Greater Auckland

Jan 12, 2025 | greaterauckland.org.nz | Patrick Reynolds

Patrick Reynolds is deputy chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Panel and a director of Greater AucklandIn 2003, after much argument, including the election of a Mayor in 2001 who ran on stopping it, Britomart train station in downtown Auckland opened. A mere 1km twin track terminating branch with a subsurface station, it nonetheless led the transformation of the whole run down Auckland waterfront area and supercharged the revival of passenger train services in Auckland.

Dec 8, 2024 | greaterauckland.org.nz | Connor Sharp

I grew up in Warkworth, and the infamous Hill Street intersection has been an issue not just my whole life, but for decades before I was even born. My dad told me stories of how, back in the 80s, he’d set up seats overlooking the intersection and sit watching the chaos of people trying to navigate it. I’ve seen frustrated people stuck in traffic pull off dangerous maneuvers to try and get through. I’ve seen near misses and collisions. And I’ve walked the footpaths (or lack thereof).

Dec 1, 2024 | greaterauckland.org.nz | Connor Sharp

The last few years have seen headline after headline talk about how much of a ‘mess’ the City Centre is in terms of transport. Whether it be parking, confusing bus lanes (and buses being held up), the GV lane on Queen Street, loading and delivery, enforcement (or lack thereof), congestion, safety, driving, walking, cycling, or more, there seems to be no end of issues with how we are addressing our transport needs. Many of the feelings people have, and their frustrations and concerns, are valid.

Nov 13, 2024 | greaterauckland.org.nz | Patrick Reynolds

Patrick Reynolds is deputy chair of the City Centre Advisory Panel. The header image is from Walthamstow, LondonThe city centre now has a few stretches of street where the space has been repurposed to a people and place focused design from full time traffic use. These are a great improvement, an essential update to the whole tone and balance of the city centre from its previous condition.

Nov 10, 2024 | greaterauckland.org.nz | Connor Sharp

A few weeks ago I wrote on how the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown had misrepresented cities overseas in his crusade to make our streets and roads more dangerous. Since then, his speed rule has been finalised and signed. Also, the summary of public feedback has been released after many months of delays. Simeon Brown’s speed rule will reverse evidence-based safe speeds on thousands of streets and roads, burdening local councils with the cost.