Queen Street standoff softens after talks between council and businesses
Todd Niall
Court action over a planned upgrade to Auckland’s Queen Street may be averted after peace talks between a group of businesses and the council.
Parties are tight-lipped with the Save Queen Street group set to seek an injunction on May 5, but in a joint statement described Friday’s 90-minute meeting as “productive”.
“Save Queen Street, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport had a productive meeting this afternoon and are working together to reach a resolution,” they said in a statement.
The group of retailers and landlords argued that the council was breaking the law in using the restriction of traffic lanes brought in during Covid-19 in 2020, as the basis for a new upgrade due in May.
The “emergency works”, carried out last year, widened pedestrian space by reducing traffic from four lanes to two on the CBD’s main retail strip.
The council plans next month to partially close a section of lower Queen Street to general traffic, and make it more pedestrian-friendly with pocket parks, widened footpaths and seating, in a $1.1 million trial.
Save Queen Street wants all the Covid-19 changes stripped away, before new discussions can begin on making the struggling street more attractive.
The society partly blamed the changes for the declining health of the street, which now has dozens of empty shops, following the loss of tourists, foreign students, and a trend to office employees working more from home.
Today's talks were chaired by the Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback, with senior officials from both council and Auckland Transport, but without the mayor Phil Goff.
Goff had previously told Stuff he supported the changes in the council plan.
Hi neighbours, what do you think of the planned upgrade to Auckland's Queen St?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.
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