KEY POINTS:
Being an immigrant, some things here are a bit hard to understand. For example, I understand there is a council rule that prohibits rearing chickens in the Auckland area. What could be the rationale behind this?
In Perth, Western Australia, people can keep chooks, although not more than 10 and without a rooster. Geoff Partridge, Auckland.
But you can keep chooks in Auckland, Geoff, although you are limited to six, and, as a general rule, no roosters.
The other Auckland cities have similar restrictions - six chickens on the North Shore, and a generous 12 in Waitakere and Manukau.
Typically the councils define poultry in their bylaws as including geese, ducks, peacocks, pigeons, doves, turkeys, swans, pheasants, chickens, roosters and all other types of domestic or fancy birds kept in aviaries.
There are strict requirements that apply to the construction, maintenance and location of your chook house and run.
And under very stringent conditions, you may keep a rooster, but if the early-morning crowing becomes a nuisance, you'll lose it.
As one approaches the southbound onramp from Esmonde Rd, the overhanging sign indicates the left lane to travel to Auckland on State Highway 1. The most left-hand lane is a bus lane that goes through the Barrys Pt Rd intersection. The whole area is confusing and dangerous, with lanes angling suddenly through the middle of an intersection, several sets of lights and old road markings that are still clearly visible. I drive through this area several times a week and I'm fine because I know where I'm going, but people not familiar with the area are struggling to read the signs, swerving, trying to change lanes, and generally creating chaos. I've tried the Transport Agency, but nothing has changed. Can you please help? Kat Joseph, North Shore.
This intersection is the responsibility of North Shore City Council, rather than the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Philip Keating from the council says it is aware there is an issue here and is working on layout and lane changes and is planning new overhead signage. They are due to be in place by Christmas. Out of chaos will come order, one hopes.
I travel along Remuera Rd every morning, coming on at the top of Meadowbank Rd and turning off at Green Lane East.
There are green patches on the inside lane in both directions, and both "Bus lane 7-9am" and "Clearway 7-9am" appear in various places.
Does this mean we cannot enter the inside lane between these hours? Can we drive in the clearway bits? What happens if you want to enter or leave a driveway off Remuera Rd during this time? Anne McMillan, Auckland.
If there is a bus lane in place, and from observation only the eastward bus lane on Remuera Rd is operational, you may not drive your vehicle in this lane during the hours indicated. If it is a clearway, you can drive in it, but not stop or park during those hours.
And you can cross the bus lane or clearway to get to a driveway or side street.
