2452 days ago

Pets now allowed on Auckland trains

Brian from New Lynn

From today, animals are allowed on trains at off-peak times as part of an Auckland Transport trial. But pet owners will be kept on a tight leash, with strict rules in force. They'll only be allowed on trains, and only at off-peak times - between 9am and 3pm, and from 6:30pm on weekdays, and all-day on weekends and public holidays. They'll also have to be caged, and small enough to fit under the seat or on your lap. Auckland Councillor Cathy Casey says pet owners need to be trusted. "As a responsible dog owner, I'll make sure that my dog doesn't do poos and wees on public transport. If a person has an allergy and insists, 'I don't want your dog near me,' that's fine too." If your pet does have an accident, it's your responsibility to clean it up. And if the train is crowded, don't be surprised if you're denied entry. The trial ends in September. If successful, it may become a permanent reality. Casey expects it will be a "howling" success, saying it will bring many benefits. "Not everybody lives anywhere near a dog exercise area or a beach... so I can see this taking a huge number of cars off the road." "There are many Aucklanders that may not have access to a vehicle to take their pet to the vet or for when they want to explore the city, this will potentially benefit both the owners and the pets," added Stacey van der Putten, Auckland Transport group manager of metro services. And don't worry about getting your pooch an AT HOP card - pets travel for FREE.The trial doesn't include buses, which will still be limited to disability assist dogs.
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1 day ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?

What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?

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If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 36.5% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    36.5% Complete
  • 63.5% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
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362 votes
8 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.

Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.

For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.

Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?

We hope this brings a smile!

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6 days ago

Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.

We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...

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Is Auckland’s economy improving?
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    17.2% Complete
  • 66.1% No
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  • 16.7% A little
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192 votes