Matthew Birchall: Tunnel vision

Another week, another transport policy announcement.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and freshly-minted Transport Minister David Parker released the Government’s preferred option for a second Auckland harbour crossing.

Their “bold plan for Auckland’s future” comprises two three-lane road tunnels under the Waitematā, and a separate 21km light rail tunnel linking the project to the existing Auckland Light Rail corridor.

Peter Wilson: The Week in Politics - Labour's Auckland Harbour tunnel plan, National's cellphone ban

An ambitious and vastly expensive tunnel proposal for Auckland Harbour, a $2 billion international fund for New Zealand's renewable energy projects, the latest poll shows NZ First with enough support to get back into Parliament and the hottest topic of the week: National's policy to ban cellphones in schools.

It was a simple announcement by National Party leader Christopher Luxon that created the most controversy this week.

JC: Verity Likes the Wheels on the Bus Going Round

Part-time Stuff journalist and owner of Club Burlesque on Auckland’s K Road, Verity Johnson is appalled. She says neither National nor Labour politicians understand the appeal of public transport in Auckland. Verity says we (Aucklanders) are obsessed with getting around. It’s all we talk about. Therefore Verity thinks last week’s transport announcements missed their mark. But did they?

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 8/8/23

Govt’s partner for financing renewable energy projects is being investigated by US Senate committee for its China dealings

Hard on the heels of announcing plans to ease the way for more wind farms, our government announced plans for fast-tracking nine solar power projects and – in today’s news – the launch of a $2 billion fund aimed at making New Zealand one of the first countries in the world to reach 100% renewable electricity.

The fund is being established with the help of an American company, BlackRock, which the Beehive press statement describes as one of the world’s largest investors in climate infrastructure and clean technology.

Cam Slater: They Never Asked Before, Why Ask Now?

The Government has decided to ask Aucklanders what sort of harbour crossing they want. They think we are stupid and have forgotten the last bridge debacle that Michael Wood, the Transport Minister and bridge salesman, tried to sell us. A cycle bridge, which cost us tens of millions of dollars in consultancy fees, only to be scrapped. They never asked before, so why ask now?