Clean, green messages
We are all aware of the critical crossroads the world has arrived at with climate change and that we can no longer sideline the catastrophic effects (NZ Herald, April 6). However, if we are going to seriously shift our behaviours and make the necessary societal changes, we need
succinctly written and less esoteric reports that the average person can comprehend. We know CO2 emission reductions are solvable, but what exactly does "accelerated & equitable climate action in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts" mean exactly, and what in God's name is "enhanced carbon uptake and storage using nature" as mentioned in the report? Maybe I am obtuse, but the one thing that did resonate with me is more walking and biking. That does mean, however, that town planners need to create those compact, walkable cities. Auckland isn't exactly compatible with that concept, so if driving is a necessity, currently the most inexpensive EV on the market is $48,000, and even with the rebate, inflationary pressures put it beyond the reach of most families. So New Zealanders must and will do their part to mitigate climate change, but the Government will also need to do their part in the cost of "going green" and effectively communicating that to the New Zealand public.
Mary Hearn, Glendowie.
Fifteen minutes
Auckland Transport has not shared its thinking or planning behind removal of carparks on major roads in Auckland. I suspect it intends to implement "a 15-minute city", a residential urban concept in which most daily necessities can be accomplished by either walking or cycling from residents' homes.
The concept was popularised by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo and inspired by Franco-Colombian scientist Carlos Moreno in 2016. Many cities around the world are implementing their version of a 15-minute city. Melbourne is developing the "20-minute neighbourhood"; Singapore "20-minute towns" and a "45-minute city".
To create and connect true 20-minute neighbourhoods, investment in public transport will be key. AT has bet on bus lanes and bikes, which invites a big battle over a core urban tension - the primacy of the car and not forgetting delivery trucks.
Mayoral candidates, councillors, local boards, and the public will need to pressure AT to come clean on its plans, share, discuss and listen to how we can develop an acceptable and workable plan for Auckland City's future.
Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.
Don't walk
In its zeal to insert bus and cycle lanes into existing roads Auckland Transport has failed to identify who is currently using the parking on the side of roads.
Yes, certainly casual shoppers may be able to use alternative forms of transport, however delivery vehicles, electricians, plumbers and builders are unlikely to arrive at your door carrying everything they need to do a job having caught the bus to get there (or cycled). Unfortunately, what this means is that these people will do what so many already do and will simply drive on to the footpath and park there.
The true losers of AT's intransigence will be those zero carbon emitters, pedestrians, who will no longer be able to use the footpaths without having to step out into the new bus or cycle lanes.
C Fraser, Freeman's Bay.
Window dressing
Further to the recent letters about AT's idea of consultation. I recently received a parking ticket for leaving my car at the Devonport Ferry terminal while taking my bike over to the city. I hadn't parked there for some time and hadn't realised you now had to pay.
I looked online to see when that change happened and found that Auckland Transport had put it out for public consultation. It appeared there were 461 responses. In AT's own words, "after listening to feedback, we will proceed with the parking charges".
I think they left the word "anyway" off the end of the sentence.
Jenny Ryder, Mairangi Bay.
Bloomfield's exit
So Dr Ashley Bloomfield, director general of health, is resigning from his position in July. The last two years of dealing with a pandemic and leading the response so calmly and efficiently must have been exhausting.
Apart from the relentless daily updates he was part of, he'll be forever remembered for the wonderful safety message remix that surprised concertgoers at Rhythm & Vines 2020.
It's time for him to relax and unwind and just enjoy whatever unfolds each day.
Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth.
