Ask Phoebe: Council wants to hear about injuries at its parks

Photo / Steven McNicholl

Any chance you could find out if any work is planned at the Big King Reserve in Three Kings? Despite being one of the most frequented dog-walking parks in the area, it's becoming increasingly rundown and rather treacherous. Slips and falls are now a daily occurrence and despite a friend being badly injured last year, no improvements have yet been made.
Damian Smith, Auckland.

The council was concerned to hear that someone was injured at Big King and there was no follow-up on this matter. Accordingly, it would appreciate further information so an investigation can be carried out. (I have passed this on to Damian, and thanks, council.)

Mark Bowater, manager of local and sports parks for Auckland Council, says there are no capital works projects planned for Big King Reserve within the next three years. Auckland Council's maintenance contract on Big King includes mowing open spaces, removal of loose litter, emptying litterbins, cleaning park furniture and fixtures and garden maintenance.

The repair of stairwells, footpaths and tracks is carried out as required.

The driveway leading to the reservoir has been assessed by council staff and repairs to it will be carried out within the next two weeks, weather permitting.

Finally, slips that occur on the mountain because of erosion are assessed, and depending on their severity can be fixed if public safety or property is compromised, or left to settle, as erosion on scoria mountains is a natural occurrence.

Are there any specific laws against holding up other people on motorways or passing lanes? I know in Australia the police will fine you for driving slower than the flow of traffic in the right-hand lane of a motorway. Surely something like this would help remove some of the frustration experienced by drivers and raise public awareness that left is for going slow and right is for passing?
Dan Vujcich, Auckland.

Yes, there are laws against holding up traffic. You can be prosecuted and/or fined for impeding the flow of traffic, and cases have been brought on this charge, albeit not often.

There are a lot of drivers who get confused at the intersection of Carlton Gore Rd and Davis Cres in Newmarket, as to who gives way, as there are no signs there. Could you see to it for me please?
Bonnie Francis, Auckland.

I went for a look, and there is a give way sign at the bottom of Carlton Gore Rd, although somewhat obscured by an overhanging tree. Thus, drivers on Carlton Gore must give way to traffic on Davis Cres.

The Transport Agency says the four-stage Newmarket Viaduct replacement project will be about 15m to the northeast of the old structure. A fourth southbound lane across the new viaduct opened recently, removing the traditional peak-hour bottleneck.

The new viaduct addresses a number of seismic, safety and environmental limitations inherent in the old structure, creating a more secure motorway lifeline and imposing a smaller footprint on the Newmarket community beneath.