March 30, 2020

NZ Urban Development news from the media | 22 October | Light rail reality: The six power point slides that stopped a city

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Hi *|FNAME|*, Please find below Urban Development News from the media from the week of 22 October 2019.

Provided by Rockhopper

Light rail reality: The six power point slides that stopped a city

Auckland's light rail is in crisis as deep divisions are revealed over a potential cost blowout of billions of dollars amid delays.

Firms involved in the project say the problems have cost them millions of dollars and are wrecking New Zealand's business reputation.

Much of the finger pointing is being directed at six power point slides submitted by the New Zealand Superannuation fund and which sources say effectively stopped the project in its tracks, and undid nearly a year of work.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116705422/light-rail-reality-the-six-power-point-slides-that-stopped-a-city

Net gain from migration almost reached 54,000

There has been a strong increase in population growth from migration, with Statistics New Zealand estimating a net gain of 53,810 people in the 12 months to the end of August, up 9.4% compared to the previous 12 months.

That was the result of 149,834 people arriving in this country on a long-term basis in the 12 months to August, compared to 139,095 in the previous 12 months, (up 10,739 or 7.7%). Meanwhile 96,025 people departed long-term, compared to 89,898 (-6.8%) over the same period last year.

https://www.interest.co.nz/property/102128/country-lost-13577-nz-citizens-year-august-almost-double-previous-years-loss

Part of Weiti Bay development in Auckland up for mortgagee sale

Part of a controversial development in Auckland being developed by a marine reserve is up for mortgagee sale.

Bayleys has advertised 33 residential lots and 33.5 hectares of development land at Weiti Bay, 25 kilometres north of central Auckland to be sold.

The 860ha development has been the subject of protests over alleged environmental damage to the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve from "excessive sediment".

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116561224/part-of-weiti-bay-development-in-auckland-up-for-mortgagee-sale

New bridges to connect communities along Northcote Road

Two new bridges are being built across the motorway at Northcote Road to increase walking and bike connections for people in the area.

Auckland Transport’s Portfolio Delivery Manager, David Nelson, says the $11 million project is needed to cope with the demand from people walking and riding bikes and scooters.

“Hillcrest and Smales Farm host thousands of students, commuters, workers, sports players and people visiting the hospital every day. These new bridges will provide extra capacity and increased safety for now and into the future," he says.

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2019/10/new-bridges-to-connect-communities-along-northcote-road/