#Puhinui

[osrphotography]

DC 4594 and 4467 running light loco through Puhinui. (2022)

The days of DC Class/Clyde-EMD G22AR are sadly numbered. With a host of them awaiting export to South Africa in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Of course, this is the result of an ongoing modernisation program and the eventual arrival of the new Stadler built DM Class. Of these, a small number will be equipped with European Train Control System (ETCS) meaning that they will be able to run on the suburban network in Tāmaki Makaurau. But I will miss seeing the DC Class on the regular.

[newzealandrail]

Kiwirail Freight, Puhinui Station, 2023

[fabi-in-nz]

Der Urlaub ist zu Ende, die Tasche ist gepackt...

Ich darf etwas länger im Airbnb bleiben. Unterhalte mich daher noch etwas mit Sabrina aus Frankreich, die auch hier wohnt und heute auch zurück fliegt. Ganz witzig. Sie hat bei Budget ein Mystery Car gebucht u d dann einen riesigen Pickup bekommen...

Nun... Zu faul zu laufen schnappe ich mir mit über 30kg Gepäck einen Beam Scooter und fahre nach Newmarket zum Bahnhof.

... wieder mit dem Zug ach Puhinui, von dort mit dem AIR Bus zum Flughafen...

Auch mit 26,8 kg ging mein Koffer noch durch (ich hätte sonst manches hier gelassen...)

Noch kurz zu KFC, dann wieder auf den gebuchten Platz 30K am Notausgang und in 17h 20 min nach Doha. Da der Flug schon 14:15 Uhr ging, zog es sich am Anfang ziemlich. Ab der Hälfte bin ich dann eingenickt und die Zeit raste...

In Doha gegen 22 Uhr angekommen...

Froh, dass ich ein günstiges Hotelzimmer gebucht habe... Mit der Metro gefahren... 20 min durch die heiße Nacht mit Handgepäck zum Hotel gelaufen...

Es ist Ramadan ...

... Noch etwas wach geblieben, dann ins Bett...

Kurz vor dem Wecker um 5 Uhr aufgewacht, geduscht, einen Cookie und Instant Kaffee gefrühstückt... Kurz vor 6 runter auschecken, Glück gehabt dass noch ein Platz im 20 Sitzer frei war und ab zum Flughafen...

Frühstück bei BK, ab in den Flieger nach Düsseldorf... Dieses mal Fenster... War mir zu eng... Auch 6,5 h Flug sind nicht gerade kurz, nächstes Mal lieber wieder Gang, kann man besser mal aufstehen 😅...

Angekommen in Düsseldorf, ewig aufs Gepäck gewartet... Das Wetter wird als Ausrede genutzt...

Doch dann die freudige Überraschung...

... Und damit endet dann dieser Blog... Oder ich muss ihn umbenennen 😅

[antichthones]

January 2019 - Puhinui Reserve, Auckland

I went to upload these photos on Facebook -- as I have my past few ventures outdoors -- and suddenly had the strange compulsion to put them on Tumblr instead.  I’m not certain of my blogging future on Tumblr.  So many of my friends have left the platform in the past few years.  Also, that last purge seems to have erroneously censored some of my landscape photos as not work safe, so -- that gives one confidence in Tumblr’s algorithm.

I’m feeling in a bit of a strange mood today.  Sort of on tilt; a bit restless and unsettled.  Maybe it’s what Raymond Chandler diagnosed as the problem with the heat of summer -- although, comparatively speaking, Auckland’s mid-20s “heat wave” is a cool oasis next to the 45 degree hellscape of Australia.  I’m both in awe at the ability of the tennis players at the Aus Open to compete for hours under such extreme heat, and also incredibly appalled that more politicians aren’t alarmed at this “new normal”.  I was listening to the 99% Invisible archives I think, about how air conditioning has dulled our recognition that our buildings today are largely uninhabitable. We used to design buildings to fit the needs of each unique landscape; now we drop the same glass towers everywhere and hope our aircon doesn’t die on us. 

I’m feeling restless and unsettled.  And I think the most frustrating thing is knowing I have to stick around for another year wallowing with this feeling.  I’ve taken on a big project at work (not why I’m staying).  It’s challenging, interesting work -- blah blah (<-- oof, always a positive sign).  There were many different reasons for why, but the one that feels most appropriate for this post is that I couldn’t bear the thought of having the same routine, the same time frames, the same inane arguments with incompetent arrogant people for another year.  With this project, I get to drop the rest of my caseload.  I’ve been going to Melbourne regularly this past year (which, you’d know already if I’d bothered updating this Tumblr haha).  Each time I do, I end up thinking... why don’t I stay?   

I feel like it would help to find something new to do this year -- whether it’s salsa dancing, cheese making, or dragon boating.  The question is what? Suggestions welcome.  

I’ve been thinking of getting back into uploading my photos online.  There is something calming, at least, about photography.  And I get to check out cool places.  Today’s walk, Puhinui Reserve, is tucked away a short distance from the airport.  You get the interesting contrast of planes flying low over sheep and cows -- you can see one of the planes in the 7th photo down.  Took about two hours at a leisurely pace, and the gravel walkway throughout made this a Pretty Easy walk on the Scale of Unfitness. 

[jontycrane]

Auckland’s lesser known gems

Auckland’s lesser known gems

During a decade in Auckland I explored a good proportion of it. Here are eighteen of it’s lesser known / visited gems…

Whites Beach An epic West Coast beach likely to be devoid of people as there is no road access. It’s reached via the Laird Thomson Track at the northern end of Piha, offer spectacular views of both beaches.

Connell’s Bay Sculpture Park A beautiful spot on the eastern end of

[xdl]

20190128 - Puhinui Reserve, Auckland: A rare shot of a person (this time being my mother).

[peninajoy]

PAULO X AGGs X GREASE . Yeah the boys! Great production & performances. AJ (Justice) who played Danny went to Puhinui primary with Rock & its always cool seeing the kids doing great things all grown up . . #StPauls #SagatoPaulo #Grease #Musical #Production #Theatre #PerformingArts #Puhinui #Represent #Photography

[quentinquaadgras]

231 --- A Good Start

It’s time to START, Straight to Airport Rapid Trains.  “A safe and reliable connection to the airport”.

I went along to the Public meeting organised by Public Transport Users Association and NZ Transport 2050 (a non-partisan organisation looking at sensible transport solutions for NZ). The speakers gave a very interesting, informative talk on building a heavy rail link to the airport.

Similar to what I explored in my last blog post, an eastern link was proposed, connecting Puhinui to the airport (instead of Manukau). It was rather exciting to learn some of the actual figures involved, backed by engineers. 

Key Notes:

Cost of $1-1.5 Billion for the heavy rail link,         vs $3 Billion for the current light rail proposal.

A 30min express line between Britomart and the Airport,         vs 43 minute journey for the current light rail proposal.

There was plenty of criticism for the current light rail proposal:

It would cause major disruption during construction.

High likelihood of cost overruns.

Not well precedented.

Attending this meeting has ignited a hidden passion in me for transport and infrastructure. Although, this may have been hinted in my blog posts. My hope is that I can find other students who hold interests in this area, perhaps forming a club at my university. I spoke with the organisers of the event and I am looking at how I am able to help out. It’s a good start.

[osrphotography]

Kinetic Urban №G5416 [MAN 18.290/GBV NZ "Enviroline"] seen on an RBSx service to Papakura.

With the rail network shut for a month, Kinetic, Pavlovich, and Tranzit Group are running rail buses across the city.

Interestingly enough, this iteration of the RBSx features 4 extra stops that were not present the last time the service ran. It now runs between Papakura, Manukau, Puhinui, Papatoetoe, Middlemore Hospital, Ōtāhuhu, Newmarket Parnell, and terminates in the CBD. The previous route was Puhinhi-Newmarket-CBD via State Highway 1.

Nonetheless, it is still faster than the regular RBS service.

Like this photo? It is not currently for sale, but you can view the more than 130 images currently for sale by clicking here.

[newzealandrail]

AT Trains, Puhinui Station, 2023

[ayeshahalal]

Butchery

The King Meat and Spices

19 Great South Rd, Manurewa, Auckland

Ayesha Halal Meats

345 Chapel Rd, Botany, Auckland

Fiwi Curry Hub And Supermarket

57 O’Shannessey Street, Papakura, Auckland

Paradise Halal Butchery Limited

12B Puhinui Rd, Manukau, Auckland

A1 Chicken

151 Stoddard Road, Mt. Roskill. Auckland

[rentcampervan]

Top Hikes Around Auckland

Whether you are planning a single day hike around Auckland or a multi-day hike, it is a good idea to opt for a campervan rental Auckland. It gives more wings to your trip and allows you to camp and set up space for the night. It also allows you to enjoy smaller trails without getting too tired. Here are a few hikes around Auckland that you cannot miss while planning your next trip. 1.    Mercer Bay Loop Track: Whether you are a beginner hiker or someone more experienced, this trail has something for all skill levels. You can also take your dog on this trail. It offers brilliant experiences as it is encompassed by a forest setting. 2.    Coman’s Track: If you are already planning the Mercer Bay track, try and start the trail from Coman’s track and walk via the Watchman’s Road. It is a 72km trail but, offers an incredible experience to the hiker. 3.    Rangitoto Summit Track: On your next visit to Auckland, do make sure to get this experience of walking along the Ragitoto Summit Track. You can opt for motorhome hire Auckland for the day or multiple days, and cover the tracks next to it. The idea is to enjoy the track and have fun during the trail. There is a dormant volcano along the coastal region. You can cover that as well during your hike. When you reach the top of the summit brilliant views are waiting for you. 4.    Massey Cossey Loop: It is located within the Hunua Ranges National Park, and is one of the finest walks around Auckland. You will find lots of birds waiting for you along this trail along with plants and bushes making it musical and enriching for everyone. It also houses a lake. This route is not only good for people who want to hike but also proven to be excellent for those who want to run. 5.    KiteKite Falls Path: This is a 2.7km stretch around Auckland that you cannot miss if you starting out as a hiker. It is a good idea to go with campervan rental Auckland, as it will allow to move in and out of campsites. This 2.7km also hosts a waterfall that makes the entire experience fulfilling. The best part about this hike is that it is accessible through the year. 6.   Duder Regional Park Loop: This is basically a farmland that hosts a beautiful hike too. It opens to beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf. If you want to get a taste of adventure, then this is the trail you ought to take. However, this part falls right into the sun’s domain. So, make sure you carry a sunscreen or other protective cream. 7.   Puhinui Stream Forest Trail: This connects the Totara Park to the Botanical Gardens in Manukau.  You are exposed to more than 155 plant species while taking this trail. It is a popular picnic spot around Auckland. If you want to make the most of your trail and trip, you should opt for a motorhome hire Auckland.

[rorytait]

Planespotting at AKL

I needed an excuse to cycle out to try the new Puhinui Shared Path so plane spotting was perfect as it passes the official spotting lookout! I took some lunch and rode out to watch some planes come in.

To get to the spotting lookout without dangerously walking or riding on SH20B you somewhat dodgily have to go down what appears to be a private road past the Air Chathams hangars, but it is actually a public access way!

As with most things, it was fairly quiet due to lockdown but I did spot five landings, though only three are featured here.

This Air New Zealand A320 landed from Wellington just before noon. 

This Bombarder Challenger 604 private jet then landed from Christchurch.

And then finally, the real treat of the outing was seeing Emirates' B777-300ER land from Dubai via Kuala Lumpur.

With so few wide bodies around at the moment due to the hard border, it was really cool to see something big and foreign.

After that the next plane wasn't for another hour, so I began the long cycle back to the city.

[regenerativedesignardn608]

Brainstorming Ideas

I began by brainstorming different opportunity statements, developing and then refining them. 

Taking notes from class, early stages of the process.

Draft brainstorming opportunity statements. Playing with the different wording and the different focuses.

Refining the opportunity statements 

I came up with two which I then asked for some guidance on the direction I wanted to go in. 

The two opportunity statements were:

1. How might we use communication as a tool to engage the Te Puhinui Community in understanding the importance of marine biodiversity? 2. How might we engage the Te Puhinui Community to help restore the native flora around the Te Puhinui Stream?

I asked my tutors for feedback, which was super helpful. 

Some initial thoughts are that one is focused on the role of communication and the other on the role of tree planting - which are quite different focuses but both opportunities worth exploring. Do you have a preference or sense of which is more interesting for you? An observation from my part is that the first OS could include exploring the second OS but the second OS is much more focused on environmental action and riparian planting. Not good or bad, but definitely more defined/focused in scope as communication as a tool could lead you in many different, and even surprising directions...

Suggested rewording of your Opportunity Statements:

How Might We use communication as tool to engage Te Puhinui communities in the care of marine biodiversity?

How Might We work with the communities of Te Puhinui to revegetate the stream environment?

I then decided on the direction I wanted to go in which was:    How Might We use communication as tool to engage Te Puhinui communities in the care of marine biodiversity?

I chose this because it is more broad, and it opens up the scope on how communication can be used as a tool, to engage the Te puhinui communities in the care of the marine environment. There are more opportunities for different solutions. 

[airportlistofficial]

Auckland Airport is initiating a road project to boost transport connections.

Auckland Airport has announced that as construction starts on its major southern gateway, it is launching a significant year of execution on infrastructure projects. The multi-million dollar infrastructure project on Laurence Stevens Drive in Auckland, which aims to enhance transport links from the south of the airport, to connect major public transport projects and to provide a resilient road network within the airport precinct, is one of these initiatives.

With a new inbound high-occupancy vehicle lane added, the project will see the road extended. On Laurence Stevens Road, pedestrian paths and bus stops will be enhanced and two additional bus stops will be added, the airport said.

André Lovatt, Airport Planning and Distribution General Manager, said the project would link up with the new Park & Ride South facility and complement the joint investment in safety upgrades and priority lanes by the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.

We are increasing accessibility to essential public transport connections

We are increasing the accessibility of essential public transport connections while we deliver on these initiatives," said Mr Lovatt." The redevelopment of Laurence Stevens Drive is a cornerstone of our project to boost public transport access from the Puhinui Interchange and to ease the flow of traffic from the southern corridor to the airport. Ultimately, more options will be open for passengers to get to and from the airport.

"We work with our partners to ensure better travel, whether flying from the airport or driving for work, for all travellers."

In order to upgrade its transport network, Auckland Airport has said it is investing in various projects. By 2044, these ventures will help the airport handle more than 40 million projected passengers and 260,000 flights each year, twice the number of passengers accommodated today.

The project is expected to run until December 2020, the airport has said.

[ajaygulatinz]

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