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1435 days ago

Auckland's $1.4b Eastern Busway project draws near

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A new busway in east Auckland is drawing nearer to completion with a new alliance formed to carry out the last construction stages.

The $1.4 billion project will see three new stations in Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany connected by bus, cycle and walking lines by 2025.

It promises to generate thousands of jobs to help the region recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fletcher, Acciona, AECOM and Jacobs have been chosen to design, consent and build the final stages of the Eastern Busway project, expected to carry more than 30,000 people a day between the rapidly growing south-eastern suburbs and the rail network in Panmure.

The busway will cut travel time between Botany and Britomart, reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, said Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

It will help give East Aucklanders a less than 40 minute commute from Botany to the CBD, said Minister of Transport Phil Twyford.

The alliance will start critical design and consenting work before progressing to construction, expected to start in 2022.

The group has overseen other major infrastructure projects including Auckland's Waterview Connection, the SH 16 Causeway Upgrade and Brisbane's Eastern Busway.

Remaining stages of the project will extend the high frequency busway under construction between Panmure and Pakuranga to a new station in Botany Town Centre.

Project Alliance Board Chair Dean Kimpton said the alliance partners are excited to be part of a project that will contribute wide-reaching social and economic benefits to the Auckland region.

"The next stages of the project are expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the short-term and provide work for thousands of people and dozens of businesses in the supply and construction sector," Kimpton said.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

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How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
  • 26.8% I love it!
    26.8% Complete
  • 31.3% Only in designated areas
    31.3% Complete
  • 41.9% No, it should be outdoors only.
    41.9% Complete
3144 votes
2 hours ago

Noon toons on East FM, Saturday from midday

Phil from Farm Cove

Fresh original Kiwi music releases by Jack Moser, Emma Dilemma, and Turkey the Bird (band) feature on another mixed bag She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, tomorrow midday to 4pm (NZ time, September 28) on East FM.

We’re talking to Jack Moser at 2.30pm live from Sydney about his journey in music and new EP, Where You Are.
The good folk at Blackout Music NZ say: “Tāmaki Makaurau-based indie songwriter Jack Moser bares his soul in the EP Where You Are, a collection of heartfelt compositions that channel his personal experiences into powerful musical expressions.”


It was recorded in Moser’s home-town of Taranaki, co-produced by Jack, Waru Hetet and Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace, Johnson’s Ôakura studio.

Jack says: “I’m so happy to release this collection of songs. Where You Are has been a really therapeutic EP for me to write.
“It’s helped me understand my own emotions during this relationship, and allowed me to keep moving forward. I’m now in a secure, committed relationship and Where You Are was the final hurdle before attaining exactly what I wanted in a relationship.”

We recently saw the dynamic and powerful singer Emma Dilemma upfront for the welcome-returned Tadpole on the Devilskin national 10th anniversary tour.
Blackout Music NZ says Libra is “a total power pop single from Emma Dilemma. She’s living in Los Angeles for the time being, and has a great video shot in Palm Springs. She’ll be back in NZ to support the release soon.
“It’s best you don’t try to put Emma Dilemma in a box. The self-described ‘patron saint of self-sabotage’ combines her penchant for viewing life through an absurdist lens with her love for melody and storytelling to create serious music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

And we’ll always say it, the music of Turkey the Bird, who’ve just released their brand new album – Men, Fish, Boat – on Friday, always makes one feel great. They have a fantastic hopeful view of the world.
For some time we’ve been meaning to play their three most recent Turkey the Bird singles, Smashing Through The Fences, My Life, and Stone Wall Creek, and we’ll do that, and spin the new album in entirety in the coming weeks.

Smashing Through The Fences: “An anthem of empowerment and growth, with uplifting lyrics about breaking barriers, embracing dreams, and finding strength in community.”

My Life: “This folk trio delivers a poignant reflection on living life to the fullest. With lyrics that delve into the ebb and flow of happiness, the mysteries of the future, and the beauty of everyday moments, it’s a heartfelt anthem about making the most of every day.”

Stone Wall Creek: “Is a bluegrass song that captures the serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Ngawi, a remote spot in the southernmost part of New Zealand's North Island. Inspired by the picturesque rivers and creeks that Sol, a band member, encountered during his stay, the song reflects the natural charm and peacefulness of the area. Ngawi, known for having the most bulldozers per capita in the world, adds a unique twist to the song's backdrop, blending nature's splendor with human ingenuity.”

East FM is East Auckland’s fair-dinkum community-powered public service radio station, on 88.1FM and 107.1FM on local frequencies, nationally and globally at www.eastfm.nz... and on app iHeart Radio.
She’ll Be Right - it’s all about the vibe; it’s all about the groove. Providing a platform for NZ music and performance artists to exhibit their talents since ages ago. Ka pai. – PJ

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1 day ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.3% Yes
    70.3% Complete
  • 26.9% No
    26.9% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
866 votes