Gulf Harbour ferry
Albany ward councillor John Watson thinks ferries have been treated very much as the poor cousin in comparison to bus and train services.
Watson is urging people to submit on the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP), currently out for public consultation until Friday December 14.
The plan sets out changes to Auckland's public transport system.
Councillor Watson is particularly interested in what is planned for future ferry services.
"The North Shore and Albany Wards have more ferry services than any other part of Auckland. Ferries go to Devonport, Gulf Harbour, Birkenhead, Hobsonville, West Harbour, Stanley Bay and Bayswater.
Part of that is just down to the patronage numbers (over the last ten years, overall public transport patronage has grown from 55 million boardings (43.7m bus; 6.8m train; 4.4m ferry) to around 92m total (66m bus, 20m train, 6m ferry). Over the last three years, annual public transport boardings have increased by around 13 million, or 17%).
"The big numbers are in bus and train but I have absolutely no doubt that ferry numbers would increase even more sharply if there were more sailings put on."
"There's been a lot of interest this year in Gulf Harbour, Hobsonville, Westpark and Beachhaven in increasing the number of trips in the day and weekend services but progress here has not been as fast as it should be."
"While the priorities identified are encouraging I'm very wary of the disclaimer 'subject to funding availability' and the loose timeline,"
Watson said.
"I would urge people to request the sort of frequency in service they want and to ask for certainty of funding as should be the priority for a major seaside city like Auckland. There needs to be more urgency in delivery."
Visit at.govt.nz... to make a submission.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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