Nearby
Green Bay, Lynfield, Mount Roskill, Laingholm, Kelston, Waterview, New Windsor, Glendene, Hillsborough, New Lynn, Avondale
Blockhouse Bay news is brought to you by the team at Western Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
The start date was announced by Transport Minister Phil Twyford today, who said the service named Te Huia would consist of two morning trains from Hamilton to Papakura and two return evening services each weekday. It comes after the main drivers of the project, Hamilton City Council, had to push … View moreThe start date was announced by Transport Minister Phil Twyford today, who said the service named Te Huia would consist of two morning trains from Hamilton to Papakura and two return evening services each weekday. It comes after the main drivers of the project, Hamilton City Council, had to push back the start date from June 22 because lifts needed at one station made in China were held up due to the impacts of Covid-19. Councillor Dave Macpherson, who has championed the project, said the council was planning for the lifts at the Rotokauri station to be installed and working by August 3, and other suppliers outside of China were being considered. "And we note that China is now coming back 'on stream' so the comment that the lifts won't be ready is definitely premature and in our opinion unfounded." Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said the total project cost to develop the Rotokauri Transport Hub near The Base shopping centre is $29 million, of which $18.5m was contributed by central government through Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidies. "The new rail service will be great for commuters and day-trippers and is a true partnership between local, regional and central government as well as Crown agencies," Southgate said. She said the lifts at Rotokauri may not be complete due to the international supply chain issues which had delayed delivery of the machinery. "The council is working closely with Downer NZ to get the machinery delivered and installed as soon as possible." The train trip would take a commuter travelling into Auckland central business district 2 hours and 20 minutes, swapping to Auckland Transport's electric rail at Papakura. Hamilton to Papakura would take 88 minutes. A single return train would operate on a Saturday. Times are still being confirmed but departures are currently set at 6am and 6.30am from Hamilton and 5.30pm and 6.30pm from Papakura. The service will start in Frankton, stopping at Rotokauri and Huntly before heading on to Papakura.
Waikato Regional Transport Committee chairman Hugh Vercoe said construction of a rail platform, park and ride facilities, bus interchange, roading upgrades, passenger bridge and stairs at Rotokauri would be complete when the service starts in August, but the lifts were in question. "It's not what we had hoped, but in Hamilton the station at Frankton is accessible and we're working closely with the regional council's public transport team on options to make sure people with mobility issues can use the new service." Twyford hailed the service as a "crucial connection" between the two major cities. "It will allow up to 300 people to get to and from Auckland each day, helping reduce congestion on our highways and transport emissions." He said the new service was part of a wider vision to enable development along the Hamilton-Auckland growth corridor and connect New Zealand's fastest growing job hubs. "The South Auckland/North Waikato area is growing and it's important that we are thinking about the big picture and develop the right infrastructure to unlock that growth. "The Ministry of Transport also has work under way to investigate options for rapid rail between Hamilton and Auckland," he said. The Hamilton – Auckland services received funding through the NZ Transport Agency for five years.During that period the service will be assessed to see where improvements can be made. Waikato Regional Council chairman Russ Rimmington said the start couldn't come soon enough for passengers. "It's a major turning point for the project and will give commuters certainty so they can plan their future travel." The two carriages per train are still being fitted out and will be equipped with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, tables, power and USB points, and toilets. Work started this week on the Huntly station and associated park and ride facility, which are expected to be completed in time for the launch of the service. The cost of a one-way smartcard fare from Hamilton to Papakura will be $12.20, with a trip from Hamilton into Auckland CBD costing a total of $18.50 if using an AT HOP card on AT Metro services. Smartcard fares between Huntly and Papakura will be $7.80.
===================================================
Pasifika Festival has been cancelled as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Hi all does any one want this handbag. I got it just before Xmas and have not used it all the time I go out. I want to get the same one but in a different colour as I saw in the shop I got it from (strand bags) brought it for $80
A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital after crashing near Auckland's Bethells Beach on Sunday. …
The Wests' house has been on our tellys for more than a decade now, first in Outrageous Fortune and …
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has this afternoon announced that, as of midnight on Sunday, everyone entering New Zealand will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Ms Ardern said the "unprecedented measures" are the result of a decision to take an active … View moreNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has this afternoon announced that, as of midnight on Sunday, everyone entering New Zealand will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Ms Ardern said the "unprecedented measures" are the result of a decision to take an active approach to preventing further Covid-19 cases in New Zealand. The isolation policy will be reviewed in 16 days' time, with the potential for it to be extended, Ms Ardern said. "As of midnight Sunday, every person entering New Zealand - including returning New Zealand citizens and residents - will be required to enter self isolation for 14 days - everybody," Ms Ardern said.
"The Pacific are exempted from this measure." Ms Ardern also announced new border-exit measures, which mean people will not be allowed to travel from New Zealand to the Pacific Islands if they have any Coronavirus symptoms, or if they have travelled outside of New Zealand within the past 14 days. The Prime Minister also announced that no cruise ships will be allowed to come to New Zealand until June 30. "We have two choices as a nation - one is to lets Covid-19 roll on and simply brace - the second is to go hard on preventive measures and stamp it out." There are currently six confirmed cases in New Zealand, and Ms Ardern said five of those had already undergone contact tracing, and that was underway for the sixth. Ms Ardern said a business continuity package will be announced on Tuesday, and that new guidelines will also be announced around large mass gatherings and events.
=========================================================
Bag designed to hold long rolls of gift wrap and also pockets for bows, ribbons etc. Good condition. Must pickup from Blockhouse Bay, no holds sorry
BRAND NEW
Stunning Cheetah print flared dress.
100% Polyester.
Maxi and Long Sleeve
… View moreBRAND NEW
Stunning Cheetah print flared dress.
100% Polyester.
Maxi and Long Sleeve
SIZE;
12/14
Euro- L
USA- L
DIMENSIONS:
Length- 154cm
Sleeve Length-63.5cm
Waist Size- 70cm
Bust- 107cm
Shoulder- 39cm
Bicep Length- 35.5
Cuff- 21.5cm
World Surf League judge Daniel Kosoof says next week's 2020 Piha Pro, which was cancelled on Friday,…
When you read what do you prefer to use?
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free … View moreDo you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Hi Neighbours, Auckland Council wants to save money by dismantling its "design office" which is leading the work to make the downtown and suburban centres, more people-friendly. Do you think this work should be put at risk to save some salaries ? Read the story below:
Restaurants and hospitality businesses are losing about $6 million per week, with the figure expecting to rise according to the Restaurant Association. We visited several Queen St businesses where operators say they are struggling to make enough to pay their rent and on some days, not even enough … View moreRestaurants and hospitality businesses are losing about $6 million per week, with the figure expecting to rise according to the Restaurant Association. We visited several Queen St businesses where operators say they are struggling to make enough to pay their rent and on some days, not even enough to pay their power bills. At the Atrium Food Court, which is normally crowded on a Thursday at lunchtime, more than half the tables were empty. "Our business is down by half, but we are still one of the lucky ones because there are some who are down 60 to 80 per cent," said Freddy Iskandar, who owns Waroeng Bali, an Indonesian food stall. "We used to make more than $1400 a day, easy, now we consider it a good day if we can get $700, and that's not enough to cover our rent and overheads." Iskandar says he does not know how long his business can keep going if the situation doesn't improve. Jessie Jiang, owner of beauty salon Amore in The Strand Arcade, said business was down 80 per cent from before the outbreak started. "Most of our customers are local Chinese, many of whom are not coming out while others are stuck in China," Jiang said. "Our other big group of customers are tourists and international students, and these also have become non-existent." A few doors away, Vicky Wei of Wonderland Fashion, said her boutique has hardly sold any garments this week. "Let's not talk about whether I'm earning enough to pay my rent, I don't think my sales can even cover the power bill," she said. Business has dropped by about 60 per cent from a month ago, and Wei wonders how much longer she will be able to sustain business. Money changers are also hard hit, as some report a 90 per cent drop in currencies such as the Chinese yuan and Korean won.
"People have stopped travelling and the customers have just stopped coming," said Esther Ye of DP Money Exchange. "Demand for the yuan and won is completely gone." Travel restrictions and flight cancellations to China and South Korea have prompted many would-be holidaymakers to cancel or postpone their trips. Some businesses, like Dream Salon and Size Gift Shop, at the MidCity Arcade have temporarily closed. A security guard at the arcade said Ryo Japanese Izakaya Restaurant has also been closed for the past week. Along Customs St, luxury retailer DFS Galleria has this week asked staff to take voluntary redundancy, cut their hours or take unpaid leave after sales dropped off with the coronavirus outbreak. The store sells luxury brands like Burberry, Versace, Prada and Tom Ford and relies heavily on the tourist market. And one of Auckland's oldest Thai restaurants will be closing at the end of next month after being severely impacted by the outbreak as well as construction of the City Rail Link. Mai Thai on Albert St, which opened for business in 1989, has been steadily losing customers since the CRL works began - but owner Bow Manoonpong says the sharp drop in tourist numbers was "the straw that broke this camel's back". "This is a difficult time for business in the city centre," said Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck. "Our priorities right now are twofold. We will keep promoting the many reasons to visit the city centre so it's top of mind for Aucklanders to support businesses here. "We will also be encouraging relevant businesses to participate in a recently announced ATEED regional marketing campaign to stimulate domestic and local travel over the next three months." Beck said the organisation was also liaising with government agencies to ensure the sectors most impacted could receive appropriate support. Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois wants the government to step up tax cuts and financial assistance to help member businesses. "We are fielding a number of calls from business owners in desperate situations, asking for advice as they face temporary closure. Many of these calls are coming from our ethnic restaurants," Bidois said. The government announced this week that it was extending travel restrictions for Iran and China, and also compulsory self-isolation for people arriving from northern Italy and South Korea. "It's not only restrictions on travel that are impacting on businesses but also through local diners staying home for fear of contracting the virus. And every day that passes, the impact from Covid-19 increases," Bidois said. "We estimate approximately $6 million per week is being lost by hospitality businesses, a figure we expect to rise if travel restrictions extend to other regions." She said central city centre businesses faced added challenges because of the infrastructure upgrades and environmental issues.
"The industry is facing a level of unprecedented challenges."
=========================================================
© Neighbourly 2026
Loading…