Auckland's $1.4b Eastern Busway project draws near
A new busway in east Auckland is drawing nearer to completion with a new alliance formed to carry out the last construction stages.
The $1.4 billion project will see three new stations in Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany connected by bus, cycle and walking lines by 2025.
It promises to generate thousands of jobs to help the region recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fletcher, Acciona, AECOM and Jacobs have been chosen to design, consent and build the final stages of the Eastern Busway project, expected to carry more than 30,000 people a day between the rapidly growing south-eastern suburbs and the rail network in Panmure.
The busway will cut travel time between Botany and Britomart, reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, said Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
It will help give East Aucklanders a less than 40 minute commute from Botany to the CBD, said Minister of Transport Phil Twyford.
The alliance will start critical design and consenting work before progressing to construction, expected to start in 2022.
The group has overseen other major infrastructure projects including Auckland's Waterview Connection, the SH 16 Causeway Upgrade and Brisbane's Eastern Busway.
Remaining stages of the project will extend the high frequency busway under construction between Panmure and Pakuranga to a new station in Botany Town Centre.
Project Alliance Board Chair Dean Kimpton said the alliance partners are excited to be part of a project that will contribute wide-reaching social and economic benefits to the Auckland region.
"The next stages of the project are expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the short-term and provide work for thousands of people and dozens of businesses in the supply and construction sector," Kimpton said.
Show us your winter craft or DIY projects
When we are stuck inside, it can be a time to get creative. And we think Neighbourly members are quite a creative bunch. So, let's fill the Neighbourly newsfeed with crafty creations from across the country.
Share a photo below of your craft projects, recent DIY, or your hobby. You may just inspire someone else!
Latest scams to look out for 👀
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:
NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe
NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.
Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.
Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.
Poll: Have you had a pen pal?
With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.
Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!
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67.2% Yes
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32.6% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
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