Cars will be banned in Auckland central next year in trials aiming to make the city more pedestrian-friendly.
Today the Auckland Council voted unanimously in favour of the trials, which Mayor Phil Goff said would be based on a plan presented to the council in March. Mr Goff told councillors on Tuesday that the number of people who work in the central city means pedestrian numbers are growing and going car-free was "a lovely vision and an absolute necessity". The strategy came from the council's own Auckland Design Office (ADO), but many councillors were concerned it lacked a timeframe. Ludo Campbell-Reid, manager of the ADO, said the strategy was complicated and a schedule had not yet been drawn up. Councillor Chris Darby proposed that a schedule for the trials be presented to council in March, and suggested the trials also be carried out across the city in centres such as Otahuhu and Albany. Mr Campbell-Reid reiterated that the strategy was not a war on cars, but "about giving people real choices". Transport-focused blog Greater Auckland has campaigned for car-free CBD streets in order to reduce emissions, improve the health of residents, and provide more space for pedestrians, cyclists and transit. In 2017, they said that while some vehicles would always be necessary in the city, steps could be taken to make central city streets more pedestrian and bike friendly. Mr Goff said the trials were necessary for the growing number of pedestrians in Auckland. "There is nothing more powerful than a vision with necessity driving it."
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Andy Warhole Triple Elvis at Auckland Art Gallery
Something different and worth visiting, See special for Elvis Fans below
Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the most iconic artistic tributes to The King is now on display at Auckland Art Gallery
Andy Warhol’s Triple Elvis — a legendary artwork that helped shape Elvis Presley’s image as a global pop culture icon — is a standout highlight of Pop to Present: American Art from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , a landmark exhibition of American art.
This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a work that celebrates Elvis’s enduring legacy, alongside masterpieces by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko and more.
✨ Don’t miss your chance to see Elvis through Warhol’s eyes. ✨
Special promotions
Quadruple Elvis Comeback Special: Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January 2026
In honour of Andy Warhol's Triple Elvis, featured in Pop to Present, we're holding a special promotion to celebrate The King of Rock and Roll's birthday.
Inspired by Warhol's work, the Gallery invites you to become the art and take it from a Triple Elvis to a Quadruple Elvis. From Thursday 8 January to Sunday 11 January, anyone who comes dressed in their best Elvis getup will receive 50% off their entry to Pop to Present. Think: sunglasses, sideburns and slicked hair. Dust off the jumpsuit and leather jacket or even an Elvis Tee Shirt, and join us for a weekend of Pop-inspired fun.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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