Podcasts about Auckland Transport

May was Auckland's busiest month for bike trips in more than ten years. Auckland Transport's Head of Active Modes, Tania Loveridge spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A new electric-hybrid ferry has taken to the water in Auckland, ahead of being put into service next month. It's the first of two electric ferries public transport officials hope will give commuters increased confidence in the network. Auckland Transport said the ferry has gone through rigorous testing and sea trials and is expected to pick up the service from Devonport to Downtown. Finn Blackwell set sail and filed this report.

Electrifying the transport system will require strong bi-partisan action. The Drive Electric State of the Nation report has found globally, one in four new vehicle purchases are electric – up from one in five in 2024. Chair Kirsten Corson says strides are being made in public transport, with New Plymouth's bus fleet being 100% electric, and Auckland Transport having more than 300 electric buses. She told Mike Hosking it's not an environmental decision anymore – it's an economic one. In the past three years they've seen the percentage of new vehicle sales that are electric increasing in countries like Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Turkey, Corson says, as from an economic perspective, they no longer want to import fossil fuels. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the council must be involved in any final decision on a second Waitematā harbour crossing.  And the number of jobs that will be lost in the Auckland Transport restructure has been revealed - a net reduction of 20.  For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics.

For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about the need for council to be involved in discussions about the details of an additional harbour crossing, and the number of job losses in the Auckland Transport restructure.  And they spoke to Māni Dunlop from Te Ao Māori News for our new bi-weekly catch-up on the political issues of the week from a Māori perspective. News Director Castor spoke to kaumatua and climate activist Mike Smith about his court case against Fonterra in the wake of the government removing its legal basis. They also spoke to Professor of Law at the University of Waikato, Alexander Gillespie, about the legal ramifications of such a decision.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about the Government disestablishing the BSA and scrapping the tertiary Fees Free scheme, as well as the Government's new citizenship test. She also spoke with Associate Professor Alice Mills about why secure housing is central to reintegration for those leaving prison.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the council must be involved in any final decision on a second Waitematā harbour crossing.  And the number of jobs that will be lost in the Auckland Transport restructure has been revealed - a net reduction of 20.  For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics.

For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about the need for council to be involved in discussions about the details of an additional harbour crossing, and the number of job losses in the Auckland Transport restructure.  And they spoke to Māni Dunlop from Te Ao Māori News for our new bi-weekly catch-up on the political issues of the week from a Māori perspective. News Director Castor spoke to kaumatua and climate activist Mike Smith about his court case against Fonterra in the wake of the government removing its legal basis. They also spoke to Professor of Law at the University of Waikato, Alexander Gillespie, about the legal ramifications of such a decision.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about the Government disestablishing the BSA and scrapping the tertiary Fees Free scheme, as well as the Government's new citizenship test. She also spoke with Associate Professor Alice Mills about why secure housing is central to reintegration for those leaving prison.

Cycling advocates are optimistic changes to Auckland Transport could benefit those in the city looking to people-powered movement. Bike Auckland chair Karen Hormann spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Wayne Brown: NZ being run 'like a wrecking yard' Running on a strident anti-Wellington platform, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown was re-elected to a second term in 2025 by a more than 100,000-vote majority. In April of this year, he signed New Zealand's first-ever city deal with central government, an agreement which contains no new funding arrangements for Auckland, and kicks one of Brown's biggest campaigns - a bed tax - into discussions for 2027. He joins Jack Tame to discuss Auckland's City Deal, Auckland Transport, and his pitch for a grand coalition between National and Labour in 2026 - a path he describes as the only way to reverse the long-term decline of New Zealand. Behind the scenes of Auckland's $5.5 billion rail project When Auckland's City Rail Link opens for business in the second half of 2026, the city will boast New Zealand's longest escalator, three brand-new stations, and a whole suite of costly but essential improvements to existing infrastructure. The price tag sits at $5.5 billion, split between central government and Auckland Council - with the Super City's largest-ever rates increase, 7.9 percent, mooted to cover the ongoing costs. Is a longer life always better? Dr Ezekiel Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethicist in Washington DC and the author of 'Eat Your Ice Cream: Six simple rules for a long and healthy life'. In New Zealand for the NIB Health Innovation Summit, he joins Jack Tame to discuss how NZ stacks up internationally when it comes to health outcomes, what our Pharmac model gets right, and why he says he will refuse medical intervention after he turns 75. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

A fresh idea in Auckland aims to make rides on public transport safer and easier. AT is trialling the flexi-stop system on bus route 18 - between the city and New Lynn - after 7pm every day until September. Passengers on the service can ask to be let off the bus anywhere along the route between stops, given it's safe for the driver to do so. AT Public Transport Operations Group Manager, Rachel Cara, says it's a success so far. "We've had over 100 passengers request a flexi-stop and it's only been running for four weeks, so we're really pleased with that level of feedback. We want to hear from our drivers, make sure that it's easy for them to navigate." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mainfreight has approached AT asking to open bus lanes to couriers and trucks. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown responds.

Businesses in a south Auckland's suburb say they're sick of 18-wheeler commercial trucks blocking their access paths, doing roadside repairs and leaving oil on the streets. Last month, the Wiri Business Association asked Parliament's regulation review committee to look at how Auckland Council is enforcing the new Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw, that came into effect in July 2025. The bylaw gives Auckland Transport the power to fine vehicles parking on roads and public places if they're causing obstruction or pose a safety risk. But local businesses say instead they've seen little change as Wiri's still an unregulated dumping and parkports.

Diesel prices have climbed as much as 80% since the start of the Middle East conflict. Mainfreight is New Zealand's largest logistics and transport company. Its CEO Don Braid spoke to John Campbell about the impact of prices and the importance of rail.

Mainfreight CEO 'frustrated' at KiwiRail, Auckland Transport; India FTA: Trade Minister still trying to woo Labour; NZTA discusses latest on national ticketing solution; Political update with RNZ Political editor, Jo Moir; New findings over how sperm whales communicate

Trains are at last running through Auckland's long awaited City Rail Link, but passengers won't be allowed on-board for several months. Auckland Transport and its partners are running timetable tests before the stations open later this year, but it still can't put a date on when that will happen. Felix Walton went underground at the new Te Waihorotiu Station in heart of Auckland's CBD.

A deal signed by Christopher Luxon and Wayne Brown was announced today to work together to bolster Auckland. The partnership aims to boost economic growth and improve living standards across New Zealand. Some of the key commitments of the Auckland City Deal include; investing in Eden Park and the Auckland Tennis Centre to support international events, jointly developing a destination and major events strategy, establishing a c30-year transport strategy, and working together on the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing project and more efficient transport network management. Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "there'll be an end to sort of unexpected bits of legislation which don't work that we haven't been told about, or it'll be an end to unfunded mandates that we haven't been told about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport says the rising price of petrol is reinforcing the value of the City Rail Link, when it's operational later this year. Stacey van Der Putten is AT's Director of Public Transport and Active Modes spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Last week saw public transport usage in Auckland reach a 7 year high, on account of high fuel prices across the country. While high usage bodes well for public transport, the network is facing difficulties around overcrowding. In addition, Auckland Transport is pushing for central government support to lower fares, which ministers have rejected.  Auckland Council has also conducted a review into its resource management consenting processes, and found multiple spots for improvement. And central government has announced dog control law reforms, which Auckland Council has welcomed given its extensive existing operations in animal control. To discuss each of these issues, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson.

Auckland Transport expects more people could switch to buses and trains if fuel prices keep climbing. AT's Stacey van Der Putten spoke to Corin Dann.

The road congestion phenomenon known as “March Madness” which hits Auckland every year has begun, with Auckland Transport estimating travel times on Motorways will increase up to 41% this month.  The City Rail link is set to open later this year offering potential congestion relief in the future but Auckland Public Transport fares continue to increase, potentially offsetting this investment as a complete solution. To discuss the extent of March congestion issues and how they can be solved Producer Thomas talked to Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning from the University of Auckland Dr Tim Welch.

The road congestion phenomenon known as “March Madness” which hits Auckland every year has begun, with Auckland Transport estimating travel times on Motorways will increase up to 41% this month.  The City Rail link is set to open later this year offering potential congestion relief in the future but Auckland Public Transport fares continue to increase, potentially offsetting this investment as a complete solution. To discuss the extent of March congestion issues and how they can be solved Producer Thomas talked to Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning from the University of Auckland Dr Tim Welch.

Auckland Transport has plans to purchase three new diesel vessels as electric ferry trials continue. Auckland Transport programme director of the low emissions ferry project, Nathan Cammock spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to hit the upper North Island; Auckland Transport has plans to purchase three new diesel vessels as electric ferry trials continue; Research has linked childhood screen time with poor mental and physical health, but a digital education expert says it's not all bad; Labour's ranks are meeting in West Auckland today where they are expected to outline their priorities heading into this year's election; Cyclists on Wednesday morning's Tour of Southland stage will also be taking on the Kingston Flyer vintage steam train.

Cars could be returning to a section of Auckland's Queen Street, under a new proposal. Auckland Transport wants to let cars return to the section between Wellesley and Wakefield Street from between 7pm and 7am. Private vehicles were banned from the area in 2022. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says it's a sensible proposal, and she explained that the area has been negatively affected by the change. "Last year, the foot traffic was down 36 percent on 2019 in that area - and the spending was down 57 percent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown revealed his plan for a 7.9% rates increase to pay for City Rail Link running costs of an estimated $235 million annually. This is the largest rate rise since Auckland Council was formed in 2010. Questions have begun arising of the legitimacy of Wayne Browns calculation of City Rail Link's projected running costs. Auckland Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson Jordan Williams told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "you're entitled to your own opinion or your political strategy, but you're not entitled to your own facts. And the facts are Auckland Transport have have called this out as being absolute nonsense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Auckland, businesses near the new Ikea store are steeling themselves for a stampede to the homeware giant's opening on Thursday. Amy Williams reports.

Auckland Transport is doubling the discount for tertiary students using public transport to 40% from mid December. Alicia Lemmer, President of the AUT Student Association, spoke to Corin Dann.

The gigantic home retail store IKEA throws open its door next week in Mount Wellington, just off the city's southern motorway and a stone's throw from the Sylvia Park Mall. It's anticipated there will be a stampede of eager shoppers. So much so, Auckland Transport and NZTA are warning there could be 40-minute queues just to exit the motorway at Mount Wellington. Auckland Transport Operation Centre Manager Claire Howard spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Transport wants to extend parking charges in the popular Ponsonby dinning district to end the current "free for all". It is looking to extend paid street parking out to 9pm on Thursdays to Saturdays in busy streets around Ponsonby. Auckland Transport network planning group manager Andrew McGill spoke to Lisa Owen.

One person is dead after a car and an electric bus crashed head on causing a fiery blaze on Auckland's Tamaki Drive. Police had been warning people to stay away from the area saying the buses electric battery could be hazardous. Auckland Transport's director of public transport Stacey Van Der Putten spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Transport is resurrecting its "Pothole Promise" campaign, pledging to fix 95% of the potholes on the city's arterial and high-volume regional roads within 24 hours. Auckland Transport's director of infrastructure and place Murray Burt spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; Reaction to Labour's Future Fund announcement; Auckland Transport brings back Pothole Promise; How prepared are we for a volcanic eruption?; Blue whale surprises dolphin watchers in Akaroa.

Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says his priority, if re-elected, is to "fix" Auckland Transport. . Q+A asks him about his record, how effective he's been influencing central government, and why he has been avoiding some mayoral candidate debates. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

There is a major gear change in Auckland around transport. Local council boards will have new powers and will make decisions on local and so called collector roads; the ones that feed into bigger arterial routes. The 21 boards will be able to set speed limits, road closures for events, parking and creating cycleways. Director of the Greater Auckland transport advocacy website, Matt Lowrie spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland's transport agency will be stripped of most of its authority with the government today announcing a major shakeup to how the city's transport network is managed. Under the new legislation, expected to pass into law next year, Auckland Council and local boards will take on almost all responsibility for the city's roads. AT will focus on public transport while Auckland's mayor, Wayne Brown, and the 20 councillors will make decisions about major roads and the city centre. The city's 21 local boards, meanwhile, will oversee speed limits, parking, event closures and cycleways on smaller roads. Jessica Hopkins reports.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 5 September 2025, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown is celebrating winning a major battle, getting Auckland Transport defunded. Sarah Dalton from the senior doctors union explains why they have declined the Health Minister's request to take their pay dispute to arbitration. Former Springbok Kevin Putt is carrying on with the mind games and says South Africa will beat New Zealand at the Eden Park fortress tomorrow - but Heather is calling BS. Plus, what is the most confiscated item at the airport? Batteries! Warwick Burr from the Civil Aviation Authority explains exactly what you're allowed to take on board, and why we're still taking off our boots at the security check. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better, faster, cheaper's the aim of the newly announced refresh to Auckland's transport governance. The government's introducing legislation to strip Auckland Transport of many of its powers - handing responsibility for major roads to Auckland Council, and local roads to community boards. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan the council should be able to make decisions, as going through Auckland Transport is frustrating. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport is encountering everything from Maseratis to milk tanker trailers, as they try to clear the city's streets of abandoned vehicles. First Up's Ross McNaughton went along for a ride with AT.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. New Zealand: 7/10 We're the 3rd safest country in the world and about to outgrow Australia. How's that for openers? Horticulture NZ: 7/10 Their plan is to double export returns within 10 years. That's the sort of attitude that turns tides. More please. Sean O'Loughlin: 8/10 My hero of the week. He took Auckland Transport to court and won. Brains - 1. Arrogance - nil. Nicola vs Tory: 6/10 Who doesn't love a bitch slap? And who doesn't think Nicola has an excellent point? Principals: 4/10 Or at least the ones who wrote to the Education Minister asking for her to stop her reforms. In that letter is so much that's wrong with education – people overseeing failure and yet not wanting change. Putin: 3/10 You forgot that, didn't you? Where is the meeting? Where is the place? Where is the date? Did Trump get stiffed? LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport has spent more than $63 million dollars on traffic management and road cones in the past year. Mayor Wayne Brown is criticising the figure - saying it equates to about 3 percent rates rises across the city. But AT says it isn't too much considering its over $1.2-billion infrastructure programme. Road Corridor Access and Coordination Group Manager Tracey Berkahn says new Government guidance may lower costs. "Now there's a lot more thought put into a principles-based approach to it. And so, necessarily, you'll have fewer devices out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bike lane on Auckland's Meola road is proving so popular even cars are using it. Ross McNaughton reports.

A 20-year-old law student has taken Auckland Transport to court and won. Sean O'Loughlin spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A glimpse of a new era in Auckland Transport has been unveiled today. At Britomart Station an updated map gives commuters a preview of the new stations and rail-lines they will use when the long-awaited Central Rail Links opens. The over-budget and over-time CRL is nearing completion, but officials aren't ready yet to say exactly when it will open. Finn Blackwell has more.

Auckland Transport's collected almost $19 million in fines since parking penalties went up 70 percent in October last year. AT Head of Transport and Parking Compliance Rick Bidgood spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

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.

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.

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.