Project K Decision A Triumph For The Community Voice
In April, community backlash erupted after backroom lobbying by a small number of people resulted in a large number of changes to the widely supported project which would have undermined the goal of a safe, inviting street environment for thousands of passengers using the new Karanga-a-Hape CRL station. These changes included removing a cycleway, leaving Cross Street with a deep trench on one side and only one footpath, and opening up the area to a steady stream of traffic outside the new station entrance.
Today, the Waitematā Local Board endorsed plans that largely reinstate the original designs, while providing for loading zone access on Cross Street.
Waitematā Local Board candidate Connor Sharp, who has been working in recent months to bring attention to the issue, is pleased Auckland Transport has done the right thing and fixed the project. 'While a vocal minority of people almost succeeded in destroying the core goals of the project, it's heartening to see Auckland Transport listen to the wider community. They've done a great job returning the project to deliver what was promised and, in the end, Aucklanders will get a pretty decent result,' Mr Sharp says.
Waitematā Local Board member Alex Bonham has been fighting for a great, people-friendly public space around Karanga-a-Hape Station since 2021. She says, 'The original proposals for the streetscape on Mercury Lane and Pitt St were pretty dreary and I knew we could do better to leverage the investment in the CRL, and staff recognised that too. With the increased foot traffic coming, we needed to improve pedestrian safety and experience, boost local business while also celebrating the culture and spirit of Karangahape Road. It was great to see Project K evolve and be supported by the local board and the whole community. It was a shock to see AT's changes appear without widespread consultation, and it is great to be able to approve today's scope of works.'
Patrick Reynolds, Waitematā and Gulf candidate for City Vision, sees this result as fantastic for getting the area ready for the CRL's opening. 'Project K, like the CRL itself, is a change programme. Both are intended to lead and support improvements to land use in the whole area by uplifting its accessibility, functionality, safety, and appeal for people. To help repair the decades of decline brought on by treating these streets as nothing more than official rat-runs for drivers to other places. It's great to see Auckland Transport's plans realigned to this valuable higher strategy.'
A good result here was no accident. Thankful for the many people who made an effort to reach out to Auckland Transport, Connor Sharp says, 'This demonstrates the power we all have to prevent plans from being watered down or cancelled—if we speak up.'
City Vision candidates look forward to the project's completion, and to working hard to ensure all projects are delivered as promised for Aucklanders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
Locals Challenge Puketāpapa Local Board And Auckland Council's On-Leash Policy Change For Monte Cecilia Park
Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia Incorporated (DLMC), an advocacy group representing over 500 dog owners and allies, has filed a judicial review in the High Court challenging Auckland Council (AC) and the Puketāpapa Local Board's (PLB) decision to change dog access rules at Monte Cecilia Park. DLMC is also seeking an interim order from the Court to restrain Auckland Council and the Puketāpapa Local Board from enforcing the On-Leash Policy until the judicial review is resolved. The group alleges that the PLB's decision to impose an on-leash rule for the park's popular off-leash 'Bowl' Area was made without sufficient evidence, failed to consider alternative solutions, and disregarded overwhelming public opposition. DLMC further contends that the decision was inconsistent with the Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2019, predetermined by the PLB, and in breach of the Local Government Act 2002. Notably, 88% of public submissions opposed the change, and a petition with over 1,000 signatures was submitted to the Council in support of maintaining off-leash access. 'This decision unfairly penalises responsible dog owners and undermines the well-being of both dogs and the wider community,' DLMC said in a statement. 'We are committed to ensuring that Monte Cecilia Park remains a safe and welcoming shared space for all Aucklanders.' DLMC is seeking to overturn the on-leash decision and reinstate the previous off-leash rule. The group underscores the importance of evidence-based and community-driven decision-making, and remains hopeful that the Court will recognise the merits of the case and uphold the rights of dog owners in Monte Cecilia
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Olympian Wynd Joins Bike Auckland Board
Bike Auckland is thrilled to welcome experienced social policy expert and Olympian cyclist Donna Wynd to its Board. Board Chair Karen Hormann says: 'Donna brings to Bike Auckland experience in governance and in transport policy. She contributes to both the academic and the general media debate on the topics which matter most to Aucklanders. Donna has a perspective on cycling that is both grassroots and high-level strategy thanks to her experience.' Wynd has been cycling in Auckland for many decades as a recreational rider, commuter and New Zealand cycling representative. New board member Wynd shares: 'While cycling infrastructure in Auckland has improved over time, there is still a long way to go to make cycling safe and enjoyable for everyone. I'm excited about helping achieve that by serving on the Bike Auckland Board. It's a crucial period for shaping the future of transport in our beautiful region.' Wynd brings experience in transport policy to the role as well as an understanding of how transport impacts on individuals and communities. She has worked as an economic and policy analyst and has experience in social policy, housing and public health. Wynd was a member of the Alternative Transport Funding Group set up by previous Auckland Mayor Len Brown. Her work in the NGO sector is informed by a strong equity lens, and her governance experience includes serving as a board chair. Her social policy and public health research has been published in a number of respected academic journals. She is also a contributor to mainstream media, her writing appearing in many of our major NZ media outlets. Chief Biking Officer Fiáin d'Leafy welcomes the appointment: 'We love Donna's massive commitment to active transport, and transport equity. We love that she is a proud south Aucklander and a strong voice for South Auckland's communities.' New Zealand Olympian #751, Wynd represented Aotearoa New Zealand in track cycling at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and the Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games, where she won a spectacular bronze medal. A born and bred Aucklander, Wynd is a proud member of the Ōtāhuhu community. She joins an experienced board of five at community organisation Bike Auckland. Bike Auckland advocates for a better region for people on bikes.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Project K Decision A Triumph For The Community Voice
City Vision elected members and candidates are proud to have played a crucial role in ensuring that Auckland Transport restores the people-focused outcomes of the Karangahape Precinct Integration Project (known as Project K). In April, community backlash erupted after backroom lobbying by a small number of people resulted in a large number of changes to the widely supported project which would have undermined the goal of a safe, inviting street environment for thousands of passengers using the new Karanga-a-Hape CRL station. These changes included removing a cycleway, leaving Cross Street with a deep trench on one side and only one footpath, and opening up the area to a steady stream of traffic outside the new station entrance. Today, the Waitematā Local Board endorsed plans that largely reinstate the original designs, while providing for loading zone access on Cross Street. Waitematā Local Board candidate Connor Sharp, who has been working in recent months to bring attention to the issue, is pleased Auckland Transport has done the right thing and fixed the project. 'While a vocal minority of people almost succeeded in destroying the core goals of the project, it's heartening to see Auckland Transport listen to the wider community. They've done a great job returning the project to deliver what was promised and, in the end, Aucklanders will get a pretty decent result,' Mr Sharp says. Waitematā Local Board member Alex Bonham has been fighting for a great, people-friendly public space around Karanga-a-Hape Station since 2021. She says, 'The original proposals for the streetscape on Mercury Lane and Pitt St were pretty dreary and I knew we could do better to leverage the investment in the CRL, and staff recognised that too. With the increased foot traffic coming, we needed to improve pedestrian safety and experience, boost local business while also celebrating the culture and spirit of Karangahape Road. It was great to see Project K evolve and be supported by the local board and the whole community. It was a shock to see AT's changes appear without widespread consultation, and it is great to be able to approve today's scope of works.' Patrick Reynolds, Waitematā and Gulf candidate for City Vision, sees this result as fantastic for getting the area ready for the CRL's opening. 'Project K, like the CRL itself, is a change programme. Both are intended to lead and support improvements to land use in the whole area by uplifting its accessibility, functionality, safety, and appeal for people. To help repair the decades of decline brought on by treating these streets as nothing more than official rat-runs for drivers to other places. It's great to see Auckland Transport's plans realigned to this valuable higher strategy.' A good result here was no accident. Thankful for the many people who made an effort to reach out to Auckland Transport, Connor Sharp says, 'This demonstrates the power we all have to prevent plans from being watered down or cancelled—if we speak up.' City Vision candidates look forward to the project's completion, and to working hard to ensure all projects are delivered as promised for Aucklanders.
