MPark zones in CBD future
Where do we store those big lumps of metal in our city during the day? I’m talking about cars. Essentially, every parked car is taking up space that could be used in many other ways: green spaces, cycleways, pedestrian corridors, art installations, play areas; the list goes on.
I, like most residents of Whanga¯ rei District, own a vehicle. The size and remote nature of our district makes the practicality of going vehicle-less very difficult, and as a result we end up with a collection of vehicles near to, or in, our city and urban centres.
What are some realistic solutions to our parking needs? In an area where some parks are full during the week but sit empty at weekends, and where land value is at a premium, should we be putting aside large tracts for car parks?
The council has recently announced the implementation of new parking zones across the city, reducing the 16 existing zones to
Lack of GPs forces temporary closure of Northland health practice
● Hilary Edmunds Disgraceful. Treatment like that resulted in me leaving that practice some years ago.
● Kelly Oosterbroek Have had to wait 3 weeks for an appointment before . . . four years ago you could get a same day appointment not three. This is happening at the end of February, giving us a simpler guide when it comes to choosing our parking spots.
Along with the new zones come a range of larger and more userfriendly signs — fantastic news for those of us who were struggling to read the original mPark zone numbering.
Of course, any movement around carparking brings into question our future plans, and the sustainability of parking in our city. As the population
any more!
● Alexandra Maunder Bon, Forward your anger and frustration to the Government, this IS directly their fault!
● Jodie Hannam Hardly sparsely populated! Whangarei Heads is one of the fastest-growing areas in Northland!
● Kathleen Beckham New medical centre opening in Kensington — of our district grows, parking solutions need to be designed with the future in mind. We need to think smarter, plan for future use and be prepared to financially support a more robust and diverse infrastructure model.
In 2018 we won the title of “Most EV Friendly City in New Zealand”. Ultimately, I would love to see our city become known as the “Most Pedestrian/Cyclist/Mobility ScooterFriendly City in New Zealand”.
We’re on the right track (excuse the where are they getting there doctors from???
● Greyham McFluffy Wow. Even at the main clinic at Onerahi it's impossible to get an appointment. I kid you not, next available appointment is in 5 weeks, March
20. How the hell is this happening in this day and age?
● Dee Attwood We left the Onerahi doctors when our GP moved. We pun) already, with the recent announcement of a four-lane southbound highway including a separated shared cycling and walking path.
This decision acknowledges an immediate need for a safer and more effective arterial route, while also preparing us for a future where alternative and active transport will play a much larger role.
Those big lumps of metal in our cityscape today are costing more to run every day — and I’m not just talking about rising fuel prices. Carbon emissions are in the spotlight as we take a serious look at our Climate Change Emergency declaration, soon we’ll be counting the true cost of owning a vehicle.
We’re in the early stages of climate change adaptation, but with clear long-term strategies (including city centre planning, parking, vehicle use, and public transport options), we may even take out the title of “Most Climate Change-Savvy City in New Zealand”. Wouldn’t that be great?
The Whanga¯ rei District Council is making sensible, sustainable innercity parking decisions, designed with the growth of our district in mind. used to wait a week around 4 years ago, was not good enough when you’re chronically ill, for anyone in fact, to wait 3-4 weeks. That's how cancer, infections and such end you in hospital. We chose to follow our GP because she's great and never regretted it. We wait a day now or book an emergency appointment if needed. It's the same price of $20.
● Actor-comedian Barry Humphries (aka "Dame Edna") is 86.
● Actress Denise Richards is 49.
● Actress Kelly Carlson is 44.
● Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is
39.
● Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is 29. 1. 1953. 2. Give women the vote. 3. Moa. 4. Sam Neill. 5. Bats.
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