Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: The uncooling of the inner West

219 Responses

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  • Yamis, in reply to bob daktari,

    the further out you live in Auckland the more of your life you lose to travel... and the more scattered the young (and older who crave the same) become, making any replication or whatever of what Grey Lynn et al so, um, interesting and fun to live very difficult to emulate in any given form. Though saying that all the outer suburbs are slowly but surely accommodating and becoming more 'interesting' as businesses open and the inner city refugees take up homes -cafes and eateries mainly

    I know it's not your main point, but just because you live on the cities edges it doesn't mean you lose your life to travel. I live out west and it takes me 16 minutes to make the 10km drive to my work (also out west). As the populations in the suburbs grows it is gradually doing what you say it is. Making them more interesting, more businesses popping up... less need to actually head into the city centre.

    The development at Westgate is touted at creating 20,000 new jobs. I know Bob Harvey used to lament how tens of thousands of West Aucklanders commuted to the other parts of Auckland to work, maybe we can slow that down an 'decentralise' a bit and create those hubs in other parts of Auckland and build interesting communities around them.

    Since Nov 2006 • 903 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Jim Cathcart,

    The construction of apartment buildings in the CBD was the right move but the objectives–profit as the priority driven by an uninformed public who cannot see another direction to invest in their financial security–resulted in the construction in trash.

    But the primary example of a 'quality' apartment block was also a flop - Metropolis. A developer who was possibly not at the top of the game - but the quality was there. Perhaps other developers didn't want to repeat his mistakes and went for the cheap and cheerful approach?

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Barnes,

    Ponsonby Road 1988
    NZ On Screen
    Takes ya back eh?

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Jack Harrison,

    No, its just civics. It’s maths, science in a way

    If it's 'maths, science' - can you point out why you propose 3 blocks?, how 'huge' should they be? and why Epsom rather than say, Sandringham?

    I know I'm being pedantic but if you put forward a plan, then I would prefer you to 'show your working' before I can come to a conclusion...

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Jim Cathcart,

    But the primary example of a 'quality' apartment block was also a flop - Metropolis. A developer who was possibly not at the top of the game - but the quality was there. Perhaps other developers didn't want to repeat his mistakes and went for the cheap and cheerful approach?

    I agree. I would happily live there. Kruzeiner's vision has left something of value, despite his financial issues. I don't think you can say the same about the majority of developments in the CBD. Most of the product is depressing.

    Since Nov 2006 • 228 posts Report Reply

  • Yamis, in reply to Sam F,

    We almost offered to buy a property in Ranui from a family member moving out but didn’t have the scratch together at the time. I still sometimes half wonder if it’s really that bad out there.

    I tried typing an answer to this multiple times but didn't like how they came out. I don't live in Ranui but know the area quite well for a variety of reasons. Let's just say it is diverse. There is the Ranui to the north of Swanson Rd, the Ranui between Swanson Rd and the train tracks, and then "old Ranui" which is to the south of the tracks and stretching up the hill.

    Within the former two there are streets where I would not feel comfortable living. But then there are other streets where things would be fine. There's a lot of new housing going in out round there. The Henderson Heights area was started to be built around 20 years ago but has continued to expand and it is about 2 mins drive away, and it looks like a wealthy eastern suburb. Swanson is the next suburb to the west.

    Zoom in on google maps to Ranui and you'll see the different parts. So much of the rural space around there is being eaten by subdivisions. Even Ranui will be totally different in a couple of decades. It's got a railway station, 10 mins from the North Western, and handy to Waitakere's and west coast beaches...

    Since Nov 2006 • 903 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to Jack Harrison,

    Yeh that’s called community. It’s horrible to move community a lot of the time. It’s great to have a patch.

    I would say Remuera hasn't changed much. Still got the Family home which I have inherited part of and we decided it's staying there as is. It's pretty conservative and I suppose that is what keeps it the same. My growing up there was brilliant and fun and most of the kids from my schools were pretty out there even if their parents weren't .I guess their parents were busy makin' money. Mine were busy being hippy artists. Gotta love that. Not a lot has changed in my life but next month .....

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Rich of Observationz, in reply to nzlemming,

    Laundry. Das Trinkenmauer runs down Webb and Buckle Streets.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report Reply

  • Jack Harrison, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    Because I don't greet the Auckland expansion as an optimist. I think we are in for some chaotic expansive times in this city. I believe it has been driven by harsh economic forces and I believe those who voted for an expansion of the city should also be prepared for the new premises of the expansion. West Auckland is too beautiful to put towers in and they don't have enough jobs locally. Move a ministry or two to west Auckland and start some commerce.

    wellington • Since Aug 2014 • 296 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Barnes, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    and why Epsom

    Because... Epsom voted to get ACT into Parliament so National could smash the RMA
    making it possible for developers to build ugly high rise slums, so Epsom it is.

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    Perhaps other developers didn’t want to repeat his mistakes and went for the cheap and cheerful approach?

    I do remember when Les Mills was Mayor. My dad at that time put forward a suggestion of workings for down on the Quay and reaching the Viaduct with housing and commercial and green spaces down to the water. suffice to say they weren't accepted but I am going to prise those drawings out of his hands to have as art in my new home. It looked truly beautiful for an international destination and even now I would say the same. Nice tho' to see the docks opened up which was part of Dad's plan.

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Jack Harrison, in reply to Steve Barnes,

    It's just business. Epsom is a fucking beautiful place to live. It's a great suburb. It's Aucklands most convenient and efficient real estate, and more towerblock kids get to go to Grammar and get a gud education.A win-win for the market.

    wellington • Since Aug 2014 • 296 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand, in reply to Russell Brown,

    Barfoot and Thompson ? Of course, such real estate firms are completely disinterested parties in escalating house prices and obviously donate all their fat commissions to charity.
    They are a major element in this hideous roundelay but seldom are mentioned.

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Sofie Bribiesca,

    I would say Remuera hasn’t changed much

    Interesting to hear that viewpoint Sophie. I would be surprised if that stays true in the future. Friends of mine from old Remuera families, say that they have noticed a change recently. The old homes are being sold off and the new tenants are primarily foreign arrivals looking for good schooling. Also the usual cashed up buyers from the Law and Medical fraternities seem to be foregoing Remmers for the Western Bays.
    Despite the conservative predisposition of the suburb, I'd live there in a flash if I could - great old houses...

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Jack Harrison, in reply to Geoff Lealand,

    They are mentioned, but always as authorities. They are salesman. They live off commission.

    Also newpapers love a bull market too, massive full colour ad booklets that are sometimes bigger than the average paper.

    That is good money. Big colour ads are the big earners in print, ask any ad salesman. It’s a rort of sorts.

    wellington • Since Aug 2014 • 296 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Steve Barnes,

    making it possible for developers to build ugly high rise slums, so Epsom it is.

    Not all high rises are ugly - Epsom already has one - The Pines, built around 1970. Don't think it would make a good starter home though... one for sale at the moment - 2 brms for $1.9m

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Yamis, in reply to Dastardly Bounder,

    I have a number of friends in Swanson – the next suburb north west of Ranui. They have easy access to rail, live close by large parks and rural blocks and can be at Bethells beach in 15 minutes. Pretty good option by Auckland standards. I often work in Ranui and it can be a bit rough. There have been some eyebrow raising incidents over the past year, a regular Police presence and some extreme deprivation. Ponsonby used to be the same 30 years ago though. Pick your street and it can seem like a nice leafy suburb, drive down another one and try to spot the burnt out meth labs.

    That'll learn me for reading a post and then replying to it and not reading the post underneath which basically answers it, and makes similar points, though more succinctly :) haha

    Since Nov 2006 • 903 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    I’d live there in a flash if I could – great old houses…

    Some old places are being bowled for moderrn. But really ,it's still the same Remuera . The only ones to get in is money and the ones that want to is Chinese. They want the schools . The Chinese have a longer plan than developers. What's important to them is the bigger picture. Over here they can have more than 1 kid. The Family is building from being repressed back home. It's not about taking over and changing Remuera ,it's about getting their kids into Ak Grammar ,Epsom Girls, Dio, St Cuths Kings, St Kents. They are planning for that when the Kid is 4. I've discussed it with them. It's all about the long term plan. That's why they succeed.

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

  • Jack Harrison, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    Social housing (towers)in western Europe and America historically always looked good for the first five years but they need to be managed well or they become towers of cheap shitty living.

    The most obvious way is to have great apartments but we need these experiments to happen inner-city first .

    That is the safest way to start the house tower building of Auckland. Get them built right and to calm the inner city madness of central city living desire, make it real for those who crave or need the inner-city. If it works tell the suburbs.

    wellington • Since Aug 2014 • 296 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Jack Harrison,

    Big colour ads are the big earners

    Not just these. 10 yrs ago we received, in the mail, a Barfoots invoice from the Herald for the classified ads by mistake (our house number was a transposition of theirs). Friends had a house for sale locally and it transpired that they were paying Barfoots 6 times the cost for the adverts compared to what Barfoots were charged by the Herald. Sure they got a bulk discount - but still...
    (And no I wouldn't ordinarily open someone else's mail but come on - it's Barfoot and Thompson - they're not human!)

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Jack Harrison,

    White knock out- digital colour half page - big money.

    Small ad in paper - black and white matchbox size - no money.

    wellington • Since Aug 2014 • 296 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Sofie Bribiesca,

    That’s why they succeed.

    That and on occasion, ill gotten gains…

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • Amanda Wreckonwith, in reply to Jack Harrison,

    but we need these experiments to happen inner-city first .

    Well if you want to try an experiment Jack, how about this crazy suggestion...
    Close down all the universities and language schools in Auckland and relocate them elsewhere.
    At a stroke you will make available an enormous amount of ready built accommodation that is not being occupied by transients.
    Simples?

    Since Sep 2012 • 171 posts Report Reply

  • nzlemming, in reply to Steve Barnes,

    NZ On Screen
    Takes ya back eh?

    Egad! Urliches!

    Waikanae • Since Nov 2006 • 2937 posts Report Reply

  • Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to Amanda Wreckonwith,

    That and on occasion, ill gotten gains…

    Our Government doesn't have a problem with that. We reap what we sow. That's our fault if it's a problem because we voted to let these bastards continue.. I'm not going to suggest it is only the Chinese that consider playing their cards close to their hearts . Kiwis are pretty good at dodging the taxman and the Caymans are a hiding hole for anyone. No, people will take advantage of benefiting from the law if they can use the system. Hell, my uncle pays very little tax and it's legitimately . A good accountant can do that for anyone here. Really , if we continue on a path to be global, we have many Countries to educate us on good town planning. Trouble is, Key Team think they know best and we will continue to build for profit .Good social conscience be dammed

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report Reply

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