Thank you for using Neighbourly
Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a … View moreDowntown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a 4417 square metre plot of land, valued at $82.5 million.
The land has sat undeveloped as a car park - where an hour will cost you $19 - since the Royal International Hotel was demolished in 1987.
It was purchased by Singapore company NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited for $53m in 2012, and in 2017 the company was given approval by the Overseas Investment Office to build and operate a 52-storey, five- star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with 300 guest rooms, four floors for hotel facilities, six for retail and five for car parking.
The development is expected to cost $350m, with the start of construction dependent on the completion of City Rail Link. However, the resource consent for the tower is due to expire in October.
Click 'read more' for our full story.
The track to Mangere Mountain's summit is getting a facelift.
It will be recreated with aggregate stone paths, basalt rock steps and rest areas with seating at key viewing areas.
A floating staircase will be built on the steeper northern descent from the south Auckland summit which is prone … View moreThe track to Mangere Mountain's summit is getting a facelift.
It will be recreated with aggregate stone paths, basalt rock steps and rest areas with seating at key viewing areas.
A floating staircase will be built on the steeper northern descent from the south Auckland summit which is prone to erosion from foot traffic.
Work begins on May 17 and is expected to take five months to bring to fruition.
The goal is to preserve historic pa features and provide a safer, enhanced experience for pedestrians.
Also planned is a major redevelopment of the playground.
Inspired by the landscape, the design will reflect stories associated with the mountain and Maori culture.
A $1 million budget has been earmarked for the playground.
More details will be released later.
Learning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of … View moreLearning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of plantain with coconut cream, wrapped in cabbage leaves, potatoes, spinach emulsion and finishing with golden syrup steamed pudding and caramelised coxes orange apples.
The next one will be in July this year.
Names dating back to stories treasured by Māori are being returned to the whenua in parks across communities in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area.
The local board has adopted 18 names from mana whenua as part of the council’s cultural identity programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.
Names for … View moreNames dating back to stories treasured by Māori are being returned to the whenua in parks across communities in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area.
The local board has adopted 18 names from mana whenua as part of the council’s cultural identity programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.
Names for another 32 parks are being determined.
The first of the names has now been revealed with the unveiling of signs bearing the new dual name Waenganui / Allenby Park in Papatoetoe.
“Our local board is incredibly honoured to receive and reinstate these taonga, the names and histories of mana whenua," said Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia.
“The distinct cultures in our local board area are our strength. Our community has told us that ensuring Māori arts, culture and history being more visible in public places is really important to them and this is a really simple but powerful way we can do that and something we will look after and treasure.”
Ngāti Tamaoho, who named the park, said the ceremony marked an important milestone.
"For Ngāti Tamaoho that is exciting because focussing on the whenua is something we have really pushed for over the years,” said Ngāti Tamaoho Charitable Trust chair Tori Ngataki.
The board chose Waenganui / Allenby Park to have a full suite of bilingual signs including a new entrance sign with the name Waenganui / Allenby Park, an interpretive sign with the narrative in te reo Māori and English, and a QR code allowing people to scan their phone to hear the correct pronunciation.
Information helping people to navigate will be displayed in English and Maori on public facilities around the park.
Regulatory signs such as bylaw and alcohol ban information will feature in English and te reo Maori.
They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View moreDrivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.
Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.
A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.
Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.
He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.
AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.
While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.
“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”
“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”
He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.
“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.
To see video footage, go here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View moreNew Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.
ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.
Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
Wahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!
Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power … View moreWahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!
Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power walk or stroll, but no running!
Sign up now and save with our early bird deal of just $59.
It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. OurAuckland has some great ideas for things to do with your mother this weekend: bit.ly...
Kia ora Auckland,
Should Queen Street be car-free?
Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.
The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and … View moreKia ora Auckland,
Should Queen Street be car-free?
Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.
The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and with bus priority in the evening peak.
Some have expressed their concerns for the project including a group of businesses and landlords calling itself Save Queen. The group applied for an interim injunction to halt the council's planned Queen St upgrade and a High Court Judge will decide whether to approve the injunction later today.
Should the upgrade go even further and ban passenger vehicles altogether? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment used in your local community paper.
Te Pōkaitahi Reo
Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi:
“Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities in Auckland. The learning has helped my … View moreTe Pōkaitahi Reo
Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi:
“Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities in Auckland. The learning has helped my work to bridge gaps between Māori and others in our multicultural communities. When I look back, I feel really proud. It’s a great feeling when I speak te reo Māori. It’s a privilege.”
Share in Parminder’s experience and enquire now for 2021. These programmes are tuition fee free!
Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!
There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.
Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from … View moreOur third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!
There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.
Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from local artists, schools and groups. With activities for the kids and adults, face painting, bouncy castle, clowns, the Kindergarten play truck and so much more, the kids are going to love this day.
Great deals and specials from our businesses in town. Located on the Great South Road and in Centre Court and into Broadway, it’s a free family fun day for you all to enjoy.
The rain save date is the 15th of May should the weather not be kind.
This event is put on by the Papakura Business Association in conjunction with the Papakura Local Board.
Are you still looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?
From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!
Follow the link, select the 6 month option and use the promo code … View moreAre you still looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?
From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!
Follow the link, select the 6 month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.
Hurry! Offer ends Sunday. T&C's apply.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
