Car parking city
THE DOWNTOWN CARPARK = GONE ❌
The Council now wants to sell the Downtown Carpark, to be torn down – along with its 1,500 parking spaces. Most will know, this is one of the few public parking options that services the downtown central business district and the only option for those who use the ferry to get to Waiheke.
They say the carpark presents a seismic "risk" – not now, but it could do in the future. But here's the thing, we understand the carpark could be seismically strengthened for a nominal cost, while developing above the carpark could return an additional $300m to Council *cough* ratepayers.
CUSTOMS STEET ACCESS = GONE ❌
The Council also wants to improve air quality and ultimately pedestrianise the CBD, so they are going to stop car access to Customs Street.
Neighbouring streets will become more congested as people will have to travel the around-about way to get across town. You see where this is going...
HOBSON STREET FLYOVER = GONE ❌
Council has also decided to demolish the Hobson Street flyover! This will make it even harder to travel east to west across the city!
You have to ask why, at a time of extreme rate hikes, and when households are cutting back, do we need another ideological reimagining of our CBD?
24/7 PARKING CHARGES = MONEY GRAB 🤬
Following a telling off from the Mayor, Auckland Transport delayed its 24/7 CBD parking charges to allow for (what is a completely insincere) consultation before a full roll-out in October.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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