Representing Massey Residents and Ratepayers
Massey residents may soon have a new and integrated transport service. Although unlikely to incorporate rail, as a result of a recently signed Heads of Agreement between New Zealand Transport and Auckland Transport plans are afoot to develop a bus system that will see regularly scheduled small feeder buses travelling throughout West Auckland neighbourhoods to a Bus Transfer station where passengers will embark on express services into the central city.
The Massey Birdwood Settlers Association held its AGM November 29 in the Lions Den at the Association’s hall on the corner of Red Hills and Don Buck roads.
The following were elected
President : Brian Lay
Vice President; Ershad Ali
Secretary/treasurer: John Riddell
Committee: Allen Davies, Ian Miller, June Lay, Kay Wilson, Ray Wilson and Warren Flaunty
Massey residents will be among west Aucklanders benefiting from a plan to improve bus services that is being investigated by Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Authority.
At a recent ‘meet the road builders’ open day to mark the upgrade if the Lincoln Road motorway interchange NZTA officials said discussions were bring held to create a bus interchange on government land in Triangle Rd that will accept feeder services
West Auckland’s streets are constantly being ripped up, redesigned and reconfigured, seemingly at the drop of a hat, by the new Auckland Transport CCO. Rather than responding to the wishes of ratepayers, this is one Council Controlled Organisation that seems to deliberately thumb its nose at the people it is supposed to serve.
The latest, and possibly the straw that will break the camel’s back, are plans to redesign the major roundabout at the junction of Swanson Road, Universal Drive and Don Buck Rd.
Download pdf here : – Universal Swanson Consultation Plan 06122011
As shown here, plans include re-sculpting the centre island, adding a couple of lanes and installing speed bumps – on both entry AND exit lanes. Doubtless the bureaucratic Mandarins who readily take their share of our increasingly expensive rates as salary believe what they propose will benefit the thousands of West Aucklanders who commute daily through the intersection.
Doubtless in the long run that may be true and they really do have our best interests at heart, but in this instance the cart is well and truly in front of the horse.
To date there seems to have been little or no public consultation or indeed any mention of the disruption the works will cause. Not to mention that it looks suspiciously like the only people the proposed changes will really benefit are that small but influential cohort of Lycra clad 18 speed two wheeled dervishes that race down Don Buck hill on the weekends.
A mixed use shopping centre is being proposed for a redevelopment of the PCL site opposite the Association’s hall on the corner of Don Buck and Red Hills Road.
Established in 1950s, for over half a century the Poultyman’s Coop Ltd site has provided feed and grain for countless millions of chooks throughout North Auckland.
For some time the community has been aware of plans to sell the property, as PCL move to consolidate their feed operation at their existing South Auckland plant.
Rumors of possible land use have included a high density residential development or a custodial Bad Boy facility operated by the Justice Department.
However it now seems likely the 4.5 ha (10 acre) site is destined to become yet another Westie commercial hub, with shops and offices.
Although nothing has yet been cast in concrete, the Association has already flagged the development a potential troublespot with an increase in traffic around an area that already has, with several schools within the immediate vicinity, a high population of children.
As more information comes to hand we shall do our best to keep our community informed.