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Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a … View moreDowntown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a 4417 square metre plot of land, valued at $82.5 million.
The land has sat undeveloped as a car park - where an hour will cost you $19 - since the Royal International Hotel was demolished in 1987.
It was purchased by Singapore company NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited for $53m in 2012, and in 2017 the company was given approval by the Overseas Investment Office to build and operate a 52-storey, five- star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with 300 guest rooms, four floors for hotel facilities, six for retail and five for car parking.
The development is expected to cost $350m, with the start of construction dependent on the completion of City Rail Link. However, the resource consent for the tower is due to expire in October.
Click 'read more' for our full story.
Work has resumed at Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd to upgrade underground utilities, along with building rain gardens and parking bays.
Footpath surfaces will be reconstructed.
New street lighting and furniture will be installed.
Auckland Council aims to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly … View moreWork has resumed at Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd to upgrade underground utilities, along with building rain gardens and parking bays.
Footpath surfaces will be reconstructed.
New street lighting and furniture will be installed.
Auckland Council aims to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment with native plantings, bike racks and more seating.
The rain gardens will improve the water health of nearby Takapuna Beach by filtering storm water and removing pollutants before it enters the sea, the council said.
Councillor Richard Hills said he was pleased to see work recommence and improvements made to the street last year had been well received by the community.
"It’s a significant investment in our community, that not only upgrades the failing roadway, replaces the water supply main but will also provide stormwater infrastructure that will help clean up the water running onto Takapuna Beach," Hills said.
“Importantly, the new one-way road layout and cycling lane will provide a safer environment for all users of the road including pedestrians and cyclists."
The work is being delivered in stages to reduce business disruption and ensure pedestrian access to shops.
Native trees will be planted near the end of the project to align with the planting season.
Hurstmere Rd will remain open to traffic during construction.
What do you think of the planned upgrade?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Learning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of … View moreLearning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of plantain with coconut cream, wrapped in cabbage leaves, potatoes, spinach emulsion and finishing with golden syrup steamed pudding and caramelised coxes orange apples.
The next one will be in July this year.
Understanding Your Dreams with Margaret Bowater
Dates: Thursday 9:30am-12:00pm, May 13th, 20th & 27th
Everyone dreams at night, mostly about matters of personal concern, and mainly in the language of metaphor, based on the dreamers experience and culture. Margaret will explain the sleep … View moreUnderstanding Your Dreams with Margaret Bowater
Dates: Thursday 9:30am-12:00pm, May 13th, 20th & 27th
Everyone dreams at night, mostly about matters of personal concern, and mainly in the language of metaphor, based on the dreamers experience and culture. Margaret will explain the sleep cycle, different kinds of dreams, visions, nightmares etc.; and a step by step process of interpretation.
To book please email Margaret on mandebowater@gmail.com
For more information head over to her website: www.dreamwork.co.nz...
Kia ora koutou. The North Shore's first Covid-19 vaccination clinic is open for business.
Located in the former Warehouse site at the Highbury Shopping Centre, the clinic will have capacity to vaccinate up to 1000 people per day once fully up-to-speed.
The clinic was opened by DHB iwi … View moreKia ora koutou. The North Shore's first Covid-19 vaccination clinic is open for business.
Located in the former Warehouse site at the Highbury Shopping Centre, the clinic will have capacity to vaccinate up to 1000 people per day once fully up-to-speed.
The clinic was opened by DHB iwi partner Ngāti Whātua on Monday morning.
Waitematā DHB CEO Dr Dale Bramley said the high-profile location would be easily accessible for the public to get their vaccinations.
It is expected the clinic will service a "large and diverse" population, including the a "rapidly growing Asian community" which made up 28 per cent of the district's 650 thousand-strong population.
First in line to receive their vaccinations at the clinic are border workers and their household contacts, MIQ staff and health workers, followed by people with underlying health conditions and older Māori and Pacific people.
They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View moreDrivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.
Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.
A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.
Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.
He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.
AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.
While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.
“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”
“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”
He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.
“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.
To see video footage, go here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View moreNew Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.
ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.
Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
Looking for a after school nanny - max 2 days a week from 5 to 7.30pm. To look after toddler who is 2 years old. Need to pick her up from Takapuna and we live in Glenfield. Need own car for transportation.
Onewa Road? Glenfield Road? Buses and ferries? Chip seal? Footpaths? Cycle lanes? Raised crossings? Park'n'rides? Roundabouts? Transit lanes? Speed limits? Yellow lines? Northern Pathway? Regional Fuel Tax?
There are only a few more days to have your say on the Regional Land Transport … View moreOnewa Road? Glenfield Road? Buses and ferries? Chip seal? Footpaths? Cycle lanes? Raised crossings? Park'n'rides? Roundabouts? Transit lanes? Speed limits? Yellow lines? Northern Pathway? Regional Fuel Tax?
There are only a few more days to have your say on the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) which is the 10-year plan for Auckland’s transport network.
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE to let Auckland Transport know if they have got their transport priorities right, and whether they have allocated funding to the transport projects and initiatives that you care about.
Feedback closes Sunday 2 May.
Read summaries or full plan: AT.govt.nz...
Give your feedback: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
OurAuckland article: ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Did you use to belong to the 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit?
If so, the brigade wants to hear from you!
The 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit turns 100 in July and is still seeking old girls to join the celebrations.
One of the first girl guide units to be formed in Auckland, the group is… View moreDid you use to belong to the 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit?
If so, the brigade wants to hear from you!
The 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit turns 100 in July and is still seeking old girls to join the celebrations.
One of the first girl guide units to be formed in Auckland, the group is gearing up to commemorate its centenary.
A social afternoon is planned for July 3, kicking off at 2pm with historic guiding activities such as knot tying and making arm slings.
Guests will be treated to afternoon tea and a birthday cake before photographs are taken of the girls.
The day will end with a singalong around the campfire.
The next day, a church parade will march through St Andrews Church, Epsom, where the unit has been meeting since 1921.
Parishioners are invited to a morning tea after the procession.
The unit, initially known as the St Andrew's Peace Scout Group, is believed to be the first guide company which has kept going since it was launched.
It all started when eighteen-year-old Mona Burgin wrote to the Dominion chief scout Colonel Cosgrove, a New Zealand Boer War veteran, asking about Girl Peace Scouts.
He arranged to meet her in Queen St, Auckland and wrote she would recognize him by the red flower in his buttonhole.
Soon after the meeting Burgin formed the troop on July 6.
Girl Peace Scouts wore khaki uniforms and the St Andrews troop wore a red open-ended tie.
In 1923, the Dominion Council became affiliated with the original Girls Guides Association in London.
*Former unit members can email cavellgirlguidesnz@gmail.com for details of the centenary.
Hi all
Anxious, overwhelmed, need to talk about anything and everything? I want to gauge interest to see if there are any out there who want to start a weekly or bi-weekly discussion group. Nobody in this group is a trained professional so if you have more serious issues we advise to seek … View moreHi all
Anxious, overwhelmed, need to talk about anything and everything? I want to gauge interest to see if there are any out there who want to start a weekly or bi-weekly discussion group. Nobody in this group is a trained professional so if you have more serious issues we advise to seek professional help.
If there is interest then let's start a conversation.
My wife is an artist. She does various stuff, but she is really good at painting at glass (looks like stained-glass), murals and interior drawing on walls. See the pictures attached. If somebody is interested in making their house more cosy and want a piece of art somewhere on the wall, door etc. … View moreMy wife is an artist. She does various stuff, but she is really good at painting at glass (looks like stained-glass), murals and interior drawing on walls. See the pictures attached. If somebody is interested in making their house more cosy and want a piece of art somewhere on the wall, door etc. you are more than welcome to get in touch. Cheers.
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