FROM THE EDITOR

Kia ora - At the time of going to press, Auckland Council’s planning committee was yet to make a decision on sale of Takapuna’s Anzac St car park. This follows its controversial decision to sell Anzac Rd car park in Browns Bay, despite community opposition. There’s also vehement opposition to the sale of the Takapuna car park. Auckland Council’s dire financial position is no doubt behind the sales, but more could be done to find a compromise that meets community concerns. At stake in Takapuna is the number of car parks in an area where residents report being blocked into their homes by commuters parked over thier driveways. Further, local businesses originally paid for the Anzac St car park. While, in an ideal world, we could all use public transport, the bus service lags behind world standards. Panuku’s parking plan needs to substantially increase parking in the centre of Takapuna. There needs to be a viable alternative for the Sunday market. And there needs to be usable public space. Let’s hope Auckland Council calls a pause on Tuesday. - Jodi Yeats