Slower Car Traffic Around the city
I heard this podcast lately where NZTA (or Waka Kotahi) is stating car traffic is being slowed on purpose in order to "make it easier to get around"! ?! (See link below)
Personally, even if you agree or not with the purpose of such a policy, the way it's been implemented, i.e. without previous consultation, without publicity, and without alternatives - it appears to me that car commuters are treated like irresponsible children and not grown up adults.
It looks like the transport agency's role to make transport faster is being hijacked into changing the transport by making it SLOWER and yes, SAFER, with the declared purpose of "making it easier to get around". Of course, if your car is not moving you're perfectly safe!
I find this would work great in Europe, where I was able to use the EFFICIENT, FAST and PUNCTUAL public system to get around. But this infrastructure is NOT NEAR close enough to what's required as an alternative to using your vehicle in Auckland, as any trip by bus or train will usually take twice as long. Of Europe has a bigger economic capacity, and the reality in tiny NZ is the car is still reigning in most socio-economic communities as a main means of transport.
Such a policy would make sense if there would be an option in planning or building / execution, but in my view, there isn't a viable transport alternative yet in the works.
So, in my view, car commuter are left with is put up with more delays, frustration, time wasted, fuel burned in slower traffic as there's no alternative - in the name of a rushed ideology with no proper investment or planning. To poke a bit of sarcastic fun, it looks like a nanny state, where the nanny doesn't know what to do, but wishes to appear strong and confident...
I wonder if people find this decision although nice in it's intention, as completely missing the mark and not addressing the real issue of under investment in the public transport system.
It's timing might be right in 5 or 10 years from now when hopefully some of the much needed public infrastructure projects (electrification of the rail past Swanson, Airport train or light rail loop, etc) will be closed or near to completion. Until then, in my view, it's just another bit adding to people's frustration who have no alternative to commuting to work, shopping, transporting kids to/from events etc etc.
www.newstalkzb.co.nz...
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
RE: Hosting a FREE inspirational talk by Harita Davies in your school/class
Kia Ora
I would like to introduce you to Harita Davies, our national record holder in 3100-Mile race.
Harita is the only New Zealand woman to ever attempt and complete the world's longest certified running race, the 3100-Mile race (94km for 52 days and 28 pairs of running shoes!) The Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race, described as “The Mount Everest of Ultramarathons” by the New York Times, requires competitors to maintain an average of 60 miles a day, amounting to over two marathons every day for 52 days!
Each year, contestants are drawn to the 3100-mile ultra for often inner reasons. Testing their physical and mental limits, with a curiosity about human potential itself. The race promises personal growth and self-discovery. Participants come from around the world to shatter their perceived limitations and discover a deeper sense of self. Only six women have ever completed the 3100-mile distance since its inception in 1997.
Please listen to Harita's many interviews with RNZ - www.rnz.co.nz......
Watch a trailer about the award-winning documentary covering the 3100 Mile Race -
www.youtube.com......
Accompanying her will be Preetidutta Thorpe, ultra marathon runner and a former Olympic-level contender in sailing who has just completed the Everest Marathon last year.
For Harita, meditation is the ultimate game changer in her running. This holistic approach cultivates peak performance and nurtures a deeper sense of well-being, She believes that caring for our own sense of peace is one of the most powerful contributions we can make to creating a better and more peaceful world.
Kindly get in touch if you would like to have Harita talk to your school/class about her experience and share a few simple practical meditation techniques to cope with stress, improve focus and cultivate resilience. The duration and depth of the subject matter can be tailored to suit.
Harita, now living in the US, and will be back in Auckland on Wednesday 12 February.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss any possibilities for inspiring your school community to take the first step.
Warmest regards,
Durba Lee Preetidutta Thorpe
Mobile: 0220 653 719 Mobile: 0220 814 727
Sri Chinmoy Centre
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