirmation one of its biggest and most well-known tenants will keep operating at the...
Brown vs Brown battle over Eastern Busway funding
The Government Minister overseeing delivery of east Auckland’s largest transport infrastructure project says he has no doubt it will be completed on time.
The Eastern...
Gas stations in Eastern Busway’s path demolished
Motorists looking to fuel up their vehicles in east Auckland have fewer options than before as two busy local gas stations have closed to...
Website labels Pakuranga Plaza “worst” mall in Auckland
At this point you almost have to feel sorry for Pakuranga Plaza.
The Times has reported extensively this year on the Plaza’s ongoing struggles as its...
New Botany bus station and road opens
One more job on the long list of them making up the giant Eastern Busway transport project can be ticked off, with the opening...
MP weighs into debate over problems at Plaza
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has a bird’s eye view of the unsightly mess that is the current state of Pakuranga Plaza from the first...
ALERT: Highway lane changes, closures this weekend
Lane changes and closures because of ongoing Eastern Busway construction works are happening this weekend at Pakūranga.
Auckland Transport says the development includes introducing a...
Letters to the Editor: Plaza woes; Treaty education
Keep tenants in loop
I agree that Pakuranga Plaza is a shadow of what it was when I settled here over 20 years ago (Times,...
Business audience hears of need for fiscal constraint
By Business East Tamaki general manager Ruth White
We had a full house for our recent networking breakfast with Simeon Brown, the Minister for...
Getting transport back on track in Auckland
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland - part of the record $32.9b 2024-27...
Pain down at Pakuranga Plaza
Most people in east Auckland would empathise that it’s sad to see what’s happened to Pakuranga Plaza.
A once thriving shopping centre where the community...
Auckland Transport responds to concerns at the Plaza
Auckland Transport (AT) has responded to questions from the Times in relation to concerns raised by business tenants at Pakuranga Plaza.
Does AT believe it’s...
Teen gangs target Plaza service station
An east Auckland business owner surrounded by disruptive construction has endured frightening attacks by teenage gangs and suffered major losses in takings because of...
Town Crier opposes Māori naming of community assets
A story the Times published on August 23 (War of words over Māori names for public places - Times) about the debate over giving...
Government to crack down on potholes, cycleways
Two major public transport projects in east Auckland will be progressed as part of the coalition Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
The Eastern...
Advocating for infrastructure before intensification
By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
We recently learned the outcome of the long-running application to build a significant development in Cockle Bay.
No...
War of words over Maori names for public places
A heated war of words has broken out over whether Maori names should be given to numerous public places in the local community as...
Goodbye ‘Reeves Road Flyover’, hello ‘Rā Hihi’
Construction of one of the country’s biggest transport projects is continuing at pace.
The Eastern Busway section from Pakūranga to Botany will deliver 5km of...
Busway construction drives pharmacy from Pakuranga Plaza
The longest-running business at Pakuranga Plaza is closing its doors after almost 50 years due to factors including disruption from construction work for the...
Councilor slams move to give Māori names to public places, bus...
Efforts to give Māori names to numerous local public places as well as bus stations and structures that are part of the Eastern Busway...
‘It’s diggers and rollers and it’s shaking and cracking’
A woman who lives beside the path of the Eastern Busway says her home has suffered damage due to vibration from the ongoing use...
Te reo Māori names gifted to Eastern Busway
Auckland Transport (AT) says it’s honoured to have been gifted te reo Māori names by mana whenua for the new bus stations and structures...
Eastern Busway’s final stage facing major financial hurdle
The final stage of the Eastern Busway has a large hurdle to overcome with Auckland Council not including funding for it in its recently...
AT explains decision to have Eastern Busway run through Burswood
Auckland Transport (AT) is pushing back against reporting by the Times that it says doesn’t explain why it decided to have the Eastern Busway run...
Auckland Transport reveals design of Eastern Busway through Burswood
The Howick Local Board has again voiced its opposition to Auckland Transport’s (AT) plan to divert the Eastern Busway through Burswood.
Its members discussed the...
Retired civil engineer concerned over Eastern Busway traffic flow
Retired civil engineer Robert Finley has analysed part of the design of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway and he's concerned about what he sees.
The...
Road closure for flyover construction leads to gridlock
Construction of a key part of the Eastern Busway public transport project that's intended to improve traffic flow appears to be causing major headaches...
Auckland Council faces off with Government over Eastern Busway
Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is calling on the coalition Government to fund the Eastern Busway...
Relief at the pump from July 1
By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga
A few weeks ago, the Government announced we would be repealing the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT)...
Eastern Busway progressing as new section opens
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has officially opened a new section of the Eastern Busway in the heart of his own east Auckland electorate.
Brown, the...
Government fulfils promise to scrap Auckland Regional Fuel Tax
By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister and MP for Botany
Last week, the coalition Government announced that from July 1 we'll be scrapping the Auckland...
Government axing regional fuel tax
Motorists in Auckland will soon enjoy lower petrol and diesel prices.
The coalition Government announced on February 8 that it’s axing the controversial Auckland Regional...
Raised crossing proposed due to ‘high crash risk’
Another of east Auckland's busiest roads may soon get a raised pedestrian crossing in an ongoing effort to slow traffic down and prevent crashes.
As...
Thank you, Botany, for your overwhelming support
By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister-elect and MP for Botany
I am extremely proud to return to Parliament as your local MP for Botany and...
Civil engineer questions Eastern Busway’s design
A civil engineer who worked on motorway projects in the UK is questioning aspects of the design of the Eastern Busway public transport project...
New leadership, new horizons: Riverina School’s journey of transformation
One of Pakuranga’s oldest primary schools is undergoing massive changes, beginning with the appointment of a new principal.
Taking the helm at the beginning of...
Anger over removal of large trees to make way for Eastern...
One part of east Auckland is looking a little less green after numerous tall trees were chopped down to make way for the Eastern...
Help design Eastern Busway’s final stage
Local residents can have their say on the design of the next, and final, stage of the Eastern Busway public transport project.
Auckland Transport (AT)...
National’s transport plan will deliver for east Auckland
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
Last week, National announced our Transport for the Future policy, which will see significant transport projects get underway...
Luxon: ‘National gets serious on roads’
By Christopher Luxon, Leader of the Opposition and MP for Botany
National is getting serious about roads and that is good news for Botany.
On...
National launches its $24b election transport policy
The National Party's $24 billion 'Transport for the Future' infrastructure policy includes fully funding the Eastern Busway project and the construction of new major...
$850,000 for Eastern Busway’s ‘unwanted’ raised crossings
Auckland Transport (AT) will spend $850,000 to install "unwanted" raised pedestrian crossings as part of the Eastern Busway public transport project.
More than 2400 people...
Councillors weigh in on Eastern Busway
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter
funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland councillors were given a chance to weigh in on the $1.3 billion...
Detours in place at intersection due to Eastern Busway work
Motorists are advised a busy local intersection will be temporarily closed due to work on the Eastern Busway public transport project.
Auckland Transport (AT) says...
Thousands sign petition opposing ‘speed bumps’ on Ti Rakau Drive
More than 2400 people have signed a petition calling for a plan to install raised crossings on Ti Rakau Drive as part of the...
New technology will shorten bus travel times
Passengers using the Eastern Busway will soon make use of new technology ensuring they get to where they're going quicker than before.
Auckland mayor Wayne...
Officials say raised pedestrian crossings will save lives
A plan to install raised pedestrian platforms on a busy east Auckland road sparked heated opposition at a public meeting held to discuss the...
Sod turned on final stage of Eastern Busway
Work on the final stage of east Auckland's largest public transport project is now under way and it will take about four years to...
MP labels raised crossings for Ti Rakau Drive ‘crazy’
East Aucklanders are being asked to back a petition and attend a public meeting to voice their opposition to a plan to install raised...
Help stop AT’s speed bumps on Ti Rakau Drive
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
As the Eastern Busway project continues to make progress, with the Pakuranga to Botany stage and the Reeves...
Interim report shows recovery from Covid-19 impacts
Auckland Council Group’s interim report for the first six months to the end of December 2022 shows positive signs of recovery from the effects...
Bridge’s lane markings cause confusion
Faulty lane markings on a busy east Auckland bridge resulted in numerous near-misses for motorists and assurances are being sought the problem is fixed...
‘I just don’t think it’s safe’
An east Auckland sports club is asking the Howick Local Board for support to upgrade its ageing facilities and says the work is needed...
Eastern Busway gets $200m funding injection
The Government has announced it's putting an extra $200 million into construction of the Eastern Busway public transport project.
Once completed, the busway will provide...
Homes bowled to make room for busway
Numerous homes along a busy east Auckland road are being demolished to make way for the Eastern Busway public transport project.
Auckland Transport (AT) spokesperson...
Simeon Brown confirmed as general election candidate
The National Party has re-selected incumbent Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown as its candidate for the electorate at next year's general election.
Brown was first elected...
Pragmatic solutions to climate change
By Naisi Chen, Labour List MP based in Botany
We all know climate change is happening - and faster than ever.
A Ministry of the...
Alliance to deliver busway’s next stage
The Eastern Busway public transport project has moved another step toward completion with the agreement for delivery of its next stage being awarded.
The next...
Homes in transport project’s path
People living in part of east Auckland have been told their homes are needed to make way for a major public transport project.
The Times understands...
Busway continues to take shape
The agreement for delivery of the next stage of the Eastern Busway public transport project has been awarded.
The project’s next stage between Pakuranga Town...
Local board’s fresh face keen to serve
Former United Future political party leader Damian Light is the only newcomer joining the membership of the incoming Howick Local Board.
He's been elected to serve...
School digs deep for wetland
Anchorage Park School and the Eastern Busway project team have collaborated to plant 100 native trees in the school's native wetland area.
The school's enviro...
Collings stands for fiscal prudence
David Collings, Howick Local Board candidate, Pakuranga subdivision
I have a huge history with Pakuranga, being the first Independent to be elected to the...
Turinsky ‘practical, not political’
Mike Turinsky, Howick Local Board candidate, Botany subdivision
Mike Turinsky is standing in Botany for re-election to the Howick Local Board along with Olympian...
Wichman calls time on local board role
Howick Local Board member Bob Wichman is not seeking re-election to the board at this year’s Auckland Council elections after three terms in the...
Auckland Transport must reject Pakuranga Road speed bump proposal
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
Auckland Transport's proposal to install a speed bump on Pakuranga Road has been met with overwhelming opposition from...
Mayoral candidate inspired by youth
Efeso Collins says should he become Auckland’s next mayor, the city will get a visionary leader who listens to people and is courageous and...
Candidates seeking to move community forward
There’s a new local-body political ticket in east Auckland and it’s standing a swath of fresh faces at this year’s Auckland Council elections.
Howick Local...
Light speaks out against busway’s path
A local candidate in this year's Auckland Council elections has come out swinging against the latest decision regarding the route of the Eastern Busway.
Damian...
Auckland Transport approves Burswood route for Eastern Busway
Despite loud opposition from the public and a group of local community politicians, Auckland Transport (AT) has given approval for the Eastern Busway to...
Controversial crossing labelled “crazy”
By James Ball, AUT University journalism student
A plan to install a raised pedestrian crossing on one of east Auckland's busiest roads is being met...
Supporting Kiwis with the cost of living
By Naisi Chen, Botany-based Labour List MP
Since coming into Government, Labour has worked hard to support low and middle income Kiwis.
This week, we've...
Next step in Eastern Busway’s path confirmed
The Eastern Busway public transport project continues to take shape with the design of another stage of its route confirmed.
Auckland Transport (AT) has finalised...
Climate package to boost public transport
Bus users are set to benefit if Auckland Council's proposed climate action package receives support as part of this year's annual budget.
In the Howick...
Board members clash over busway
A plan that would see the next stage of the Eastern Busway public transport project dissect a residential community has sparked heated debate between...
‘This is supposed to be a democracy’
Howick Local Board member Bob Wichman is accusing Auckland Council of misrepresenting the facts over the use of his council email account.
But the council...
Confusion over board member’s email use
A Howick Local Board member says his access to his official Auckland Council email address has been "restricted" in what he's calling "censorship" of...
MP: We’re being fleeced at petrol pump by Govt
Aucklanders will be angered to learn that despite paying over half a billion dollars in Regional Fuel Tax (RFT), less than half of that...
Merry Christmas and season’s greetings from Christopher Luxon
By Christopher Luxon, the MP for Botany and National Party Leader
It's been just over 12 months since I was elected the MP for...
Views sought on busway’s design
The preferred design option for the next stage of the Eastern Busway project would improve efficiency for bus passengers and increase safety for pedestrians,...
Park-and-ride ruled out
Park-and-ride facilities will not feature as part of two major public transport projects being delivered in east Auckland.
Auckland Transport (AT) spokeswoman Natalie Polley says...
Family caught in busway’s path
Just one month after moving into their new east Auckland home, a family is facing the prospect of having to move again because the...
Views sought on busway’s design
East Auckland residents will soon have the chance to share their views on the design of the latest stage of a major infrastructure project.
Auckland...
Follow-through needed on Eastern Busway
By Christopher Luxon, MP for Botany
News that the Government backed down on their unfathomable $785 million cycle bridge, and instead chose to reprioritise...
Substance over spin: Eastern Busway back on track
By Naisi Chen, Labour List MP based in Botany
On Saturday, the Government announced it would redistribute money from the Northern Pathway towards the...
Cycle bridge back-pedal a win for east
By Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga
On Saturday the Government announced that they will not be proceeding with their ill-conceived $785 million cycle bridge...
Busway accelerated, cycle bridge scrapped
Future users of the Eastern Busway public transport project will benefit from the Government's decision to scrap the proposed $785 million cycle bridge across...
Bike bridge must be binned
It sounds like the Government may finally be waking up to the massive public opposition to their planned $785 million cycle bridge across the...
Three Waters a big worry
I recently travelled to Blenheim for the Local Government New Zealand conference in my role as National's Local Government spokesperson.
The annual conference is one...
Transport boss fronts over busway delay
Hundreds of people packed into a local church to hear from Auckland Transport (AT) chief executive Shane Ellison about the future of the long-awaited...
Blindsided by Eastern Busway delay
It was extremely disappointing to learn about Auckland Transport's surprise two-year delay to the delivery of the Eastern Busway a few weeks ago.
I'm shocked...
Government prioritises cycle bridge over Busway
The recent news that the Government and Auckland Council have delayed the completion of the Eastern Busway by two years is gutting news for...
Labour isn’t delivering in the east
Locals will be as gutted as I am that the Eastern Busway has been shelved for another two years.
The project now faces another inexplicable...
Cycle bridge prioritised over Eastern Busway
Friday’s news that completion of the Eastern Busway project will be delayed by at least two years is gutting to east Auckland residents who...
Cycle bridge prioritised over Eastern Busway
Today’s news that completion of the Eastern Busway project will be delayed by at least two years is gutting to east Auckland residents who...
Investigation called into intersection safety
An investigation has been requested into the traffic management of a busy east Auckland intersection following a crash that saw a vehicle end up...
2021 a key year for the Eastern Busway project
For decades, east Auckland has been neglected when it comes to investment in transport infrastructure with the Eastern Busway and Reeves Road Flyover project...
