Connor Sharp
@connorsharp.bsky.social
Bard of @greaterauckland.bsky.social and #1 light rail fan
Officially more popular than a Real Housewife of Auckland
https://linktr.ee/ConnorSharp
Officially more popular than a Real Housewife of Auckland
https://linktr.ee/ConnorSharp
Reposted by Connor Sharp
Monday’s post: Matt Lowrie has fresh stats on Auckland’s public transport usage this year.
In short: overall ridership is showing the impact of fare raises, rail disruptions, and the state of the economy.
But there are a few bright spots - like the WX 🙌🚌 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/24/2...
In short: overall ridership is showing the impact of fare raises, rail disruptions, and the state of the economy.
But there are a few bright spots - like the WX 🙌🚌 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/24/2...
2025 Public Transport Ridership Update - Greater Auckland
We’re rapidly approaching the end of the year and it’s been a while
www.greaterauckland.org.nz
November 24, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Monday’s post: Matt Lowrie has fresh stats on Auckland’s public transport usage this year.
In short: overall ridership is showing the impact of fare raises, rail disruptions, and the state of the economy.
But there are a few bright spots - like the WX 🙌🚌 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/24/2...
In short: overall ridership is showing the impact of fare raises, rail disruptions, and the state of the economy.
But there are a few bright spots - like the WX 🙌🚌 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/24/2...
Reposted by Connor Sharp
FTR for those who were watching Auckland Council's Governing Body earlier and there was a big blow up by Cr Lee about the new Standing Orders - he didn't attend the (open) workshop on it last week where we had some very robust discussions, which staff then captured in the changes put to us today.
November 24, 2025 at 11:54 PM
FTR for those who were watching Auckland Council's Governing Body earlier and there was a big blow up by Cr Lee about the new Standing Orders - he didn't attend the (open) workshop on it last week where we had some very robust discussions, which staff then captured in the changes put to us today.
Ah yes, the classic we cut a bunch of stuff because the last government started it and now we realise we actually need to do something... this time for digital infrastructure in health.
I'm sure this will totally result in a 'better' outcome (just like the ferries 🙄🙃)
I'm sure this will totally result in a 'better' outcome (just like the ferries 🙄🙃)
November 24, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ah yes, the classic we cut a bunch of stuff because the last government started it and now we realise we actually need to do something... this time for digital infrastructure in health.
I'm sure this will totally result in a 'better' outcome (just like the ferries 🙄🙃)
I'm sure this will totally result in a 'better' outcome (just like the ferries 🙄🙃)
I love Karangahape Road so much 😀
November 20, 2025 at 5:43 AM
I love Karangahape Road so much 😀
Reposted by Connor Sharp
A perfect text explaining why your city should develop its cycleway network.
All the best arguments that you probably already know, but really well written, and very difficult to oppose.
All the best arguments that you probably already know, but really well written, and very difficult to oppose.
Op-ed of mine in The Post today on behalf of @greaterauckland.bsky.social on why urban cycling infrastructure is really important (and why urban roading infrastructure is not)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Pedal power surges, but Auckland infrastructure trails the biking boom
OPINION: Adding car lanes to deal with traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to cure obesity. But this maxim does not apply to adding cycling options.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
A perfect text explaining why your city should develop its cycleway network.
All the best arguments that you probably already know, but really well written, and very difficult to oppose.
All the best arguments that you probably already know, but really well written, and very difficult to oppose.
Reposted by Connor Sharp
I did NOT vote to review the Golden Mile today. Cities across Aotearoa & the world are revitalising their centres, attracting people back into them. We'll now put NZTA funding at risk, & costs only ever increase. We need to ask how we do it? Not say let's review it!
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Wellington’s controversial Golden Mile paused for review
Only the Greens wanted to push on, even after news of another cost blowout.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 20, 2025 at 4:27 AM
I did NOT vote to review the Golden Mile today. Cities across Aotearoa & the world are revitalising their centres, attracting people back into them. We'll now put NZTA funding at risk, & costs only ever increase. We need to ask how we do it? Not say let's review it!
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3608...
Reposted by Connor Sharp
“The more options people have, the more they’ll use the one that works best for their needs. And for many trips in a city, that won’t always be a car. What’s not to like about freedom of choice?”
Great op-ed by @connorsharp.bsky.social on the immense value of complete and connected bike networks. 🚲
Great op-ed by @connorsharp.bsky.social on the immense value of complete and connected bike networks. 🚲
Op-ed of mine in The Post today on behalf of @greaterauckland.bsky.social on why urban cycling infrastructure is really important (and why urban roading infrastructure is not)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Pedal power surges, but Auckland infrastructure trails the biking boom
OPINION: Adding car lanes to deal with traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to cure obesity. But this maxim does not apply to adding cycling options.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 11:57 PM
“The more options people have, the more they’ll use the one that works best for their needs. And for many trips in a city, that won’t always be a car. What’s not to like about freedom of choice?”
Great op-ed by @connorsharp.bsky.social on the immense value of complete and connected bike networks. 🚲
Great op-ed by @connorsharp.bsky.social on the immense value of complete and connected bike networks. 🚲
Reposted by Connor Sharp
As we’ve noted for a while now, National’s much-touted “Roads of National Significance” programme would bankrupt the nation.
In today’s post, Matt looks at transport minister Chris Bishop’s significant walk-back of the frankly unaffordable RoNS fantasy.
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/20/m...
In today’s post, Matt looks at transport minister Chris Bishop’s significant walk-back of the frankly unaffordable RoNS fantasy.
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/20/m...
Minister admits RoNS reality is biting – and hard - Greater Auckland
“Whatever the problem, build another road” has been a hallmark of policy from the current government. And we’ve long suggested that is simply not affordable or practical – including just
www.greaterauckland.org.nz
November 19, 2025 at 11:54 PM
As we’ve noted for a while now, National’s much-touted “Roads of National Significance” programme would bankrupt the nation.
In today’s post, Matt looks at transport minister Chris Bishop’s significant walk-back of the frankly unaffordable RoNS fantasy.
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/20/m...
In today’s post, Matt looks at transport minister Chris Bishop’s significant walk-back of the frankly unaffordable RoNS fantasy.
www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/20/m...
Op-ed of mine in The Post today on behalf of @greaterauckland.bsky.social on why urban cycling infrastructure is really important (and why urban roading infrastructure is not)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Pedal power surges, but Auckland infrastructure trails the biking boom
OPINION: Adding car lanes to deal with traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to cure obesity. But this maxim does not apply to adding cycling options.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Op-ed of mine in The Post today on behalf of @greaterauckland.bsky.social on why urban cycling infrastructure is really important (and why urban roading infrastructure is not)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Chooonky tim tams going in on Canada Street.
Project should be done by end of the year!
Lessons here for these sections on how quickly you can actually roll out cycleways
Project should be done by end of the year!
Lessons here for these sections on how quickly you can actually roll out cycleways
November 18, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Chooonky tim tams going in on Canada Street.
Project should be done by end of the year!
Lessons here for these sections on how quickly you can actually roll out cycleways
Project should be done by end of the year!
Lessons here for these sections on how quickly you can actually roll out cycleways
You'd think if you were elected to a local board you would do the bare minimum and stay for the whole meeting, instead of leaving after the item you 'care' about.
Especially the first one! Yet two members already left this Waitematā local board meeting.
Especially the first one! Yet two members already left this Waitematā local board meeting.
November 17, 2025 at 11:19 PM
You'd think if you were elected to a local board you would do the bare minimum and stay for the whole meeting, instead of leaving after the item you 'care' about.
Especially the first one! Yet two members already left this Waitematā local board meeting.
Especially the first one! Yet two members already left this Waitematā local board meeting.
Reposted by Connor Sharp
This op-ed by Connor Sharp which ran in the NZ Herald is turning out to be even more topical than ever – read to the end for an update with recent events.
https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/this-governments-legacy-for-transport-in-auckland/
https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/this-governments-legacy-for-transport-in-auckland/
November 17, 2025 at 8:57 PM
This op-ed by Connor Sharp which ran in the NZ Herald is turning out to be even more topical than ever – read to the end for an update with recent events.
https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/this-governments-legacy-for-transport-in-auckland/
https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/this-governments-legacy-for-transport-in-auckland/
Reposted by Connor Sharp
This is grimly amusing. Bishop couldn't fulfil a campaign promise because of Simeon Brown's footpath fatwa, so he had to raid a Kāinga Ora fund. Maybe running transport policy as a culture war was a stupid and destructive thing to do in the first place, eh.
NEW: Chris Bishop used housing money to fund a bridge in his electorate his own Govt had killed off.
Officials were against the move and Labour say he shouldn’t have been anywhere near the decision.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Officials were against the move and Labour say he shouldn’t have been anywhere near the decision.
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Chris Bishop diverts Kāinga Ora money to fund a bridge in his electorate
Officials warned against the use of housing funds for bridge building but Bishop says it was a “pragmatic choice”.
www.thepost.co.nz
November 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
This is grimly amusing. Bishop couldn't fulfil a campaign promise because of Simeon Brown's footpath fatwa, so he had to raid a Kāinga Ora fund. Maybe running transport policy as a culture war was a stupid and destructive thing to do in the first place, eh.
As a reminder Simeon literally signed off/wrote in his Speed Rule that if speed limits were lowered because of schools they had to be increased.
Regardless of safety.
It's only a matter of time for that to have tragic consequences...
Regardless of safety.
It's only a matter of time for that to have tragic consequences...
Just think how many of these steaming messes erstwhile Gallery darling Simeon Brown is leaving in his other portfolios.
November 17, 2025 at 8:16 PM
As a reminder Simeon literally signed off/wrote in his Speed Rule that if speed limits were lowered because of schools they had to be increased.
Regardless of safety.
It's only a matter of time for that to have tragic consequences...
Regardless of safety.
It's only a matter of time for that to have tragic consequences...
Reposted by Connor Sharp
We already have the technology to slow (& ideally reverse) climate change. We don’t need to sit around with our fingers crossed waiting for the tech bros. We just NEED TO DO IT. Electrify everything. Build already-consented solar & wind renewable farms. Stop subsidising fossil fuel. No more coal.
November 17, 2025 at 7:27 AM
We already have the technology to slow (& ideally reverse) climate change. We don’t need to sit around with our fingers crossed waiting for the tech bros. We just NEED TO DO IT. Electrify everything. Build already-consented solar & wind renewable farms. Stop subsidising fossil fuel. No more coal.
Auckland's City Centre is buuuussssyyy today!
Good vibes all around 😀
Good vibes all around 😀
November 17, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Auckland's City Centre is buuuussssyyy today!
Good vibes all around 😀
Good vibes all around 😀
Reposted by Connor Sharp
“Upgrade station access”… but you can’t actually access the station unless you’re in a car.😖
What gives, NZTA?🤨
Pedestrian access was clearly shown in earlier planning docs—but now there‘s “no space”? Is this removing footpaths to add more turning lanes? Or what?
www.gets.govt.nz/NZTAHNO/Exte...
What gives, NZTA?🤨
Pedestrian access was clearly shown in earlier planning docs—but now there‘s “no space”? Is this removing footpaths to add more turning lanes? Or what?
www.gets.govt.nz/NZTAHNO/Exte...
November 14, 2025 at 3:10 AM
“Upgrade station access”… but you can’t actually access the station unless you’re in a car.😖
What gives, NZTA?🤨
Pedestrian access was clearly shown in earlier planning docs—but now there‘s “no space”? Is this removing footpaths to add more turning lanes? Or what?
www.gets.govt.nz/NZTAHNO/Exte...
What gives, NZTA?🤨
Pedestrian access was clearly shown in earlier planning docs—but now there‘s “no space”? Is this removing footpaths to add more turning lanes? Or what?
www.gets.govt.nz/NZTAHNO/Exte...
Reposted by Connor Sharp
If the barrel keeps having rotten apples put in, or apples are turning rotten once inside, at what point do you accept there’s a system problem?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
November 11, 2025 at 7:06 PM
If the barrel keeps having rotten apples put in, or apples are turning rotten once inside, at what point do you accept there’s a system problem?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Reposted by Connor Sharp
Forgot to post this stunning morning shot from earlier. 😍
November 10, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Forgot to post this stunning morning shot from earlier. 😍
Reposted by Connor Sharp
FRESH POST: @connorsharp.bsky.social's recent op-ed on Simeon Brown's legacy for transport in our city...
...gains extra relevance with the minister now attempting to personally redesign the (not yet completed) Rā Hihi/ Reeves Road flyover, on the fly. 🤨 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/t...
...gains extra relevance with the minister now attempting to personally redesign the (not yet completed) Rā Hihi/ Reeves Road flyover, on the fly. 🤨 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/t...
This government’s legacy for transport in Auckland - Greater Auckland
The following is an op-ed I wrote which ran in
www.greaterauckland.org.nz
November 5, 2025 at 8:38 PM
FRESH POST: @connorsharp.bsky.social's recent op-ed on Simeon Brown's legacy for transport in our city...
...gains extra relevance with the minister now attempting to personally redesign the (not yet completed) Rā Hihi/ Reeves Road flyover, on the fly. 🤨 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/t...
...gains extra relevance with the minister now attempting to personally redesign the (not yet completed) Rā Hihi/ Reeves Road flyover, on the fly. 🤨 www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/11/06/t...
Reposted by Connor Sharp
😎😎😎😎 GOOD THINGS CAN STILL HAPPEN 😎😎😎😎
November 5, 2025 at 5:22 AM
😎😎😎😎 GOOD THINGS CAN STILL HAPPEN 😎😎😎😎
Reposted by Connor Sharp
Years of consensus building up in smoke within 24 months. The next strategy for the climate movement should be rapid deployment to make it harder to burn it all up.
When I wrote this just two-ish months ago, the premise was that the architecture of the CCRA (zero carbon act) remained, but the policies that sustained it had been hollowed out.
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
How Jacinda Ardern’s ‘groundbreaking’ climate law has become ‘a shell’
The Zero Carbon Act promised to lock climate ambition into law. But with key policies repealed, delayed or watered down, the once 'world-leading' legislation has become a husk of its former self.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Years of consensus building up in smoke within 24 months. The next strategy for the climate movement should be rapid deployment to make it harder to burn it all up.