Sod turned on the final stage of Eastern Busway

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Work on the final stage of east

Auckland’s largest public transport project is now under way and it will take about four years to complete.

The Eastern Busway is being delivered by the Eastern Busway Alliance in partnership with mana whenua, Auckland Transport (AT), Auckland Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

It’s expected to carry more than 30,000 people daily between east Auckland and the rail network in Panmure once fully operational.

On April 1, a group of officials and elected representatives including Transport and Auckland Minister Michael Wood, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, and Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson helped to turn the first sod for stages two-four of the busway in Pakuranga.

The final stage connects Pakuranga Plaza with Botany Town Centre and includes new paths for walking and cycling, urban renewal initiatives and general traffic improvements.

It’s jointly funded by the Crown, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council.

The availability of funding for the full project is yet to be confirmed and options are being explored to enable completion.

Funding has been confirmed for stages two and three of the busway, running between Pakuranga and Burswsood, and with an on-road connection from Burswood along Ti Rakau Drive to Botany. This part includes the Reeves Road Flyover in Pakuranga.

AT interim chief executive Mark Lambert says the project will deliver great benefits for the community.

“One example of this is people will be able travel between Botany and Britomart by bus and train in less than about 40 minutes, which is 20 minutes faster than the current journey times.

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, this project will encourage the use of walking, cycling and public transport.

“The buses that use this infrastructure will be electric, creating a transport future for Auckland that is cleaner, quieter and more comfortable for all.”

The project’s Pakuranga to Botany stage includes a controversial decision for it to cut through the residential suburb of Burswood, which requires the purchase of dozens of homes in that community.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says it’s good to see construction on the busway’s next stage and the Flyover is finally under way.

“The Flyover has been talked about for decades and it’s great to see it’s finally seeing progress.

“It appears funding for the remaining stage of the busway towards Botany and the Botany bus station has not been confirmed by the Government, meaning further uncertainty for the project.

“Despite Aucklanders being fleeced with the regional fuel tax on the promise this would be used to complete the Eastern Busway, we’re being forced to pay more to get less by a Government which is good at announcements but poor at delivery.”

Dean Kimpton, AT’s incoming chief executive, says the project is generating hundreds of jobs in the short-term and providing work for thousands of people and dozens of businesses in the supply and construction sector.

Special day to celebrate women

By ROBYN FOX

To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), the Zonta Club of East Auckland awarded Natasha Astill a floral tribute of yellow roses in recognition of her ongoing commitment to serving her community.

Members were humbled to hear how this amazing young women contributes so much to making the world of the neuro-diverse less challenging and to assist them in having a voice.

Natasha [Tash] is a young woman in our community who has Fetal Valproate Syndrome which resulted from her mum, Denise, taking Epilim for her Epilepsy during pregnancy. This was at a time when a lot less was known about the effect of anticonvulsant medication on unborn babies.

As a result, Natasha suffers from a number of physical and neurological disabilities.

Tash attended Pakuranga College and works part time for Will and Able. However, her passion is as an advocate

The long-standing successful Panmure business is run by owner Colin, who hails from Howick, and his business partner Mike, both of whom have been in the industry for more than four decades.

Colin and Mike are both highly experienced former carpet layers.

Their business stocks the finest carpets including well known brands such as Godfrey Hirst, Feltex, Jacobsen, and EuroFlor, as well as an extensive range of sheet vinyl at competitive prices.

It also sells Godfrey Hirst Wood, laminate and vinyl planking.

Their well laid-out showroom is situated at a handy location and well worth a visit.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls is a proud member of the Flooring Foundation Network, New Zealand’s largest body of independent carpet retailers and backed by leading brands Godfrey Hirst and Feltex.

Mike, Colin and their team know the right carpet can make a massive difference to a home’s style and ambience.

That’s why they sell a wide range of high-quality products with numerous ecofriendly, durable and luxurious options to choose from, so there’s something for all styles, budgets, and lifestyles. for disabled youth. She has formed a Disabled Youth Forum and is in conversations with MBIE regarding pathways to employment for young people with disabilities. She has addressed the Parliamentary Select Committee hearing on the Plain Language Bill, made submissions on the Public Accessibility Bill and is currently working on her address to the Auckland Council on the changes to the District Plan with reference to suitable Disabled Parking around public transport hubs. h Turn to page 5

Because of that, as well as the business’s experience and expertise, astute property managers are among their regular customers. Property managers need carpet that’s competitively priced, looks and is of very high quality, is durable, and laid in rental homes at the perfect time.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls’ carpet laying team are the recipients of prestigious national certifications and are at the top of their game.

The business is also renowned for its growing varieties of solution-dyed nylons which possess proven quality.

Solution-dyed nylon feels soft and look just like classic woollen carpets.

The man-made fibre doesn’t fade, unlike woollen carpets, and it’s easy to clean and resists rotting caused by sunlight.

Factory Carpets and Vinyls offers a free measure and quotation service, plus full install on all their products.