Ben Ross
@benakl.bsky.social
Spatial and Policy Planner
Resident of South Auckland
Cities Skylines Player and Snob
Resident of South Auckland
Cities Skylines Player and Snob
Pinned
Ben Ross
@benakl.bsky.social
· Dec 25
A very busy 2024 on LinkedIn
2025 will be even busier as the fight for evidence based policy continues against fact free reckons
2025 will be even busier as the fight for evidence based policy continues against fact free reckons
End of trip facilities for bikes is just good business to encourage biking by ALL USERS
Am I right?
So how is our end of trip facilities for a mode that boosts regional economies by over $1.1b in Aotearoa (and I say similar in our cities)
#CitiesSkylines 2
Am I right?
So how is our end of trip facilities for a mode that boosts regional economies by over $1.1b in Aotearoa (and I say similar in our cities)
#CitiesSkylines 2
November 25, 2025 at 3:41 AM
End of trip facilities for bikes is just good business to encourage biking by ALL USERS
Am I right?
So how is our end of trip facilities for a mode that boosts regional economies by over $1.1b in Aotearoa (and I say similar in our cities)
#CitiesSkylines 2
Am I right?
So how is our end of trip facilities for a mode that boosts regional economies by over $1.1b in Aotearoa (and I say similar in our cities)
#CitiesSkylines 2
Reposted by Ben Ross
Traffic Evaporation is a thing
November 24, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Traffic Evaporation is a thing
Vote Little and get slash and burn of the workers in the organisation
Also Deloitte? Serious after their AI Scandals?
Also Deloitte? Serious after their AI Scandals?
Well of course Deloitte is gonna say that, who is going to end up with all the contracts to do all that work?
No to outsourcing public service knowledge and capacity.
#nzpol
No to outsourcing public service knowledge and capacity.
#nzpol
The report recommends reducing “people managers” by between 69 and 117 heads, or 30% to 50%, in the coming one to three years.
November 25, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Vote Little and get slash and burn of the workers in the organisation
Also Deloitte? Serious after their AI Scandals?
Also Deloitte? Serious after their AI Scandals?
Reposted by Ben Ross
Auckland Transport is “refreshing” the wiggly back-street Dominion Rd Alternative Cycle Routes.
1) straighten the routes (property purchase to create connections, consolidate land for developers)
2) copy-paste onto that big boulevard in the middle
3) job done
haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/dominion-cycle
1) straighten the routes (property purchase to create connections, consolidate land for developers)
2) copy-paste onto that big boulevard in the middle
3) job done
haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/dominion-cycle
Dominion Road Alternative Cycle Route
About the Project The Dominion Road Alternative Cycle Route is a quiet, low-stress north–south cycling corridor running parallel to Dominion Road, designed for children, older adults, and less confide...
haveyoursay.at.govt.nz
November 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Auckland Transport is “refreshing” the wiggly back-street Dominion Rd Alternative Cycle Routes.
1) straighten the routes (property purchase to create connections, consolidate land for developers)
2) copy-paste onto that big boulevard in the middle
3) job done
haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/dominion-cycle
1) straighten the routes (property purchase to create connections, consolidate land for developers)
2) copy-paste onto that big boulevard in the middle
3) job done
haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/dominion-cycle
In the Herald. HIPKINS DOES NOT RULE OUT WORKING WITH Winston
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
November 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
In the Herald. HIPKINS DOES NOT RULE OUT WORKING WITH Winston
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
Regional Councils are meant to oversee the Single Combined Plans under the Planning Act.
So if Regionals get the yeet....
This does not affect Unitary Authorities like Auckland Council.
Also the bills for the Planning Act etc are meant to be out this week as well.
So if Regionals get the yeet....
This does not affect Unitary Authorities like Auckland Council.
Also the bills for the Planning Act etc are meant to be out this week as well.
It is understood reforms to be announced today will mean the dissolving of regional councils, and the first steps could be within this current three-year council term.
End of regional councils tipped in local government reforms
It is understood reforms to be announced today will mean the dissolving of regional councils, and the first steps could be within this current three-year council term.
dlvr.it
November 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Regional Councils are meant to oversee the Single Combined Plans under the Planning Act.
So if Regionals get the yeet....
This does not affect Unitary Authorities like Auckland Council.
Also the bills for the Planning Act etc are meant to be out this week as well.
So if Regionals get the yeet....
This does not affect Unitary Authorities like Auckland Council.
Also the bills for the Planning Act etc are meant to be out this week as well.
Something to bring a 😃 after an infuriating start to the day
Some absolutely STUNNING designs in the new NSW Mid Rise Pattern Book.
The smaller designs can be built on lots as small as 13 metres wide, smaller than the average lot in Brisbane!
There’s no reason why these shouldn’t be permitted by right everywhere in Brisbane too. (well except flood zones)
The smaller designs can be built on lots as small as 13 metres wide, smaller than the average lot in Brisbane!
There’s no reason why these shouldn’t be permitted by right everywhere in Brisbane too. (well except flood zones)
November 24, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Something to bring a 😃 after an infuriating start to the day
The way forward 👇
🍃🌹🌿 #NZGreens “Green Budget” is fully costed & fantastic. Free GPS & Dentists & childcare. Less tax for the majority of NZers, a little more for the richest few, who mostly avoid paying now, & the wealth tax is v similar to Australia’s! #nzpol
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
Green Budget
We are building a future where we do more, faster, to protect our planet and make sure everyone is treated equally.
www.greens.org.nz
November 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The way forward 👇
Reposted by Ben Ross
IF Hipkins is in a position to negotiate a coalition and puts Peters above the Greens, he'll lose so much political credibility with the voters. What's the point of voting Left if your biggest party's leader is then going to kiss RW rings?
We're seeing the same from Little at WCC.
We're seeing the same from Little at WCC.
Every single time
Even Nats are brighter than the lot of them who are nothing but apologists
And expecting Hipkins to pick Winston next year to sideline the Greens without fail
Even Nats are brighter than the lot of them who are nothing but apologists
And expecting Hipkins to pick Winston next year to sideline the Greens without fail
November 24, 2025 at 8:32 PM
IF Hipkins is in a position to negotiate a coalition and puts Peters above the Greens, he'll lose so much political credibility with the voters. What's the point of voting Left if your biggest party's leader is then going to kiss RW rings?
We're seeing the same from Little at WCC.
We're seeing the same from Little at WCC.
I have a collection of ##citiesskylines2 photos illustrating cycling infrastructure of different types, end of trip infrastructure, and testing multi modal systems particularly around first and last mile gap which exists in ##citiesskyline1
At HQ so will post later in the week
At HQ so will post later in the week
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I have a collection of ##citiesskylines2 photos illustrating cycling infrastructure of different types, end of trip infrastructure, and testing multi modal systems particularly around first and last mile gap which exists in ##citiesskyline1
At HQ so will post later in the week
At HQ so will post later in the week
And why Hipkins has still not publicly denounced the anti Trans puberty blocker policy
Needs Winston next year to sideline the Greens like 2017
Tell me I am wrong by pointing to a media article on Hipkins denouncing Winston and that policy
Needs Winston next year to sideline the Greens like 2017
Tell me I am wrong by pointing to a media article on Hipkins denouncing Winston and that policy
Every single time
Even Nats are brighter than the lot of them who are nothing but apologists
And expecting Hipkins to pick Winston next year to sideline the Greens without fail
Even Nats are brighter than the lot of them who are nothing but apologists
And expecting Hipkins to pick Winston next year to sideline the Greens without fail
November 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
And why Hipkins has still not publicly denounced the anti Trans puberty blocker policy
Needs Winston next year to sideline the Greens like 2017
Tell me I am wrong by pointing to a media article on Hipkins denouncing Winston and that policy
Needs Winston next year to sideline the Greens like 2017
Tell me I am wrong by pointing to a media article on Hipkins denouncing Winston and that policy
Central Labour screws up again
And why despite one particular person in here taking everything out of context then putting words into people's mouths we were not thrilled Renny running in a seat held by a Green MP rather than carpet bagging a Blue Seat.
Central Labour just keeps screwing up
And why despite one particular person in here taking everything out of context then putting words into people's mouths we were not thrilled Renny running in a seat held by a Green MP rather than carpet bagging a Blue Seat.
Central Labour just keeps screwing up
Wow. This does follow a trend over the last couple years of Labour undermining the Greens. This article in particular points out that Little is really pretty right-wing, actually.
We keep warning people about Labour and they refuse to listen, they are deliberately undermining the left and capitulating to the right.
#nzpol
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
#nzpol
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
November 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Central Labour screws up again
And why despite one particular person in here taking everything out of context then putting words into people's mouths we were not thrilled Renny running in a seat held by a Green MP rather than carpet bagging a Blue Seat.
Central Labour just keeps screwing up
And why despite one particular person in here taking everything out of context then putting words into people's mouths we were not thrilled Renny running in a seat held by a Green MP rather than carpet bagging a Blue Seat.
Central Labour just keeps screwing up
Reposted by Ben Ross
Uh oh. E scooters have arrived in #CitiesSkylines2 🛴 👇
November 24, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Uh oh. E scooters have arrived in #CitiesSkylines2 🛴 👇
Uh oh. E scooters have arrived in #CitiesSkylines2 🛴 👇
November 24, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Uh oh. E scooters have arrived in #CitiesSkylines2 🛴 👇
We are at the embattled stage for Luxon
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
Christopher Luxon defiant amid talk he could be rolled as National leader
He says he will be Prime Minister heading into next year.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM
We are at the embattled stage for Luxon
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
For once it is National being hammered on tax and economic mismanagement
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
Why National's new policy would lead Govt to pocket more tax
Earning more money from tax is not always a tax increase, says National.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 4:58 AM
For once it is National being hammered on tax and economic mismanagement
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/...
Amount of Spam coming from National and amount of arse kissing from RNZ, and NZME must mean Nats are in the mid 20s somewhere
Remember IPSOS has Labour whipping their arse including the economy measure
Remember IPSOS has Labour whipping their arse including the economy measure
Nicola Willis made a video about a second Costco store? As if she had anything to do with it? What are these people going on about #nzpol
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Amount of Spam coming from National and amount of arse kissing from RNZ, and NZME must mean Nats are in the mid 20s somewhere
Remember IPSOS has Labour whipping their arse including the economy measure
Remember IPSOS has Labour whipping their arse including the economy measure
Reposted by Ben Ross
The issues board at Labour's stall at the Grey Lynn Park Festival on Saturday. "Tackling poverty and inequality in New Zealand" well out ahead of everything else.
November 24, 2025 at 1:23 AM
The issues board at Labour's stall at the Grey Lynn Park Festival on Saturday. "Tackling poverty and inequality in New Zealand" well out ahead of everything else.
Reposted by Ben Ross
Reduced demand (opposite of induced demand) proven to work well!
A lot cheaper than building a bunch of new roads!
Yet NZ politicians want to dump lots of money on new roads.
Latest example the $3.8bn Wellington tunnel supported by @chrishipkins.bsky.social and @andrewlittlenz.bsky.social
#nzpol
A lot cheaper than building a bunch of new roads!
Yet NZ politicians want to dump lots of money on new roads.
Latest example the $3.8bn Wellington tunnel supported by @chrishipkins.bsky.social and @andrewlittlenz.bsky.social
#nzpol
Every time
November 24, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Reduced demand (opposite of induced demand) proven to work well!
A lot cheaper than building a bunch of new roads!
Yet NZ politicians want to dump lots of money on new roads.
Latest example the $3.8bn Wellington tunnel supported by @chrishipkins.bsky.social and @andrewlittlenz.bsky.social
#nzpol
A lot cheaper than building a bunch of new roads!
Yet NZ politicians want to dump lots of money on new roads.
Latest example the $3.8bn Wellington tunnel supported by @chrishipkins.bsky.social and @andrewlittlenz.bsky.social
#nzpol
The Uniform Annual General Charge has been a bit silent since the last massive debate about back with the 2015 LTP
What is stirring this back up and which way is it going
BTW Auckland cannot go to Land based Rating unless the Local Government Act 2009 is altered
What is stirring this back up and which way is it going
BTW Auckland cannot go to Land based Rating unless the Local Government Act 2009 is altered
I'm not sure, I just have a vague memory there was an additional wrinkle for us from when I was talking with CGA about it a while back. Am checking! I have colleagues who want to look at us putting up the Uniform Annual General Charge (which is regressive not progressive for those outside LG land)
November 23, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The Uniform Annual General Charge has been a bit silent since the last massive debate about back with the 2015 LTP
What is stirring this back up and which way is it going
BTW Auckland cannot go to Land based Rating unless the Local Government Act 2009 is altered
What is stirring this back up and which way is it going
BTW Auckland cannot go to Land based Rating unless the Local Government Act 2009 is altered
Reposted by Ben Ross
#StationNews: New turnouts have been installed at Henderson Station in the future track layout position for the stations new bay platform.
Platform edging and new overhead masts have been installed into position also.
Platform edging and new overhead masts have been installed into position also.
November 23, 2025 at 9:52 PM
#StationNews: New turnouts have been installed at Henderson Station in the future track layout position for the stations new bay platform.
Platform edging and new overhead masts have been installed into position also.
Platform edging and new overhead masts have been installed into position also.
Sorry I had to laugh at that: Because it is rather true
National are intellectually bankrupt
Labour give us some absolutely duds or dud decisions
And Wayne just sails up the middle finishing what Len Brown started
Oh and pissing off neighbouring mayors...
National are intellectually bankrupt
Labour give us some absolutely duds or dud decisions
And Wayne just sails up the middle finishing what Len Brown started
Oh and pissing off neighbouring mayors...
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's advice to National and Labour: Be more like me
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's advice to National and Labour: Be more like me
"Imitation is the best form of flattery, I suppose," Wayne Brown said when asked about new policies from the major parties which echoed his own.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 23, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Sorry I had to laugh at that: Because it is rather true
National are intellectually bankrupt
Labour give us some absolutely duds or dud decisions
And Wayne just sails up the middle finishing what Len Brown started
Oh and pissing off neighbouring mayors...
National are intellectually bankrupt
Labour give us some absolutely duds or dud decisions
And Wayne just sails up the middle finishing what Len Brown started
Oh and pissing off neighbouring mayors...
Welcome to Geography as the parent discipline and its sub disciplines, urban geography, human geography, and resource management. 👇
Ironically as a Geographer first and foremost then Planner I typically cover any one of these fields depending on the environment and requirements
Ironically as a Geographer first and foremost then Planner I typically cover any one of these fields depending on the environment and requirements
November 23, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Welcome to Geography as the parent discipline and its sub disciplines, urban geography, human geography, and resource management. 👇
Ironically as a Geographer first and foremost then Planner I typically cover any one of these fields depending on the environment and requirements
Ironically as a Geographer first and foremost then Planner I typically cover any one of these fields depending on the environment and requirements
Remember Little, who Labour selected over Whanau (much like they did with Goff over Hulse, and I wont even touch the Rongotai situation from yesterday) decided to give the worst offender a Chairmanship position on the new Council
“..a bunch of dirty old men started bullying her. Spreading salacious, baseless, downright creepy rumours about her. And not even bothering to hide it. Sending all staff emails about it.”
And those men - some not so old - still sit at Council tables & got rewarded for that filthy behaviour. #nzpol
And those men - some not so old - still sit at Council tables & got rewarded for that filthy behaviour. #nzpol
Tory Whanau isn’t leaving - she was hounded out
Opinion: As all the emails and filthy gossip came out, it’s been patently, toe-curlingly, nauseatingly obvious to every young woman what’s been happening.
www.stuff.co.nz
November 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Remember Little, who Labour selected over Whanau (much like they did with Goff over Hulse, and I wont even touch the Rongotai situation from yesterday) decided to give the worst offender a Chairmanship position on the new Council
Reposted by Ben Ross
Sure is crazy how the two white men interviewed were either like "It's not that big a deal, move on" or "Well the council has to behave too" instead of y'know, reflecting on the issue.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
'It just seems cruel': Councillor shocked by comments after cycling accident
Councillor Julie Fairey has become accustomed to abusive comments - but she was still stunned.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Sure is crazy how the two white men interviewed were either like "It's not that big a deal, move on" or "Well the council has to behave too" instead of y'know, reflecting on the issue.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...