Ask Phoebe: Post codes essential for mail in new Auckland Council area

Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

On November 3 we received the current quarterly rates demand on an Auckland City invoice dated November 1. I was intrigued to see that it was addressed to 'Waitakere City 0604'. Does this imply that under the new set-up we will continue to have Waitakere as our postal address? If so, that's fine by me, but I must say I'm surprised. Can you clarify please? Findlay Allan, Green Bay.

November 1 was the first day of the so-called Super City; I think we need to give the folk in the various rates offices a break. It's a big ask to expect all the addresses to change immediately to their new designation.

In future, I think you can expect to receive your rates demand addressed to Green Bay 0604, or Green Bay, Auckland 0604. In similar style, Takapuna, North Shore City will be Takapuna, Auckland, and Howick, Manukau City will be Howick, Auckland, to the relief of some. And post codes will be essential.

Westgate Drive runs between Royal Rd and the Westgate shopping centre. At present it can only be accessed from Royal Rd. It has been finished for quite some time now, and has a traffic light at the Royal Rd intersection. The road sign does not say 'no exit' so why is the road blocked off at the Westgate end? When will this road be opened to through traffic? Jill Leslay, Waitakere.

It's interesting that it is now the Royal Rd end that is open and the Westgate end closed, as formerly it was the other way round.

The most recent information I have on this is that the extension to Westgate Drive was built by a developer as part of the subdivision under construction.

It will become a public road when the subdivision is finished and road ownership is transferred to Auckland Council. Until then the road is private property and the developer can limit public access.

At the intersection of Normanby and Enfield Rds in Mt Eden, who gives way? The car travelling north on Normanby and turning left into Enfield, or the car travelling south on Normanby and turning right into Enfield? The first car has to give way to the right, as usual, but the car turning right has a give way sign across the lane. Who goes first? Gavin Greenwood, Auckland.

Under normal circumstances, if neither car had a give way sign, the right-turning vehicle would have right of way. But because it is constrained by a give way sign, at this intersection the left-turning car goes first.

* The new tide chart will be published on Tuesday, November 23, and will be included with that day's Herald.

* Some train services will not be operating this weekend, to allow work to continue on rail electrification. Bus replacements will be in operation on the western train line between Britomart and Waitakere/Henderson on Saturday and Sunday.

The electrification work involves installing new signals, putting in traction masts and making sure there is enough clearance underneath bridges for overhead wires.