Pukekohe consultations launching on new traffic lights, new zebra crossings
Two new sets of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at major town centre intersections are on the table for Pukekohe.
At the roundabout at Seddon, King, Queen and West Streets, and further down at the corner of King and Edinburgh St where there are raised platforms for crossing, it’s proposed there should be formal zebra crossings instead.
In that case, pedestrians would have right of way, where currently they have to give way to vehicles.
And at the intersections at Edinburgh, Stadium and Tobin Streets, and further down at Edinburgh, Massey and Wesley Streets, it’s proposed there should be new zebra crossings.
Pukekohe is growing and the town centre needs to be more “people-friendly,” Melanie Alexander, Auckland Transport’s Network Management manager.
The zebra crossings will be stronger indications to drivers that they need to slow down, and make moving around the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists, she said.
At Stadium Drive, Auckland Transport is proposing to introduce two sets of traffic lights.
One would be at the junction of Stadium Drive and East Street, and the other sets would replace the roundabout at Stadium Drive, King Street, Manukau Road and Massey Avenue.
The two sets of lights will be linked for the best traffic control, allowing traffic to flow and pedestrians to cross safely between the town centre and Roulston Park.
Alexander said AT has spent several years on both the pedestrian crossings and traffic light proposals, and has also consulted with Eke Panuku on future growth planning for the region.
Consultation begins on Monday, August 08 and will run until August 31. Have your say online at the link below.
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.
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.
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