Local body election
I have lived in Wellington for
over 30 years, and I am an
advocate for cities for all.
I mostly get around Wellington using public transport. I see first-hand that we have some way to go before we can honestly say public transport and the city is accessible for everyone.
I am currently on the Regional Council Public Transport Advisory Group representing disabled and older persons.
For most of the time I have lived in Wellington, I have served on a number of Wellington City and Greater Wellington committees and groups advocating for access for all. My contributions have been recognised by Wellington City.
As our city and region plans for the future, it is essential we ensure progress supports the needs of everyone, including older and disabled persons. I refer to Let’s Get Wellington Moving, rapid transit, public transport, housing, infrastructure, and services to name a few. 25% of New Zealanders experience barriers to getting around and participating fully in society. This percentage increases as we age. If our cities continue to create barriers, then more of us will be excluded, marginalised and left behind.
Councils make improvements, but those improvements
often leave some of our community behind.
Improvements to our footpaths and infrastructure will get more people active - walking, cycling, moving around our city, and using public transport. These elements contribute towards an accessible environment, enabling us all to safely move around our city.
Green projects such as replacement modes of transport can reduce our carbon footprint, and if our transport system is well connected and designed, this should contribute towards reducing the use of private vehicles. These outcomes will cumulatively benefit our environment, and the people of Wellington and wider region.
As you can see, I am passionate about accessibility for all and that no one should be left behind. A vote for me is a vote for our city and region being accessible for us all.
Authorised by
Thomas Bryan,
tsbryan@outlook.co.nz
PO Box 16043 Newtown Wellington.
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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
85.1% Yes
-
13.4% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!
What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.