Cars not our fault, says Radio Live executive

Radio Live has come out in defence of its station in a quiet inner-city suburb of Auckland, after celebrity neighbours complained of parking shortages and noise.

"The parking issue is caused by the two construction zones that we have here," said Mitch Harris, director of programming for CanWest talk radio.

"Obviously we have a few people but a lot of the cars are there because half the street is roped off.

"We are actually a very quiet commercial business, very much keep to ourselves and try not to bother anybody."

Radio Live shares Arthur St, a residential cul-de-sac in Freemans Bay, with celebrities Jonah Lomu, and Adam Parore and partner Sally Ridge.

In a submission to the Auckland City Council, Lomu complained about the level of traffic and noise since Radio Live started 24-hour broadcasting, seven days a week in April.

At any one time, he said, more than 15 cars belonging to Radio Live employees were parked in the street.

Staff sped down the street, littered the area with cigarette butts, people skateboarded at 1am, taxis pulled up and tooted at all hours of the night and courier vans delivered from 4.30am.

"One of the reasons we purchased this property was the quiet cul-de-sac and the obvious privacy it gave us, all of which has been taken away."

Mr Harris said loss of the neighbourhood's heritage character through building construction should be of more concern to locals.

Radio Live staff had been briefed on etiquette outside of the office, he said.

"I think the construction has exacerbated the problems and we get the blame for everything."

Radio Live's landlords, JBH Investments, filed a retrospective application for resource consent to operate a radio station on the lower floor of its property and put up a neon sign outside.

Lomu's submission was one of 22, which all objected to both requests. The hearing will take place in about six weeks.

- NZPA