Construction rolls out: Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd
Work has resumed at Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd to upgrade underground utilities, along with building rain gardens and parking bays.
Footpath surfaces will be reconstructed.
New street lighting and furniture will be installed.
Auckland Council aims to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment with native plantings, bike racks and more seating.
The rain gardens will improve the water health of nearby Takapuna Beach by filtering storm water and removing pollutants before it enters the sea, the council said.
Councillor Richard Hills said he was pleased to see work recommence and improvements made to the street last year had been well received by the community.
"It’s a significant investment in our community, that not only upgrades the failing roadway, replaces the water supply main but will also provide stormwater infrastructure that will help clean up the water running onto Takapuna Beach," Hills said.
“Importantly, the new one-way road layout and cycling lane will provide a safer environment for all users of the road including pedestrians and cyclists."
The work is being delivered in stages to reduce business disruption and ensure pedestrian access to shops.
Native trees will be planted near the end of the project to align with the planting season.
Hurstmere Rd will remain open to traffic during construction.
What do you think of the planned upgrade?
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.