Reducing congestion in Auckland.
I have received a number of complaints from people across Auckland regarding the scale of works in central Auckland and the impact on congestion. It is very positive that we are progressing a number of public works but the scale of projects often brings central Auckland to gridlock. We need to continue to invest in fast, reliable and frequent public transport to give people more transport choices and ensure we have less congested roads.
Better coordination and sequencing of Auckland Transport, CRL and private development works are needed to deliver a more efficient way of dealing with congestion and the impacts of roadworks. I have written to the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Auckland Transport to seek further work between agencies and the private sector in the following areas:
• Better management of timing between private development consents and Auckland transport or utility works.
• Ensuring better enforcement mechanisms where there are private development delays.
• Consideration of some additional night works that have minimal or low impact such as roadmarking, moving trees and small pavement improvements.
• Future investment in coordination systems across central, local and private utilities.
Auckland is a growing city and we need to improve our delivery of core infrastructure while ensuring the city keeps moving.
Ferry service improvements
I have been hugely disappointed that residents from Waiheke and Devonport have been disrupted as a result of Fullers ferry cancellations. There have been issues raised about cruise ships causing some of the disruption. It is my view that public transport must take priority over cruise ships.
I met with the Mayor, Councillor Coom, Fullers, Auckland Transport and other agencies to discuss a number of issues. A group has been formed to progress changes. There have been changes to the scheduling of cruise ships to try to reduce congestion in the ferry basin. There is further work underway in a range of areas to try and come up with a better long term solution.
I have also called for the exemption to be lifted so that there can be greater service guarantees over Fullers. I am concerned that the Minister of Transport is not moving on this issue. He has said it is being considered as part of the public transport operating model review. The Government needs to move now in my view to ensure better ferry services.
Extra funding to NZ Aids Foundation (NZAF)
I have attended Big Gay Out nearly every year I have been an MP. This year I attended with the Hon Simon Bridges and several other National MPs where we committed to the goal of ending HIV new transmissions by 2025. We committed to an additional million dollars of operational funding to the NZAF to help achieve this. I want to acknowledge Jason and the team at NZAF and the wider 2600 volunteers for all the work that they do.
Launch of Uber e-bikes
Recently I launched the UBER e-bike share scheme with Mayor Goff. The advantage of a scheme like this is that the bikes enable a clean and fast way to get around the city. I think some people will find them safer than scooters. I was proud to launch the first batch in central Auckland which will expand to other parts of Auckland. We are the first destination in the Asia Pacific to get this scheme, which is great. National invested tens of millions in the urban cycle way partnerships with the Auckland council. E-bikes’ share schemes are a great addition to supporting people to get around in a clean and fast way.
Thank you for the privilege of continuing to serve Auckland Central. (NIKKI KAYE)
If you have any local or national issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office on T: 09 378 2088 or email mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz
Authorised by Hon Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central, 48C College Hill, Freemans Bay.