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 we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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33.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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65.2% No, I enjoy it
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.7% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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20.9% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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35.8% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
Government targeted relief
My sister is a Pensioner living in Wellsford. She has an appointment at North Shore Hospital tomorrow afternoon at 2.45pm. The 160km round trip would cost about $50 which is too expensive. Instead, she will be taking a free shuttle leaving from Wellsford at 8am tomorrow, so will have almost 6 hours wait at hospital . It is not only families with children who are struggling. I do understand that not everyone can be accommodated in the relief, but just saying.
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