Slower Car Traffic Around the city
I heard this podcast lately where NZTA (or Waka Kotahi) is stating car traffic is being slowed on purpose in order to "make it easier to get around"! ?! (See link below)
Personally, even if you agree or not with the purpose of such a policy, the way it's been implemented, i.e. without previous consultation, without publicity, and without alternatives - it appears to me that car commuters are treated like irresponsible children and not grown up adults.
It looks like the transport agency's role to make transport faster is being hijacked into changing the transport by making it SLOWER and yes, SAFER, with the declared purpose of "making it easier to get around". Of course, if your car is not moving you're perfectly safe!
I find this would work great in Europe, where I was able to use the EFFICIENT, FAST and PUNCTUAL public system to get around. But this infrastructure is NOT NEAR close enough to what's required as an alternative to using your vehicle in Auckland, as any trip by bus or train will usually take twice as long. Of Europe has a bigger economic capacity, and the reality in tiny NZ is the car is still reigning in most socio-economic communities as a main means of transport.
Such a policy would make sense if there would be an option in planning or building / execution, but in my view, there isn't a viable transport alternative yet in the works.
So, in my view, car commuter are left with is put up with more delays, frustration, time wasted, fuel burned in slower traffic as there's no alternative - in the name of a rushed ideology with no proper investment or planning. To poke a bit of sarcastic fun, it looks like a nanny state, where the nanny doesn't know what to do, but wishes to appear strong and confident...
I wonder if people find this decision although nice in it's intention, as completely missing the mark and not addressing the real issue of under investment in the public transport system.
It's timing might be right in 5 or 10 years from now when hopefully some of the much needed public infrastructure projects (electrification of the rail past Swanson, Airport train or light rail loop, etc) will be closed or near to completion. Until then, in my view, it's just another bit adding to people's frustration who have no alternative to commuting to work, shopping, transporting kids to/from events etc etc.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz...
One Good Kiwi - Nuturing Families
kia ora lovely neighbours
I finally worked out how One Good Kiwi works - onegoodkiwi.one.nz...
"We like to think of One Good Kiwi as a digital koha
that can only be spent on others"
similar to Z's 'good in the 'hood' - you get FREE tokens to donate to a charity of your choice ... FREE to sign up, FREE tokens - you get to choose what charity or charities you would like to support... a real win-win-win (win-win-win...)
me, I spent most of my FREE credits this month on Nurturing Families - a local charity - based in Henderson
Nurturing Families (re-branded from Mummies in Need in 2023) - set up by a lovely young woman (oh! when she was 12, wow -!) - that helps - well families in need
this is from their website: nurturingfamilies.nz...
"Nurturing Families acts as a crisis support agency to help with material aid when a child or baby is at risk or suffering. We primarily work through agency requests so you will need to get in touch with a/your midwife, Plunket nurse, support worker, social worker or case worker and ask them to email a referral after assessing your need."
"We work closely alongside organisations such as the NZ police, Work and Income, Family Success Matters, Family Start, Midwives, and many independent schools, midwives and social workers to provide those in hardship with the basic essentials."
westies making waves of positive change again - awesome !!!!
one of the options this month on One Good Kiwi - to donate FREE credits to them - ALL great charities
so you can HELP them that way
and/or...
if you have some spare time, even an hour or so a week, a fortnight - maybe consider giving them a hand - every time I drop some things off they are so so busy - they really could do with a few more volunteers
it's a handy location - 6/42 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, only parking is tricky, advise parking on the street - Hours: 9-2 pm Monday-Thursday
and with the greatest of love & respect - SHOW up if you do want to lend a hand (that is my message, from me - I emailed them, no response - TOO BUSY to respond)
arohanui
Two Bedroom Fully furnised self contained Apartment by the water!
Wanted two professionals or Students or a couple for a two bedroom apartment on the water with own Jetty for kayaking refer Trade Me advt:
www.trademe.co.nz...
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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85.8% Yes
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12.5% No
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1.7% Other - I'll share below!
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