Birkenhead, Northcote and Bayswater ferry services are ending as of 1 October!
This is terrible news for the North Shore. The Birkenhead, Northcote and Bayswater ferry services are ending as of 1 October, after Fullers decided not to renew the contracts, while the Gulf Harbour and Half-Moon Bay ferry services will only operate in peak times. There are no changes to other ferry services.
Auckland Transport are currently in discussions with an alternative provider, so there is a glimmer hope that the services will continue beyond 1 October, however they would likley be in a reduced form. If AT can't find an alternative operator, we will be without any service to those wharves for around 14-18 months. The first time we haven't had a Birkenhead service in over 100 years!
The only positive in this, is that Fullers have decided to end the contracts in order invest time in training up new skippers. Auckland is short some 13 skippers and 12 deck hands compared to pre-COVID, and it takes over a year for a new skipper to qualify. So after this period, the ferry services across Auckland should be in a more reliable state.
NZ Herald article: www.nzherald.co.nz...
In the meantime, users of the Birkenhead and Northcote ferries will need to travel by bus or car to get to the city. There is no direct bus route from Birkenhead Point, so bus users will need to transfer in Highbury. And with more cars likley to be on the road, we can expect to see added pressure on Onewa Road. There is no alternative route to the city for bikes, unless cyclists can get to the Beach Haven ferry.
Birkenhead to Downtown:
Route 917 from Birkenhead Wharf connects to the high frequency bus routes at Highbury shops which travel to Downtown via Onewa Rd.
Te Onewa Northcote Point to Downtown:
Route 928 connects to the high frequency bus routes on Onewa Rd.
Bayswater to Downtown:
Route 802 direct to Midtown (Peak only, Monday to Friday), or Route 801 to Akoranga Station where high frequency buses go to Downtown, Midtown and Ponsonby/Newmarket.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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23.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15.4% ... It is complicated
Night-time chipsealing works on SH2
From 9 to 17 February, stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH2 between McPherson Road and Dimmock Road on multiple nights between 9pm and 5am (Sundays to Thursdays).
During the day, all lanes will be open, but speed restrictions will apply to allow the chipseal to set and to protect vehicles travelling over the newly laid surface.
There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. This is weather dependent so check NZTA Journey Planner before you travel.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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