Late June we launched GREATER AUCKLAND (GA) – a non-profit group that recognises Auckland’s untapped potential. We call for smarter thinking on the problems our city faces: investments in quality public and active transport, and more housing choice.
One area we think it should help is in providing more clarity to organisations we work with and advocate to. As an example, in the past some organisations have been unsure how to deal with us – is the blog media or advocacy? In many ways it’s really a bit of both – and that confusion can affect how they engage with us and us with them. We believe that providing more formality around what we do should help in furthering our aims. It should also assist in how we undertake activities such as raising funds.
Greater Auckland’s main objectives are:
- To provide commentary and encourage intelligent debate about transport and urban issues, in Auckland and across New Zealand.
- To advocate for transport modes and systems that provide choice and effectiveness, including, but not restricted to, public transport, cycling and walking.
- To operate a blog on transport and urban matters.
While we have over 30,000 unique monthly visitors and over 5,000 daily page views, we would like to be able to say that we are supported by thousands of people from Auckland and beyond.
We’ve been a bit quiet since our launch dealing with a few things behind the scenes – such as a legal challenge but now we’re ready to get going again. Showing your support is as easy as signing up as a supporter on the Greater Auckland website – it doesn’t cost anything and you won’t be bombarded with emails.
If you would like to help us further then we’d also like you to become a paid up member. The money raised will go towards supporting the costs of running the blog, as well as other things we have planned such as giving the blog a makeover. We also plan to use the funds to help support the advocacy we do.
Membership is $50 per year although there is a lower price for students or unwaged members. In exchange for helping us you’ll also get the first chance to come to events we hold – such as meeting international experts who visit Auckland.
There is also a donation option if you would prefer a one-off payment option.
If you sign up as a paid member by the end of next week you’ll be in the draw to win one of two copies of Britomart: The Story, a beautiful hard-bound 228 page book with stunning photography from Britomart Group.
Thank you for all the support you’ve given us in the past and I hope you can join us in helping make Auckland even greater.
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Have you actually read “The Britomart Story” – it is not the story of the Britomart Transport Centre – it is a glossy photo essay of the above ground development by Cooper and Co and published by them. While they have done a great job of rejuvenating the heritage buildings, this was the quid pro quo for a huge development opportunity which has no been entirely successful from a public space perspective – e.g. the shiny boxes littering the central space which they want to further expand, gutting the idea of a linear park to the east of the old CPO.