Aucklanders will soon see some dramatic changes to their parking prices.
It comes as Auckland Transport's (AT's) first region-wide change to parking costs since it formed in November 2010.
Auckland's hourly cost of on-street parking and AT-managed carparks will increase by $1 per hour from next week.
Additionally, the AT-owned Downtown Carpark on Customs St West will drop its weekday price cap from $40 to $24, and will raise its off-peak evening and weekend day-long parking caps from $10 to $15.
No price caps at any other AT parking facilities are changing at the moment.
A trial for free weekend parking will take place next Monday at Takapuna's Toka Puia carpark.
The change follows a Letter of Expectation from Mayor Wayne Brown in December pushing AT to review its parking prices.
"Auckland Transport should look at opportunities to increase external income and reduce reliance on rates funding," Brown wrote in the letter.
He said the key area AT should investigate is "increasing revenue from parking".
"Currently, AT is undercutting market rates for parking, which is not appropriate in this environment."
AT executive manager of service delivery Andrew Allen said the new parking charges would be more in line with public transport fares.
"We have had strong feedback from many Aucklanders that if we are reviewing the cost of our public transport fares each year, we should be doing the same for our parking charges," Allen wrote in a statement.
"These changes are also consistent with Auckland Transport's Room to Move strategy which outlines how Auckland's management of parking can help improve the efficiency of our roads, while keeping parking options available for Aucklanders who need them.
"The extra revenue generated each year will go towards covering Auckland Transport's operating expenses, including for running Auckland's public transport network and continuing to deliver road safety programmes."
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.2% Yes, it's fair
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10.1% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
2024 NZ Chinese Food and Culture Festival
Get ready for the 2nd annual New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival happening on November 17, 2024 hosted at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland! This year’s festival is going to be bigger, better, and packed with even more mouthwatering food and vibrant cultural performances. After the huge success of last year’s event, we’re bringing fresh ideas and exciting twists to make this an unforgettable celebration of Chinese food and culture—right here in New Zealand!
Expect a dazzling fusion of flavours, traditions, and local charm as the festival brings together delicious Chinese cuisine and unique cultural showcases. This year's event will feature even more food stalls, a wider variety of performances, and some special guests, including the incredibly talented singer Zhang Mengmeng!
With extensive media coverage and buzz from nearly 20 outlets, it's the perfect chance for foodies and cultural enthusiasts alike to show off their talents, share their love for Chinese culture, and create lasting connections. Whether you're a local or coming from overseas, this festival is all about celebrating diversity, unity, and deliciousness.
So, gather your family and friends, and join us for a day filled with tasty eats, awesome entertainment, and lots of fun! Don’t miss out—come celebrate, savour, and make memories at the New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival!
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Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.