South’s ‘hub’ to open
The $28 million Otahuhu Station is said to become a ‘‘major hub’’ for the South Auckland area.
The integrated bus and rail station will open on October 29 to coincide with the rollout of the new southern bus network - one of the biggest shakeup’s in the south’s public transport.
It will be key in transferring city-bound commuters from bus to train and vice versa.
Almost every mode of transport will be able to access the interchange, Auckland Transport’s public transport development manager Adrian Price says.
‘‘We’ve got two bus platforms, a drop off area for a ‘kiss and ride’ arrangement,’’ he says.
‘‘People can easily access the site, cycling and walking access has been improved ... it will be a major hub in the new southern bus network.’’
Gone is the tired-looking platform with a single shelter. In its place is an inviting entrance with a striking concourse, connecting the bus platforms and expanded rail platform.
‘‘The design incorporates the local history, it’s meant to symbolise a waka ... the patterning shows wooden rollers used when it was a portage site for Maori over a 100 years ago,’’ Price says.
Passengers will be able to enter the interchange from either the Walmsley Road or Titi Street side.
Price says a third rail platform is being built that will be used for the City Rail Link in future.
Construction began at the site in late 2015.
Price says there were ‘‘a number of challenges’’ in the project.
‘‘Working in a live rail environment with overhead traction systems meant limited opportunities to work,’’ he says.
Part of the construction effort required trains to not be running through the station, he says.
The programme was tight with a number of deadlines to meet. One of those was the launch of the new bus network, which will see a number of buses used to ferry passengers to rail.
The station will have its public opening on October 29 ahead of the new southern bus network launching the next day on October 30.
Your bus route will be changing - the new bus network for South Auckland rolls out on October 30.
Go to page five for more information on the new network For more photos and video, go to manukaucourier.co.nz
of Alcohol Act.
The number of applications the police oppose ‘‘isn’t huge’’ but they go through a ‘‘really robust process’’, she says.
Unit Sergeant Cathy Duder says it’s tough for people to argue a licence should be declined just because the store would be near a school. She says objectors have been successful in having conditions imposed on liquor outlets such as being closed when ‘‘kids are coming and going’’.
Phillips says police and community members can both oppose an application if they deem the applicant is high risk.
‘‘They can’t just ... say there are too many liquor stores in their neighbourhood. They’ve got to have evidence it’s [granting the application] going to increase alcohol-related harm.’’
Alcohol is often a factor in family violence and homicide as well as drink-driving, Phillips says. ‘‘We’re on the community’s side. Our purpose is to make New Zealand a safer country but we have to comply with the act.’’