Podcasts about city rail link

From World War II air raid shelters to a buried stream, Auckland's CBD has a fascinating underground historyAucklanders are getting ready to head underground with the opening of the City Rail Link ... but trains aren't the first invisible infrastructure under the cityFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Auckland is supposed to be moving again. The City Rail Link is almost here, the CBD is looking better, and there’s been a lot of talk about the economy finally turning a corner. But for many Aucklanders, it still doesn’t feel like a recovery. New figures show the value of building work in Auckland has fallen sharply, with non-residential construction taking a major hit. And when construction slows down, it doesn’t just affect developers. It affects jobs, confidence, businesses, the city centre, and the wider economy. So, is Auckland’s construction slump one reason the country’s biggest city still feels stuck? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins us to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and whether there’s any sign of momentum returning. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the country's largest commercial property developers says sentiment in Auckland is picking up, with the City Rail Link on its way, tourists back in the city, and more public spaces being developed. Precinct Property CEO Scott Pritchard spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Have you done the sums yet to work out how much more you're going to have to pay, how much more you're going to have to find to pay the rates bill? We were talking before the show, for some of my colleagues it's an extra $45 per fortnight, they're in an apartment out of the main city. I can't even imagine how much the increase will be for people living in the leafy suburbs. Auckland Council has locked in a 7.9% rates rise, according to Wayne Brown it's to fund the City Rail Link. They've managed to keep everything else, they've managed to cut costs and reduce spending and keep everything level, this is purely to fund the City Rail Link. He's unapologetic. He said we've got this railway, if we don't pay for it this year, then we're just going to have to pay for it next year. And that's quite true, you can't just keep deferring essential spending. And that's what a lot of councils are finding around the country, that they might have deferred spending, put off investing in the vital infrastructure that needs to be spent, Moa Point anybody, and now they're going to have to, now they're going to have to do it. It's this lot of ratepayers that is going to have to pay because previous years' ratepayers didn't want to. Councillors didn't want to because they might get voted out, ratepayers didn't want to because they said we've got nothing extra in our pockets. Well now we're just going to have to find it. In effect, the rates increase is only an average, but pity the people of Waitaki, councillors there were looking at rates increases of up to 45%. Eventually they opted for a 22% rates rise because they've got to fund their three water scheme. Now that's been put off, put off, put off, they can't put it off any longer and now the people of Oamaru and the surrounding districts are going to have to find the money and pay for it. Many, many people are doing what the councils around the country are doing and what the Government is doing. They're looking at the bills, they're slashing what is not essential, trying not to slash everything that's not essential because you need something that's a bit of a morale booster. But when you've got a finite amount of money coming in, it has to cover so many, many increases. Fuel, insurance, rates. When there's two of you working, it's tough enough, if you're on a fixed income with very little in the way of other money coming in, you've already pared down the spending to the bone, it's even harder. Is this the time you look at selling the house if you have one? You're told when you go into retirement that you have to have a house, that this is one way that you'll be able to ensure a comfortable retirement, you have your own home, you have a roof over your head. But how do you make economies to cover the rates bill to pay for the house when you're already stretched so very thin? If your rates bill has come in, have you crunched the numbers, where are you at? I mean Auckland like Rotorua, and number of other councils around the country, even the Far North, they're trying to keep it into single digits, just skimming the 10%, but other councils, they're having to pay for that work that they deferred for so long and those rates increases are going to hurt. An earlier version of this article stated that “many Aucklanders will face an effective rate rise of between 12% and 15%”. Auckland Council estimates the vast majority of unchanged residential properties (around 94%) will receive a rates increase within 1% of the 7.9% average.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland City Rail Link is undertaking large-scale and ongoing safety testing ahead of its opening later this year. AT rail services group manager Mark Lambert spoke to John Campbell.

I can't wait to get onto Auckland's CRL. I can't wait to check out the overly grand stations. And I can't wait to experience moving around our city in a way residents of other modern cities around the world have been doing for decades. More so, I can't wait to see if it does what it was intended to do - transform the city's rail network from a "one-way cul-de-sac" into a two-way through-system, designed to double the network's capacity and improve accessibility across the region. It's been a monster of a ride getting this underground railway built, and yes it's costs a bundle, but I was intrigued this week that those most vocal about the decision making and costs are the people responsible for the project. Good on former CRL boss Sean Sweeney for coming out and calling it how he sees it. We need people with experience expressing views on how we do things in this country. Sweeney oversaw the CRL, and its many cost increases and associated challenges for six years, and admits he would do things differently if he had his time again. He feels the main issue with the CRL was that it was over-specified. It's not just the CRL, he also thinks the Christchurch stadium could have been built for less. As much as Cantabrians are enjoying the stadium, I'm sure there are many who feel the same way. Building infrastructure is a bit like buying a house. When you buy you're convinced you're being ripped off and then 7-10 years later you're generally pretty happy with the price and capital gain. I'm sure that over the next 10, 20, 100 years we'll feel pretty pleased with ourselves for future proofing these investments: a platform long enough to cope with extra train carriages in anticipation of Auckland's population growth, and a roof on Christchurch's stadium. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop took the opportunity to reinforce National's ‘fiscally responsible' stance by ordering a review into the build, while still trying to stay positive about a project which will open on his watch. It was a bit of a headline grab. An effort to look proactive in response to the criticism. But anything that costs $5.5 billion, and was as difficult and disruptive as the CRL has been, should be reviewed and learnt from. Preferably before we launch into a second Auckland Harbour crossing. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also piped up, expressing his long held view on the cost of the CRL, saying the project was “set up poorly” and he would take a tougher approach to projects. But weirdly, I don't hear Aucklanders talking about it the same way as those who were or are involved in it. Remember City Rail Link Limited was formed between the National Government and the Phil Goff-led Auckland Council in 2017 to jointly fund and oversee it through to completion. Both local and central Government are responsible for this project. While the CRL has been a torturous affair, especially for those living, working or trying to run a business around its construction, most locals just want it to open, for it to make a fundamental change to how we get around our clogged up city, and can't wait to give it a try. Spending $2 billion more on the CRL is worth a discussion, but maybe we need to keep it in perspective. Superannuation currently costs the country over $24 billion annually and is estimated by Treasury to cost over $45 billion in 10 years. The reluctance of political parties to thoughtfully address this is neglectful. So, enjoy the fancy infrastructure where you can, there's unlikely to be much more on the way. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Rail Link cost concerns are re-igniting calls for a shake up to the way we approach infrastructure. The project's former boss Sean Sweeney claims the build could've been completed at half the estimated $5.5 billion. It sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after it's opened later this year. Civil Contractors New Zealand CEO Alan Pollard told Mike Hosking Sweeney's views line up with broader over-spending concerns. He says we have a tendency to favour bespoke design, whereas having a catalogue of standard designs would be much more efficient. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why now Sean? I had Covid vibes when I read Sean Sweeney's thinking about the CRL. It was Covid vibes because during that period I cannot tell you how many people I know and regularly dealt with, whether it was people in the media or people from business, who said one thing about the Government and their handling of lockdowns and the economy in private, and something completely different in public. So Sean, having left the CRL to head to Ireland, has now left Ireland but has stopped by long enough to tell us we don't scope our price major projects that well. Who knew? The CRL, at well over $5 billion, is a gargantuan waste of money. Yes, it will improve things and on paper it makes sense because it joins up some rail lines so you can go around and around. But like most things in life, convenience, improvement, or efficiency comes at a cost. What's a terrific idea at $50 is a waste at $200. And for something that started out about $2 billion and will come in at about $6 billion, the CRL has reached the stage where no one really wants to accept responsibility any more for the price and delays, because it got embarrassing a long time ago and tipped over into "well let's just make the most of it and hope it works". It won't of course. Not to the extent they dreamed, because what they dream of is New York and London, and we have never been that and never will be. Anyway, part of where Sean is right is ideology blinds common sense. Too many people want a say and before you know it, everything is a combination of delayed and expensive. Yes, the fast-track RMA reform will help. Less legal action will help. Fewer opportunities for review will help. And God forbid, cross party support would help. But what would also help is some backbone – people who say what they believe, whether it gets them attention, or into trouble, or not. There are too many pussies in places of influence. Too many spineless, scaredy cats who want the job, or the title, or the reputation, or the pay-packet, and just grin and bear it, or defend it, or lie about it, and babble nonsensical rubbish instead of being honest. As much as I appreciate Sean telling it like it is, and he's right and possibly someone in charge might take notice, what I would appreciate more was the same commentary before he filed the resignation letter and scarpered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Minister suspects the grandeur of Auckland's City Rail Link stations will surprise users. Chris Bishop's announced the build will be reviewed - after the project's former boss claimed it could have been completed for half the $5.5 billion spent. Bishop says the architecture is amazing, and some might describe the stations as palaces. "They're going to be incredible, but they come at a price. And you've just got to weigh up whether or not it's worth the price, and like every other project, we should do a review once it's open." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has confirmed it plans to investigate the City Rail Link project, after reports revealed it could have cost $2 billion less. Do we think this review is needed? Is it time to lift the Super age from 65? Another economist has warned we can't keep kicking the can down the road. What do we think? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Rail Link cost concerns have uncovered a reoccurring issue with New Zealand infrastructure projects. The project's former boss Sean Sweeney has claimed the project could've cost half of its estimated $5.5 billion price. This sparked Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop to announce a full review of the project after its open date later this year. Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge we're not approaching projects right, from the start. He says we don't have the proper controls and take too long to plan, so things drag on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says we have serious work to do on our infrastructure compared to Singapore. He's returned from the country this week, where a deal was formally signed to ensure trade keeps flowing during disruptions – securing fuel for New Zealand and food for Singapore. This comes as the former boss of Auckland's City Rail Link claims the project could have cost 50% less – ballooning to an estimated 5.5 billion dollars. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he agrees with this. He says that we spend money on infrastructure but have a very poor return on it, and we need to get much better and more strategic about our planning. And when it comes to the Government's plans for a citizenship test, the Prime Minister says he could take it or leave it. It's planning to test applicants from late next year, requiring they pass 15 out of 20 multi-choice questions – including questions on New Zealand's laws and political system. Luxon told Hosking it's pretty similar to what the UK and Australia have been doing for years. He says it's probably not a bad thing that new Kiwis are aware of pretty basic stuff around things like women's rights and freedom of speech. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torika reports on the latest with the City Rail Link opening dates and warnings for Auckland bike riders taking part in group rides.

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.

Some Central Auckland businesses are worried they will go under before the long awaited City Rail Link opens. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.While some commentators are calling the current New Zealand property market slow, we are actually seeing an incredibly exciting window of opportunity. In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts breaks down the localized wealth booms, massive zoning changes in Auckland, and why high-net-worth foreign buyers are flooding the premium market.In this episode, we cover:The South Island Boom: While national property values only increased by 0.2% in March, wealth is highly localized right now. Invercargill jumped 1.7% for the month (up 7.1% year-on-year), and areas like Central Otago are hitting brand new all-time peak values.6 Years Post-COVID Reality: The latest QV House Price Index shows national home values are 21.6% higher than they were in March 2020. Christchurch values have skyrocketed 55% since pre-lockdown, while Wellington is sitting slightly lower than March 2020 levels.ANZ's Forecast Shift: With Auckland now accounting for 37% of New Zealand's housing inventory, ANZ has revised its 2026 house price predictions. We discuss why they shifted their forecast from a 5% increase to a potential 2% fall, and why this extends the buyer's market window.Auckland Plan Change 120: The government has mandated a new 1.4 million homes capacity floor for Auckland, allowing the council to downzone outer suburbs. However, 15-story zoning is locked in around the City Rail Link (like Maungawhau and Kingsland), legally protecting the development potential of transit-hub land.The Golden Visa Rush: Since the Active Investor Plus scheme changes on March 6th, foreign buyers froSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

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.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sue Kedgley and Rajorshi Chakraborti. First up, Donald Trump's latest nemesis is an unlikely character: Pope Leo the 14th. On Truth Social, Trump called the Pope "weak on crime." But what is the role of religion in war, if any? Otago University senior theology lecturer Andrew Shepherd shares his thoughts. Then, Wallace paid a preview visit to Auckland's City Rail Link, which is inching closer to opening day. A date still hasn't been set, but Andy Baker is the chair of Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee, and he explains what's coming.

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.

As far as conditions go ahead of a grand opening, you couldn't do much better than a petrol price spike for the City Rail Link. Construction and testing will be finished within three months. Then it's handed over to operators, who need another three months. So we can use it from September. Trains will depart every four to five minutes under the city. The cost? $5.5 billion. Half of that is funded by the Crown, so Gore — you've pitched in here. What's more, Wayne Brown reckons the operational costs mean what would have been a zero per cent rates increase this year will instead be seven per cent. So it's pretty bloody important — given the scale of the capital and operational spend, and the size of current petrol bills — that this thing happens: 1. As quickly as possible2. As conveniently as possible On the latter point, transport experts — train people — are sounding the alarm bells. That's because AT is talking about a transitional timetable for the first six months, meaning fewer trains than we were promised. On the Western Line, train spacing could mean commuters end up waiting longer for their service than they do currently under the old system. That would be a disaster. This thing needs to sing in full voice from day dot — that's when people will stress‑test it. First impressions are everything. If there's no material difference from day one, people may simply write it off. So the pressure is on to get the CRL up and running sooner — and then operate it faster than the speed of sound. Achieving the goal of transforming drivers into train riders depends on it. And conditions have never been better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 31st of March 2025, Ryan talks to Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie about the nerves facing the NZ economy as the Iran War continues. We hear about how underfunding of life-saving kidney care in parts of the country is impacting patients. And Ryan argues Auckland's City Rail Link needs to hit the ground running and be running at full capacity from opening day. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look around Auckland, and you’ll see a spattering of planned, under-development, or moth-balled building projects. The city’s ever-changing face often dominates Aucklander’s conversations – for good, or oftentimes, bad. So as we prepare to ride the $5.5 billion City Rail Link this year, what else should we be excited about? Or, are there more building sites going quiet than we realise? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor, Anne Gibson, will take us through the highs, and lows, of construction in Auckland. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opening of Auckland's City Rail Link later this year comes with high expectations of increased services and reduced travel times from day one. Matt Lowrie from Greater Auckland spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A city councillor is calling for a specialist police force to patrol deep below Auckland's streets on the new City Rail Link. Luka Forman reports.

I don't mind paying the train tax in Auckland, even though I won't be using it. Rates are going up 7.9% next year. Which let's be honest, is like Woolworths selling butter for $7.99. It's 8%. Wayne Brown is the 8% man. Mr Fix it is hitting us in the pocket, and it will hurt. An extra $320 for your average ratepayer. The average goes from $4,055 to $4,375. If we didn't have to subside the City Rail Link's operations, it'd be 0%. Now, usually, something like this would get me a bit angry. I'd be tempted to go tag the side of a locomotive in the middle of the night with a cartoon of Wayno saying some like "Let's F Auckland". Just remove the ix from his campaign slogan. I don't generally use public transport because it's not convenient for me to do so. It's a timing and location issue, really. But if we don't subsidise the users, then it won't get used. If it doesn't get used, then roads will stay clogged. If roads stay clogged, that's time and money down the drain. If the thing does what it says on the label —and we haven't actually seen that yet because the bloody thing hasn't opened— it'll be worth the extra $300 a year to me via other gains. This might be naïve or a touch too hopeful, but if this thing works then I don't mind paying the train tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say they can't keep an ongoing presence at Auckland's new City Rail Link long term. The country's largest transport project is scheduled to open to passengers sometime in the second half of the year. But a Police official told an Auckland Council Safety Committee this month they're preparing to ramp up operations in quarter three. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan Bridge conversations need to be had. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, the Government's forking out $200 million to keep its majority stake in Genesis Energy, Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord tells Ryan if this is a good investment. Warnings that staffing shortages could spell big problems for our airline industry, Aviation Industry Association CEO Simon Wallace shares his concerns. Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina tells Ryan why he wants Police stationed at the City Rail Link long-term. Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on Anthony Albanese writing to Sir Keir Starmer supporting laws to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession and a monsoon low is heading across three Australian states, bringing torrential downpours and flash flooding. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says visitors should be able to enjoy new investments in our city-centres - without feeling intimidated. The Government's introducing "move-on" orders - allowing Police to order people begging and sleeping rough, to leave a public space for up to 24 hours. They'll be slapped with a $2000 fine or up to three months' imprisonment if they refuse. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that in Auckland alone, the City Rail Link will be up and running later this year - and the International Convention Centre's already bringing in visitors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing debate over how Auckland's CBD can be revitalised after years of uncertainty and economic decline. The $5.5 billion City Rail Link is due to be built at the second half of the year and it's promised to bring in economic benefits, but it's unclear if it'll get the city in motion. Kiwi entrepreneur Andrew Barnes says a lot of shops and businesses have been closed, and it's not as attractive to prospective visitors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing debate over how Auckland's CBD can be revitalised after years of uncertainty and economic decline. The $5.5 billion City Rail Link is due to be built at the second half of the year and it's promised to bring in economic benefits, but it's unclear if it'll get the city in motion. Kiwi entrepreneur Andrew Barnes says a lot of shops and businesses have been closed, and it's not as attractive to prospective visitors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail service could come off the tracks if it becomes too expensive for rate payers. Waikato Regional Council is writing to the NZTA board to ask for a one-year extension of the service, through to 2027. They want to test full integration with Auckland's City Rail Link, which opens next year. Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher told Heather du Plessis-Allan 60% funding through the Land Transport Fund will be vital to keep it going. He says if it drops back to 51%, they want the review of the trial to go ahead at NZTA's April meeting, and that could be the death nail for Te Huia. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Dec 27 to Jan 18, all train lines across Tāmaki will be shutting down for summer maintenance, a closure which is expected to be the last of its kind ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link.  The current measles outbreak in Tāmaki is being continually monitored, with exposure sites being updated daily on info.health.nz. The public are encouraged to track whether they've been in possible contact with the virus, and get up to date on any vaccinations to limit possibilities of transmission.  Auckland Council are supporting arts initiatives across the summer months, with Music in the Park kicking off in early January, and Movies in the Park following in February.  Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about these topics, and also asked for comment following the attack by two gunmen at Bondi Beach earlier this week.

The opening has been pushed back again, the price is extraordinary, but Auckland's City Rail Link is expected to deliver the region the wow factor Those in charge of the country's most expensive transport infrastructure are confident the new timetable for opening will stick - but they won't name a dateGuests:Alan Trestour - CRL Head of Delivery for Auckland TransportPatrick Brockie - CRL chief executiveStacey van der Putten - Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modesRussell McMullan - CRL Assurance and Integration general managerAdrian Price - Auckland Transport head of completion of Karanga-a-Hape stationLearn More:CRL official websiteFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown defends his annual $235 million operating cost calculation for the City Rail Link as scepticism arises. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "most of when you pay your rates, is paying things off. They're not free. "It's not free to have a road. It's not free to have a train. It's not free to have a bus." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 1st of December, Local Government Minister Simon Watts speaks on what councils will be spending on 'Water Done Well' over the next decade. The Prime Minister speaks about our maths results, whether EU countries are worried about our climate targets and the City Rail Link being delayed until late 2026. For the final time Andrew Saville and Jason Pine speak to Mike for the year about the F1, Supercars and Auckland FC. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chartered town planner and urban designer George Weeks joins Elevate to unpack what “good density” actually looks like here in Aotearoa, and why the 5-minute pint test might be the simplest measure of liveability we've ever heard. George shares why density only works when you make the daily stuff easy: milk, a beer, a café, a park, within a short stroll from your front door. We dig into what NZ's getting right already (Point Chev, Christchurch terraces, Hobsonville), and what still needs work, like acoustic standards still stuck in the 1950s.You'll hear why the City Rail Link won't just shorten trips, it'll act like a “fountain of pedestrians” that shifts demand, value and development patterns around key stations. George breaks down why good streets are tree-lined, human-scaled and well-lit, and how developers can build projects that feel more like neighbourhoods and less like dense sprawl. If you're a builder or developer thinking about townhouses, walk-ups or mixed-use in any NZ city, this episode gives you a clear and practical playbook for density done right.Where else you can find usWebsite: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbuildernz/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/registeredmasterbuildersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg

In part two, the Mexican Cafe is an Auckland institution that's been feeding and entertaining people for 42 years. But the Victoria Street restaurant is struggling after a decade of the City Rail Link's disruption and construction. Then, we turn to: butter. There are complaints from a number of shoppers about flaky, watery blocks of Pams. What's happening to our loved, but expensive staple?

Auckland businesses and city leaders are renewing calls for a bed tax on the city's tourist accommodation to fund major events. Despite the government's $70 million boost for tourism announced last month, businesses hit by the highly disruptive construction of the City Rail Link and Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck are calling for a long-term funding model. Could a bed tax be the answer? Louise Ternouth reports.

There's a stoush brewing over the future of Auckland's plan for housing intensification. Auckland Council is meeting later this month to decide on its new draft plan for the city which could reshape the city and create up to two million homes. Chris Bishop has said he wants to see the Resource Management Amendment Bill changed so buildings up to 15 storeys high can be built around City Rail Link stations. But ACT leader David Seymour has said parts of the plan are not necessary, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's been some new proposals regarding the future of housing density in Auckland, and it's prompted plenty of debate and discussion. The draft plan would see more dense housing built around key transport hubs, like the new City Rail Link. Housing Minister Chris Bishop says Auckland needs to allow for more housing, and there's a long-term plan in place for the city's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the heart of Auckland city still beating? For the best part of a decade, construction of the City Rail Link has seen the CBD strewn with road cones and roads clogged with building sites. Businesss owners have said it is causing a huge drop off in foot traffic and sales. So how can Auckland be jolted back to life? Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck spoke to Lisa Owen.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jo McCarroll and Ed Amon. First up: emotions have been running high over proposals to allow for greater housing and development around City Rail Link stations in Auckland. About 200 people packed out the Mt Eden Village Centre in Auckland last night. Margot McRae is the chairperson of Devonport Heritage and a member of Character Coalition. She explains her opposition to the proposals which could impact heritage buildings. Then, a school principal says the proposed chnages to NCEA by Erica Stanford will disadvantage under achieving students in poorer areas. The Panel talks to Leanne Webb, from Aorere College in Papatoetoe.

It was all aboard the City Rail Link express today for the Prime Minister and Cabinet colleagues in another milestone for the multi-billion dollar project. A train did a special VIP test run in the new tunnels. Auckland's mayor was on board too - and liked what he saw inside the station - but as for what's outside? He called that a disappointment. Kim Baker Wilson was on board.

When I first moved to New York, I spent my first year living in a railroad apartment above an Ecuadorian fruit shop on Second Avenue. It was a character-building experience. I went weeks without heating or hot water in winter, and my windows had almost no effect whatsoever in keeping out the ceaseless sound of trucks thundering past my bedroom enroute to restock the city. When I arrived they'd just start construction on the Second Ave subway, a few blocks from my home. The project was hitting a few speedbumps. Bedrock turned out to be deeper than anticipated, a worker nearly died after being stuck in waste-deep slop on site, and what was supposed to be a controlled explosion sent rocks flying all over a busy Manhattan intersection. Curiously, the Second Ave subway route was first proposed in the 1920s, which Wikipedia tells was about the same time that planners first mused over the possibility of the Morningside Deviation, a train tunnel in central Auckland. Stage One of the Second Avenue subway was a 3.2km tunnel. The Central Rail Link is 3.5km. Second Ave ended up costing more than $7 Billion. The Central Rail Link blew out however many times but at last check was $5.5 Billion. The weird thing about a big underground tunnel development is that most of us never fully appreciate the scale of the work. It's obvious I suppose, but even if you live and work in the city, while you get used to a few cones and traffic delays up above the ground, you have no real perspective about the extraordinary activities happening somewhere beneath your feet. Auckland Transport has this week released its updated transit map with the CRL stations. Apparently they've done 1600 test runs so far. They've run trains more than 5000km – Kaitaia to Bluff two-and-a-half times. They've been driving trains at 70kmph directly underneath Auckland's CBD and at no point have I felt so much of a rumble or a shudder. I reckon the vast majority of us up top have been absolutely none-the-wiser. The kid in me who briefly considered becoming an engineer (and even volunteered to spend a school holiday touring the Lyttelton Tunnel) can't help but think that's pretty cool. After riding along on a VIP tour yesterday with all the politicians and movers-and-shakers, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown was in vintage form. How was it? He was asked. “It was a ride in a train.” He said. “We don't want excitement.” Well, maybe not. But guilty as charged. Maybe it's the engineering. Maybe it's the people-watching. Maybe it's the broader sense of momentum and life, but whether it's a tube, an underground, or a subway, I love a bit of subterranean mass-transit. You know you're a nerd when you're less excited about the opening of New Zealand's first IKEA than the transport connection you'll take to get there. After years of construction, the Second Ave subway opened two weeks before I moved back home. One of the last things I did on my last few days in New York was ride a loop. Not because I had somewhere to be but because I wanted to see what all that fuss and money and effort had created, out of sight, underneath my feet. I can't wait to do the same thing here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Auckland's keeping positive despite a mixed annual State of the City report. The third annual report shows the city rates strongly in sustainability, resilience, and culture, but is falling when it comes to prosperity, skills, and innovation development. Minister Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan Auckland's at a good turning point. He says it will be a great year with the City Rail Link opening and the international convention centre bringing opportunities. Brown says they're also addressing inherited challenges, with crime coming down. He's also assuring that health workers and the government are working to ease hospital pressure, amid reports some Auckland ambulances were redirected from EDs. RNZ reports delays handing patients over to Auckland City and Middlemore Hospitals yesterday afternoon, with some assessed by phone or diverted to non-hospital clinics. Brown told du Plessis Allan patients with less severe symptoms are sent to after hours urgent care from time to time. He says the reality is winter is a challenging time for the system, but they're continuing to focus on front line resources to make sure patients receive timely and quality care. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions has been spent on the construction of Auckland's City Rail Link, largely at the cost of taxpayers and ratepayers. The current Auckland council zoning rules, however, prevent the building of high-rise residential and commercial buildings at Mt Eden, Kingsland and Morningside stations. Sooner or later, something has got to give. CBRE director of residential research Tamba Carleton joins Bernard Hickey to discuss the need for Auckland to grow up, and grow upwards, in order to make the most of it's brand new tunnel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A vast change to what's been promised for Auckland City Rail Link's opening capacity. In 2022, it was reported 27 thousand peak passengers would be using the rail line from opening day next year. That's now gone down to 19 thousand passengers an hour at peak times. AT Public Transport Director Stacey van der Putten told Mike Hosking the 27 thousand figure merged a few different elements including design capacity, timetabling, and patronage. She points out that 19,000 is still a significant increase on current numbers, as it's still a 50% increase in patronage. Van der Putten told Hosking it will take some effort to rebuild confidence in the rail network after the prolonged disruption, but there's plenty of enthusiasm for the new line. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has instructed Auckland Council to allow apartments of at least 15 storeys around three key train stations, as the City Rail Link nears completion. Auckland Councillor Richard Hills spoke to Corin Dann.

The Government's instructed Auckland Council to allow apartments at least 15 storeys high near key City Rail Link train stations. Density requirements around the Mt Albert and Baldwin Ave stations require at least 10 storey apartments, and requirements around the Maungawhau, Kingsland, and Morningside rail terminals have been increased from six storeys to 15. Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop say it will ensure Auckland takes economic advantage of the transformational investment in the city. AUT Future Environments Professor John Tookey told Mike Hosking that even the proposition of consenting a 15 storey building in the middle of a city isn't a five minute undertaking. His suspicion is it will take at least a decade to see any kind of measurable mass urban densification around the stations. He also told Hosking that the Government's interference in running Auckland is likely to cause significant political issues. Tookey says NIMBY-type arguments will likely crop up: why here, who's going to fund it, and how will it impact everyone else in the area? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.