CARS ONLY ALLOWED ON ROADS IN DAYTIME EVERY OTHER DAY
The LEADER front page story highlights the problem we face in trying to avoid global warming.
Auckland introduced an extra tax but this is not working and people are still using private cars rather than public transport. So to raise the $150 million we should permit cars to only be used every other day.
Simple to do just allow cars with even number plate to run on even days and cars with odd number plate to run on odd days.
Now if you must travel on your off day for hospital appointment or some emergency you can purchase a permit online with a credit card for say $25 thus allowing registration number ABC 123 to use the road between 6am and 6pm on an even day. All cars can use the roads overnight between 6pm and 6am without a permit.
If you are caught between 6am and 6pm without a permit on your off day then a fine of $100 is imposed reduced to $50 if paid within 7 days.
This restriction will cause us all to plan journeys differently and hopefully make many more of us use the buses and fill them up.
The reduction of bus fares will certainly help due in April. If we still do not fill the buses then a $1 anywhere on its route could be tried or even free fares BUT we must fill the buses somehow and SAVE FUEL which is causing global warming and pollution.
Walking to catch the bus is HEALTHY exercise which is another plus
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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85.1% Yes
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13.4% 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.