Podcasts about Auckland Transport

Cyclists on Auckland's North Shore can finally take the bus across the Harbour Bridge. Buses in the city don't have bike racks - and the only public transport option cyclists have had to get across the harbour is to catch a ferry. RNZ reporter Jessica Hopkins tagged along on one of the 15 Auckland Transport's North Shore Express buses with the newly installed bike racks.

A speed limit increase near a beachside town north of Auckland is being described as dangerous and hugely confusing. The chunk of road on the Hibiscus Coast Highway has gone from 50 kms back up to 70kms. It's part of the government's policy to reverse Labour's speed limit reductions that it said slowed Kiwis and the economy down. Some locals have complained saying the stretch of highway between Orewa village and Hatfields beach is a busy spot with pedestrians and beachgoers. In a letter to locals Auckland Transport said it doesn't think the speed limit change to 70kms is "desirable or appropriate", but it is legally obligated to make the change. Auckland councillor for Albany John Watson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Transport's new electric ferry has hit the water for the first time. Workers began the slow process of bringing the vessel from the factory floor into the Tamaki River in Mt Wellington where it will undergo trials. It is hoped the New Zealand designed and made ferries will make ripples worldwide. Victor Waters reports.

Auckland Transport is working with fire investigators to find out what caused a bus to catch fire in Epsom on Sunday night. Reporter Jessica Hopkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Isn't it cruelly, cruelly ironic that yesterday we were talking about just how tough it is in retail, and we have the news that after 145 years, Smith and Caughey's, the last of the great, grand department stores, famous for the high-end goods, the beautiful Christmas window displays, will close its doors for the final time by July 31st. Ninety-eight jobs will be lost, but it's more losing a bastion of retail, it goes beyond the closure of just the store. It survived two world wars and two severe depressions. It was battling online retail but then a “perfect storm” in 2024 and 2025 meant that it just couldn't carry on. Once it's gone, we won't be seeing the likes of that again. So ironic that we were talking just yesterday about the man from JLL saying we need more retail space, a quarter of a million more square metres of retail space over the next five years, and we were like really? How about filling the retail space that exists? That led into the conversation about just how tough it is selling stuff in this day and age. Mike Hosking was talking to Viv Beck of Heart of the City this morning, and they agreed that the changes made to the inner city had proved too difficult to navigate. “We hoped they'd be able to get through to the opening of the CRL and we have absolutely laid it out, clear as day, to both Auckland Council and Auckland Transport what they needed to do to reduce the barriers to get into the central city. And I think the lack of action is inexcusable. There are fundamental flaws in the way this is being managed, and it has to stop. “The reality is it's been an obsession with getting cars out. We've already lost 44% of them since 2015, and yet Auckland Transport seems to think fining people in our nighttime district in Queen Street is acceptable. But the reality is we've got so much good stuff and it is a positive future. The City Rail Link will make access easier, but we cannot tolerate this behaviour anymore. It has to stop.” There's so much that went wrong all at once, that so many businesses have been trying so hard to navigate and it's not just an Auckland. We're talking about Auckland right now, but look at Wellington and Hamilton as well. The inner cities are really struggling because of the ideological brain farts of city planners, because of the ideological bent to get vehicles out of the inner city without actually replacing them with any kind of decent public transport, because of Covid, because inner city hotels and motels were turned into waste stations for transients and waifs and strays making it an unappealing place to visit, because of online retail – there are so many reasons why it has been incredibly difficult. They're trying to hang on trying to hang on until the promise from these urban planners, the promises from the transport departments, the promises from the ideologues, that this is going to be a new and bright and beautiful future. That the streets are going to be teeming with throngs of happy people who are desperate to buy whatever it is you've got to buy. And so these businesses are hanging on by their fingernails. “Better days are coming. Better days are coming.” Well, some of them cannot hang on any longer, their fingernails are losing the grip in there, slowly scraping their way down the side of the wall. I was on Ponsonby Road yesterday and a fashion designer who's been on Ponsonby Road in the same store for 26 years, she's conceded defeat. She can't do it anymore, she said, she just can't. She's been waiting and waiting and waiting for things to come right and she's run out of money and run out of time. And again, it's the economy, it's Covid, it's the new employment relations rules, it's all of those things. And then just when things start to come right, along comes Trump. There's so much that's happening. But she also made the same comment that a lovely young woman from the New Zealand fashion powerhouse Zambezi made – Zambezi's not renewing its lease on Ponsonby Road. Both women said that along with all the difficult times they've experienced over the last five years, they said that their customer base had aged out and they weren't being replaced. That they were trying to reinvigorate their customer base, but the younger generation are just not interested in buying the more expensive New Zealand designed, New Zealand made fashion. The younger woman don't want to pay those prices. So, the kids may well bunk off school to take part in climate emergency protests, and they may well harangue the older generation for bequeathing them a world on fire, but they're not willing to settle for one outfit a year from a New Zealand designer when they could have 50 dresses from Temu. Rather than actually putting their money where their mouths are and not contributing to the ecological environmental climate change disaster of fast fashion, and rather than support New Zealand designers in New Zealand, machinists in New Zealand, pattern makers in New Zealand, they'll go and do their climate protests at lunchtime and then be home in time to make some clicks on Temu and Shein to get their fast fashion. You can see the mountain of fast fashion waste from space. And the kids could do something about it, but they choose not to. And that means that we're going to see more of these closures and more skills and crafts lost as the younger generation just don't care. So I don't think I'll be harangued by a young one about the state of the world anytime soon and take that lightly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Auditor-General says Auckland Transport needs to improve how it manages disruptions and communicates with passengers. Public Transport Users Association national coordinator Jon Reeves spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, nearly a quarter of the money spent on National's FamilyBoost policy has been poured into administration costs, Labour says the government's move to quash 33 pay equity claims is rough economic justice for half the population, the US has signed a $142 billion (USD) arms deal with Saudi Arabia providing them with what the White house says is state-of-the-art warfighting equipment, and the Deputy Auditor-General says Auckland Transport needs to improve how it manages disruptions and communicates with passengers.

The 50 cents an hour price increase comes into effect for much of the city. Auckland Transport said the rise is in response to operational costs and high parking demand. Victor Waters has more.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about Green MP Tamatha Paul's comments about the police and Finance Minister Nicola Willis' recent announcement on the supermarket duopoly.  For International Desk, they spoke to Dr Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria from Curtin University in Perth about the arrest of former Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, by the International Criminal Court. For City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke to Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about Auckland Transport's decision to increase parking rates by 50 cents per hour in lots across Auckland, as well as the latest development in Auckland's ‘stadium saga', in which councillors have voted to support the Eden Park 2.1 project. She also spoke with Unite Union's Co-President Xavier Walsh about their call to action for the government, after the minimum wage was only increased by 35 cents this week, the lowest increase in more than a decade.

The Parking Association believes multiple changes are needed for chasing up unpaid fines. In the three years to the end of 2024, just 68% of almost $29 thousand Auckland Transport fines were paid in part or in full. While AT says it's not a straightforward process, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he's asked for advice on making them better debt collectors. Association chair Mike Kelly told Mike Hosking the psychology around it is one major issue. He says there are lots of people who get tickets daily for repetitive offences and aren't too bothered, and the tickets end up with the Ministry of Justice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric trains are rolling into Pukekohe Station in Auckland Monday morning for the first time. Auckland Transport director of public transport Stacey Van Der Putten spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Many Aucklanders will be returning to work on Monday, but they won't be able to use train services until later this month. Auckland Transport's Director of Public Transport Stacey Van Der Putten spoke to Alexa Cook.

Auckland Transport has been forced to scale back its 'bus to the mall' campaign after facing pushback from local business owners. The campaign included a singing bus stop in Newmarket - but more controversially, billsticker posters placed throughout Auckland's small retail villages. Karangahape Road business owner Muy Chhour says this campaign is a 'kick in the guts' to local business owners in Auckland. "It's not good at all - it tarnishes the relationships with business districts and Auckland Transport. It takes away the customers from local businesses and takes them to the mall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government plans to inject more capital into Kiwibank in a bid to beef up competition among the banks off the back of a new Commerce Commission report. Will this work? Two new polls out tonight - and they're not looking too great for National or Labour. How can they turn their luck around? Businesses across Auckland have hit out at Auckland Transport over their 'bus to the mall' Christmas campaign. Is this a bad look for AT? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown joins Kathryn Ryan to talk about taking back control of transport policy and planning, his plans for Auckland's development agency Eke Panuku and its events agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

Australian journalist and author Nick Cater has been a guest on numerous occasions, beginning on radio in 2013. Not having spoken for a year, we caught up on Thanksgiving Eve while he was in New York. The plan was to discuss Australia's pros and cons (of which there are many), for the benefit of intending migrants. There is something of a diaspora from NZ at the moment. As usual it was a relaxed but informative interview. We make commentary on Auckland Transport and the medical profession and the frustrations therein. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport has been stripped of its responsibilities, with Auckland Council to gain new powers over the region's transport infrastructure and policy. The overhaul will see the council assume the role of Road Controlling Authority, while a new Regional Transport Committee will replace many of AT's functions. Reporter Finn Blackwell spoke to Lisa Owen.

A shake-up of Auckland's transport agency will see it stripped of decision-making powers to focus on delivering public transport services. Transport Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Transport Minister says changes to Auckland Transport have been a long time coming. Auckland Transport will have its right to make decisions about policy, planning, and strategy taken away. A new regional transport committee will be formed with the goal of creating a 30-year transport plan. Simeon Brown told Mike Hosking AT took the news well. He's spoken with the Chief Executive who's keen to help make the transition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Just About Almost Definitely/Can't Be Worse... Can It?/Dude, Where's My Plane?/Carpet Questions/Car QuestionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge political victory for Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Having campaigned on taking greater control over Auckland's CCO's (Council Controlled Organisations), the mayor is set to get his wish when it comes to Auckland Transport. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed that Auckland's transport policy and planning will shift from AT back over to Auckland Council. Remember, under the current model - Auckland Council has had two elected councillors on the board of AT. But Wayne Brown argued this assigned too much of the major decision making to unelected officials. He was always lamenting that people came up to him in the street and moaned to him about problems that were AT's responsibility, not realising that actually the council had limited control. Like all power, of course, you have to be careful what you wish for. If Auckland Council and the local boards are to have more authority over transport planning in our biggest city, they'll also have the blame if residents don't feel they're making the right calls. Under the changes, Auckland Council will retain a transport CCO. But - his opponents have to accept that Wayne Brown has surprised a lot of people as mayor. He has built relationships on both sides of the political spectrum and advocated effectively for Auckland's ratepayers. He promised to get greater control over the Council Controlled Organisations - and Auckland Transport was top of the list. And whether you like the council's subsequent transport policies or not - on that promise, he has delivered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you be able to park in your own drive way without fear of gettting a ticket? Some residents in inner city Auckland suburbs reckon so; they've been hit with $70 fines from Auckland Transport for parking up their own drive ways or letting visitors do the same. Parking within a metre each side of a drive or up a drive but outside your property is against the rules. One resident is adament they aren't blocking the road or pavement, yet they've still being stung with tickets. Grey Lynn resident Jennifer Austin-Mannes spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Richard Chambers is set to take over as New Zealand's new Police Commissioner. Do we expect any new changes? Will we get more old-school policing under Chambers' watch. Should Auckland Transport stop fining people for parking in their own driveways? What do we make of this? It's been revealed NZTA spent $800 million on traffic management and road cones. Do we need to rein this spending in? New research says young people are drinking less - is this good news or cause for concern? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers tells Heather he will bring a different style to police leadership than his predecessor. Transport Minister Simeon Brown reveals the Transport Agency has spent almost $800 million on road cones and traffic management over the past three years. Heather reckons we need to be careful when celebrating the drop of alcohol consumption among young people. Plus the Huddle debates Auckland Transport's decision to fine people $70 for parking in their driveway. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport has a new payment system, commuters will be able to use phones and contactless debit and credit cards not just HOP cards. AT's public transport general manager Stacey van der Putten spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The vibes in Auckland are bit more wet wet wet, than Coldplay, for the band's second concert at Eden Park tonight. It's been pelting down all day, but the gigs a sell out. The British pop-rock band is expected to bring 150,000 fans into the central city over its three night residency, with neighbouring business glad of the extra foot traffic in what's been a tough year for many. Auckland Transport is putting on up to 100 extra buses from the North Shore and City Centre, as well as additional capacity across the rail network for the night. Eden Park boss Nick Sautner spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland's Mayor admits there's no way to guarantee the safety of passengers on public transport. Figures released exclusively to Newstalk ZB show Auckland Transport is dealing with about 83 incidents a week on trains, and an increasing number of those incidents are violent. Emergency services are being called to incidents on buses nine times a week, including stabbings, beatings, and other attacks. Wayne Brown told Mike Hosking he's asking Police to hop on buses during their regular patrols, but there can't be cops and security on every bus. He says they've set aside money to start caging drivers to protect them, but they can't cage passengers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will be making an announcement on improving safety on Auckland's public transport network. A woman was fatally stabbed on a bus on Wednesday - and 37 year old Aucklander Kael Leona appeared in court today charged with murder. The ministers of Police and Auckland held talks with AT and Police this afternoon, and Simeon Brown will make an announcement tomorrow. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he has a different role to play. Mitchell says he's focusing on reassurance at the moment - and will meet the victim's family if asked. Mitchell says for the past few weeks he and Brown have been discussing with authorities how to improve transport safety. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of a fatal stabbing on Auckland bus, has handed himself into a Northshore police station. The man was identifed off CCTV footage as a person on interest in yesterday's stabbing on the number 74 bus in Onehunga. The woman who was stabbed multiple times, died at the scene. There were 9 other passengers. Police say it appears the attack was random and there was no altercation before hand, but he was known to police. The two sat near each other and together on the bus at various points in the journey. The police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident. Stacey Van der Putten who is the Director of Public Transport for Auckland Transport spoke to Lisa Owen.

Following the fatal stabbing of a woman on an Auckland Bus on Wednesday, Auckland Transport's Director of Public Transport, Stacey Van der Putten says a multi-agency approach is needed to tackle the growing issue of anti-social behaviour on public transport. The man wanted over the fatal stabbing handed himself into police yesterday. Maungakiekie-Tamaki Community Board chair Maria Meredith spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Transport has spoken out after yesterday's fatal stabbing of a woman on an Onehunga bus. The man-hunt for a 37-year-old suspect ended this morning - when a man handed himself in at North Shore Police station. Police say the attack appears random and they don't think the victim and suspect knew each other. AT's Director of Public Transport, Stacey van der Putten, says they've increased staff numbers in Onehunga. She says it's very concerning - and such crime is very sporadic. "There's only so much we can do - it's a problem in terms of anti-social behaviour. The vast majority of people are really well behaved, these are tiny issues compared to what we generally see." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 October 2024, Auckland Transport says it's putting more security patrols on public transport following the deadly bus stabbing. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says Oranga Tamariki is still failing to keep kids in its care safe. Perhaps the weirdest interview of the year - with the man who's upset with David Seymour's new school lunches because of their packaging. Plus the Huddle gets very heated when debating whether our lax approach to punishing criminals is to blame for yesterday's bus stabbing. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty months on from last year's Auckland Anniversary floods, more than 60 privately owned properties in West Auckland are still affected by slips on council and Auckland Transport owned land. Stickered Area Residents Group member Thibault Beaujot spoke to Corin Dann.

It was once labelled one of the worst public transport services in the country, but Auckland's Gulf Harbour ferry service is back to a full schedule of sailings from today, after years of frequent cancellations and reduced timetables. Ferry crew shortages meant many commuters were stuck with hours long replacement buses or even taxis, taking them the 50 kilometres by road from Auckland's CBD to the Whangaparaoa peninsula. Then last year Auckland Transport proposed canning the service altogether, prompting backlash from the community and a petition to keep it running. Now it looks like the service's problematic past is behind it, but as Luka Forman reports, it'll take time and effort to win back the trust of locals.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 30th of August, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster speaks after police secured a couple of major wins over the gangs this week.  Winston Peters talks his members bill to disband Auckland Transport - and defends Shane Jones' comments about the judiciary.  Beauden Barrett previews the All Blacks v Springboks test at Ellis Park this weekend.  And Mike gives away $5000 to a worthy winner, thanks to Chemist Warehouse.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has found a strong ally in his bid to disestablish Auckland Transport.   The New Zealand First leader's proposed a bill to give the city's Council full control of the agency.  AT currently operates somewhat independency.   It already has the backing of Mayor Wayne Brown, who says anything putting control of Auckland's transport back in Aucklanders' hands is a good thing.  Peters told Mike Hosking that if common sense prevails, it will go hosing through Parliament.  He said that AT was set up in 2009 and has been a serious failure, with massive complains continuing year after year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport is welcoming 9 new transport officers, bolstering numbers across the network as it tries to improve commuter safety. It's been a hot button issue in the super city, with a number of recent incidents on the network, including a vicious attack on a 16 year old school boy on a bus in July. AT said transport officers are vital to ensuring safety on buses, trains and ferries, and the new recruits RNZ spoke to say they're up to the task, Finn Blackwell reports.

One commentator says enforcement is critical for road safety. The Government's announced it wants 3.3 million roadside alcohol breath tests a year, with a $1.3 billion budget over three years. $7 million is for incentives for police - for when they meet targets. Greater Auckland transport blog director Matt Lowrie says police haven't done enough breath tests for a long time. "It's only in the last year that they've actually started doing it - the numbers that they kind of need to do to be able to get that down. And what we've actually seen is that in the last 18 months, the number of deaths on the road has finally started coming down again." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The knives appear to be out for Auckland Transport.  Wayne Brown's putting forward a proposal to strip AT of its policymaking functions and have elected representatives control it.  It also includes plans to abolish the council's development agency and its events and economic development agency.  He'll need the backing of councillors, and in the case of AT's control, a law change.  Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he's sick of being blamed for things he doesn't control.  He said that AT has had 12 years of complete independence to the point where the council almost seems to be more of a nuisance than an owner, and they're not listening as much as he'd like.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heritage advocates in the Auckland suburb of Devonport want parking meters kept off their quaint streets - saying they'll ruin the ambience. For now, the historic seaside village on the North Shore is meter free - but Auckland Transport wants to start charging two dollars an hour along its main street and waterfront by October. Trish Deans from Devonport Heritage speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

Central city businesses in Auckland are accusing Auckland Transport of causing unnecessary anxiety over overnight parking charges. Heart of the city's Viv Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

On today's episode, we cross to New Caledonia for the latest on the riots, junior doctors are again walking off the job as their dispute with Te Whatu Ora continues, we hear from a doctor on the picket line, and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, Auckland Transport has delayed its plans to charge for overnight parking in the CBD, Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz discusses the recent NEMA review, and Emily Perkins has won the Ockham for her novel Lioness.

After facing criticism from businesses and the council, Auckland Transport has decided to pump the brakes on introducing overnight parking charges until October. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Transport says new parking fees are necessary because it needs to find 73 million dollars for the upcoming year. Finn Blackwell reports

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says it would be fair for Auckland Transport to go back and consult over its parking changes. She speaks to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Transport is moving forward with its plan for overnight parking fees in the city centre, despite opposition from the council and businesses. Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the Education Review Office says too many newly graduated teachers are not prepared for the job, we hear from the ERO'S Education Evaluation Centre Ruth Shinoda, as well as the PPTA president Chris Abercrombie, Auckland Transport has announced it will charge for overnight parking in the Auckland CBD, chief executive Dean Kimpton joins us, and equestrian rider Caroline Powell has won the Badminton Horse Trials, and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.

Auckland Transport is headed into talks about whether it can share Waka Kotahi's highway cameras for the city's congestion charging scheme - to cut costs. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Keen to jam AT's new interactive game? Complete the mission and get your whānau & friends home safely. Check it out @atransportaklSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Karangahape Road is known for it's colourful community and today, that community is furious after the vandalism of it's rainbow crossing. White paint was slathered over the crossing by three people in the middle of the night. Auckland Transport said it will be removing the paint tonight, but the crossing won't be repainted right away. However, residents and workers of the street are determined to bring it back and make it even brighter than before. Maia Ingoe reports.