Public transport will be free on Friday afternoon throughout Auckland
Auckland Transport (AT) will be taking a hit by turning off its tagging machines on buses and trains, starting from 4pm. Early responses to the initiative have been overwhelmingly positive, but Mayor Phil Goff has revealed the move is about more than just saving people money.
The real reason for the initiative is predominantly safety, as the Friday before Christmas is one of the worst days annually for drink-driving. "We're working w/ Police to reduce that and one key initiative is to provide free public transport on Friday so that people all across Auckland can get home safe for xmas," he wrote on Twitter. At 4pm on Friday, the gates at train stations will be opened and Hop Card tagging machines on buses will be turned off. AT says commuters will only get free travel if their journey begins before that point. AT Group Manager Metro Service Delivery Stacey Putten says the initiative came about after discussions with police. "If we can provide a free, easy public transport journey home, then it means there's no need to drive at all," she says. "You can a have a drink after work, and you don't even have to think about the car, just get the bus or the train." Tamaki Makaurau Road Policing Manager Inspector Scott Webb says crashes related to drink-driving always pick up during the festive season. "If you are in any doubt at all about being safe or legal to drive after drinking - don't drive," Insp Webb says. "It's vital you look after your mates. Make sure you have a plan to get home safely."
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What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.1% 1st December
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17% A week before Christmas
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32.5% Whenever you wish
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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Why?
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