Public transport will be free on Friday afternoon throughout Auckland
Auckland Transport (AT) will be taking a hit by turning off its tagging machines on buses and trains, starting from 4pm. Early responses to the initiative have been overwhelmingly positive, but Mayor Phil Goff has revealed the move is about more than just saving people money.
The real reason for the initiative is predominantly safety, as the Friday before Christmas is one of the worst days annually for drink-driving. "We're working w/ Police to reduce that and one key initiative is to provide free public transport on Friday so that people all across Auckland can get home safe for xmas," he wrote on Twitter. At 4pm on Friday, the gates at train stations will be opened and Hop Card tagging machines on buses will be turned off. AT says commuters will only get free travel if their journey begins before that point. AT Group Manager Metro Service Delivery Stacey Putten says the initiative came about after discussions with police. "If we can provide a free, easy public transport journey home, then it means there's no need to drive at all," she says. "You can a have a drink after work, and you don't even have to think about the car, just get the bus or the train." Tamaki Makaurau Road Policing Manager Inspector Scott Webb says crashes related to drink-driving always pick up during the festive season. "If you are in any doubt at all about being safe or legal to drive after drinking - don't drive," Insp Webb says. "It's vital you look after your mates. Make sure you have a plan to get home safely."
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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