Petition to include fit-for-purpose walking and cycling facilities in the new Mt Victoria tunnel
I've started a petition on Change.Org:
The current Mt Victoria tunnel, 94 years old, is a vital link between Wellington’s eastern suburbs and the city centre and beyond. It caters primarily for motor traffic. The elevated path for pedestrians and cyclists is extremely narrow, congested, noisy and polluted. Despite this, it’s used by about 1000 walkers and cyclists every weekday. They deserve better!
After decades of delay, the Minister of Transport has promised “spades in the ground” before the end of the current parliamentary term, for a new two-lane Mt Victoria tunnel to run parallel with the existing tunnel. However, there has been no mention of whether this new tunnel will include pedestrian and cycling facilities.
There is therefore an urgent and crucial opportunity to ensure that new, high-quality facilities for walkers and cyclists are included in the new tunnel. This could be achieved by placing a wide pedestrian and cycling path under the traffic lanes, as shown in the sketch shown in the petition. Alternatively, the path could be placed alongside the traffic lanes, separated from the traffic by a wall, or even as a completely separate new tunnel. Whatever the configuration, the new walking and cycling facility needs to be at least 5.5 - 6.0 metres wide, divided into separate two-way walking and cycling lanes, and it must be well lit, well ventilated and CCTV monitored.
Progressive cities, including London, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, have invested heavily in new cycling facilities and have seen these facilities widely adopted. “Mainstreaming” cycling and walking dovetails with efficient public transport, increases mobility and accessibility for the city’s residents, reduces traffic congestion and contributes to the city’s liveability and climate-change goals. Reduced traffic congestion improves the speed and reliability of public transport and increases the efficiency of goods delivery and business servicing.
Please sign the petition to ensure that the new Mt Victoria tunnel includes the greatly-improved walking and cycling facilities that current Wellingtonians, and generations to come, deserve.
chng.it...
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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