We all know the importance of a decent transport network: residents of northwest Auckland need to reach places of work, study and play in a way that is safe and efficient. Obviously that hasn’t been the case for most readers of the Helensville Community News for many years.
Some hope is on the horizon in the form of the Kumeu bypass, however, now being an official “road of regional significance”. And of course the Brigham Creek works are nearing completed and the SH16 improvement works have been proceeding apace, with great progress visible at the Waimauku end.
Left to right: Chris Penk MP, Olivia Kelly, Youth MP for 2025, Chris Bishop, Transport Minister and Mayor Wayne Brown at the official "sod turning"
Of course public transport is a significant element in a number of ways. It provides another option for those unable to travel in private vehicles (e.g. residents too young to drive) and can take cars off the road, thereby easing congestion, along with benefits in terms of pollution. Admittedly the latter two factors rely on having effective and worthwhile systems: near-empty buses trundling around don’t provide much benefit environmentally nor congestion-wise.
Using the Western rail line to help matters is an alluring prospect. I’ve raised it many times during my tenure as local MP. The authorities are less keen, however, and in fairness there are some factors that make it at least somewhat problematic. The lack of a double-tracked, electrified line beyond the Auckland CBD-to-Swanson stretch would entail a shuttle service at best.
Ultimately the provision of rail service is a local government decision, as Auckland Transport would need to agree to extend its existing service. I have asked them to provide such services, with no joy. It would be worth residents of northwest Auckland lobbying local body candidates in the upcoming election to ensure that Auckland Council and its various entities remain aware of the possibility.
In the meantime, I’ve written to the Minister of Rail (Winston Peters) to ask him to ensure that Kiwirail are co-operative about the use of the tracks, on which Auckland Transport would provide the services. I know that Mr. Peters is committed to ensuring exactly this, as he has made pleasingly assuring comments in Kumeu on this subject in the past.
Whether or not those key players are able to get passenger rail services underway, the government has been getting on with the construction of a dedicated, separated busway between Westgate and Kumeu. I am pleased that the central government transport agency has been partnering with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport on this project. It was great to see Mayor Wayne Brown at the official “sod turning” ceremony along with my colleague, the Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
Replicating the success of the northern express busway that currently transports a significant proportion of north shore residents across the Harbour Bridge each day will benefit northwest Auckland hugely.
All this is to say that I remain agnostic as to the method of public transport employed, whether bus, train or other. My constituents just want to be able to get home to their families at the end of the day, without spending too much of it on the road. I am confident that we are now “on track” (if you’ll excuse the pun) with a dedicated busway being constructed to do just that.
Cheers, Chris Penk
MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi
