I can't believe March is flying by already and we're nearly a quarter through the year! This month has reminded us that, while we must remember and acknowledge what has come before, we must also act.
My newsletter for March is out, with a quick summary of what I've been up to and thinking about.
I try deliver these each month - available here or delivered to your inbox (sign up here)
I can't believe March is flying by already and we're nearly a quarter through the year! This month has reminded us that while we must remember and acknowledge what has come before us, we must also act.
On 8 March we celebrated International Women's Day, with a focus on breaking the bias. It's good to stop and reflect but we should acknowledge the sacrifices, battles and accomplishments of all wāhine across the globe everyday.
A week later marked the third year anniversary of the awful terrorist attack in Christchurch. We still have a long way to go to heal the wounds and respect those that were lost by taking real action to prevent another tragedy.
Unfortunately the road toll in Auckland has continued to climb, with another life lost in recent weeks. Auckland Transport has been big on promises for road safety, but their record shows otherwise. Four years after the tragic loss of life in an intersection in East Tamaki, there is still no sign of action from Auckland Transport despite a coroner's ruling that the road layout was the primary cause of death. What will it take for Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to act?
This week the government announced a reduction in public transport fares and fuel prices. While I suspect it was driven by pragmatic political factors, any action on transport poverty is welcomed. However, I still have questions over how this will be delivered and it doesn't address the long term issues.
On the topic of long term issues - Auckland Council is currently consulting on their proposed climate action package as part of the budget for 2022/2023 and I strongly encourage everyone to have their say. I spoke to the Howick Local Board last night to provide some of my feedback and my full submission will be ready in a few days. Check below for more details or head to akhaveyoursay.nz/budget
I'll do my best to keep you up to date through my monthly newsletters. In between, stay up to date via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. As always, if there's something you want to hear about or know more, let me know.
Warm regards,
Damian Light
We don’t need any more empty platitudes of sorrow on this anniversary. We need firm action and strong resolve. Across the board.
-Anjum Rahman
This month we remember the painful events of 15 March 2019, when 51 people were brutally murdered in Christchurch while peacefully practicing their faith.
I strongly encourage you to read this thoughtful piece by Anjum Rahman which explains the need for more action.
Consultation on Auckland Council Budget 2022/2023
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has a lot of climate action to get done by 2030 so council is proposing a special targeted rate to help fund it. The targeted rate will cost the average household $1.33 a week and deliver$1 Billion dollarsin extra investment over the next 10 years:
$627m for buses
$122m for Ferries
$144 for Cycling
$84m for walking
$13.3m for urban ngahere (forests)
$39m for depreciation
$16m for administration / delivery ($9m for Council and $7m for AT)
The proposal is for rates to rise at an average of 3.5% (as per last year's 10 year budget) and also to (finally) standardise the waste collection services across Auckland.
The budget consultation will close at 5pm on Monday 28 March 2022. Details on the proposal and ways to have your say can be found at akhaveyoursay.nz/budget
I spoke to the Howick Local Board to provide some of my feedback and my full submission will be ready in a few days.
Eastern Busway feedback shows Burswood diversion unpopular with locals
Auckland Transport have released the response to the December consultation on the Pakuranga to Botany leg of the Eastern Busway.
There's a bit to work through, but it's clear the Burswood diversion created a stir (which is no surprise given the shock it was to locals). I still question some of the info they've presented and it feels very much like they're pushing a solution that the community doesn't want or need.
I fully support the Eastern Busway and want it delivered sooner. However driving a diversion through Burswood at the cost of many homes is unjustified. I applaud the response from local residents who have organised to oppose this bizarre proposal. My submission is available here.