Subscribe to RSSFamous Last Words
This is AKT’s fourth anniversary.
As a reluctant blogger, I’ve been bewildered by the success of AKT and its undeniable influence. First launched as aucklandtrains.co.nz, it began as an independent voice for improvement to Auckland rail pressing for a City rail loop and airport rail link long before it became fashionable and a key part of Auckland Council’s Plan.
I have created thousands of posts of original copy and there are more than 20,000 photos documenting the important last four years of Auckland’s development including the march towards rail electrification - photos and coverage not found anywhere else online. For that reason, the site remains live for the time being.
But this is my last post.
I want to especially thank those who have helped - you know who you are. Besides readers there have been the politicans both from central and local government, officials and staff from Auckland Transport, NZTA, KiwiRail, Auckland Council, Greater Wellington Council, Veolia, and others.
You’ve answered my queries, slipped me stuff and taken issue with me while recognising I’m entitled to my opinion. You are good people with your heart in the right place.
You, the reader, who have commented on articles have helped make what a good site should be - a lively vehicle for important debate. You have been awesome.
My favourite comment contributor remains a certain right wing Nat party politician with a good sense of humour who always got a bite but was remarkably and no doubt deliberately moderate here compared to what he does say in the more official public arena.
No-one ever guessed it was you, which was hilarious. Sir, your secret remains totally safe with me!
Thanks too to those in the mainstream media & Scoop who have paid me respect, quoted me, communicated with me, exchanged tips and even worked discretely together on stories. That has meant a lot.
In a few days from writing this, I will enjoying faster integrated public transport in Australia as I have in just the last few weeks decided to sadly join the brain drain.
Why? I love NZ , would love to stay and love running this site which is enjoying huge popularity and has a busy but fun project.
Auckland under Mayor Len Brown has offered a 30 year or so vision for how Auckland should be and it’s starting to show improvement that makes me believe it will become the exciting liveable city he wants it to be but he’ll need central Government to let him get there.
Nationally all our politicians are so focus-group obsessed they aren’t prepared to think beyond next week’s opinion polls let alone give us a vision of how NZ will ride out the world’s gloomy financial situation and take bold brave innovative moves to guarantee our future.
I want them to try things.
Why is there no gathering of ex-pats who have made their name overseas to find out what would entice them home or what they have learnt in the big wide world and trends they have been picked up that could be applied here.
No gathering of the creative bold thinkers amongst us to find out how to collectively work out solutions that ride above the usual gutter politics so that politicians from across parties work in the bigger interests of New Zealand to craft a long-term vision they buy into.
My reluctant decision to join the exodus is not financially driven as the media usually portrays in discussing why people move. It’s because I’m increasingly frustrated if not depressed that NZ could be so much better, so much more interesting, and more able to hang on to people so they can do stuff here and still enjoy the lifestyle that makes NZ special.
I want to thrive in an environment that is positive, looks ahead not just obsessing about wrongs of the past and understands where the world is at in 2012 including in terms of transport, an issue obviously dear to my heart. And with a thousand people heading off a week, too many of my like minded friends have already made the move and I am sick of reading their Facebook posts about their life in their new world and how much more positive they feel about navigating the stormy global uncertainties ahead.
I’m not so naive as to assume Australia is nirvana without its own problems but it’s a big place and it will be a start, however hard it is to wrench myself away from family and friends, replace a nice laid back comfort zone at the bottom of the world and, to be honest, to write these words that means this post signals the end of the fun of providing this site.
My blogging days are parked so don’t expect an Australian AKT. For as long as I can afford it, I’ll leave this running for a little longer as an historical online record of what’s happened over the last few years.
That’s it. Thank you. Good luck.
Jon C
Here were AKT’s craziest moments
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96 Comments
Jon - it is really sad to hear that this will be your last post, I started reading in 2009 and since then it has been one of my favourite sites. I have enjoyed the coverage you have provided and it will be missed. All the best for the future and I hope everything works out for you, also what city are you moving to?
Jon - very sad news indeed.
For the last couple of years this has been a “must read” blog site for me. Always well written/considered articles - and always loved the photos. It’s also attracted good quality commentators - which is a great sign that what you’ve done is valued.
Good luck in Aus
Hi Jon,. That inability to sit tight and do nothing has resulted in you doing your city a great service. I began to follow this site after I attended the CORE 2010 rail conference with it’s Auckland Dart project visits in Sept 10. I was directed to your site by Paul in Sydney. I have derived great enjoyment from observing and sometimes commenting.on the Auckland goings on and hope that I am still able to travel by the tine the new EMUs enter service. I have ofter wondered how you found the time to run the blog or indeed pay for it. I have also often bemoaned to Paul that we have nothing like this in Sydney so perhaps after a while you will have an itch that needs scratching. As Matt L enquired so will I. Is it Sydney If so you are most welcome to make contact. BTW you will also find out who reads your posts to the very end now. Many thanks…Peter
Thanks for a great blog Jon. I’m going to miss your updates on Auckland - it’s been great knowing what’s been going on around town - and usually before anyone else.
Sorry to hear you are joining the brain drain. NZ needs people like you to stay.
All the best mate. Really enjoyed your site over the years. Many thanks.
I’ve really loved reading the articles on this site since I discovered it earlier this year. You’ve been a great voice for what Auckland really needs and it’s a real shame that you’ll be leaving us for Australia.
Thanks for everything!
Good luck Jon.
I wonder if you could talk to Archives NZ about storing your blog, with it’s extensive documentation of Auckland’s rail expansion. I think it would be a great loss if this collection became lost to history.
Thanks for all the insights over the years.
Oh..yes I knew John Banks posted here, never fooled me.
I agree that there is no point of constantly getting frustrated when those in power don’t listen, although you had your influence on this blog the next move was to either get into politics or leave.
Look after yourself Jon and come back when we get our new trains.
Thanks for your work over the years, it is much appreciated. All the best for your Australian future.
Jon
I whole heartedly agree.
So often the media highlights better pay and lower taxes in Australia as the primary motivation for the exodus. I disagree, if I were to move, it would be for lifestyle - for the opportunity to live in a city that was more forward thinking and more liveable. I was in Melbourne just a month ago - and it’s refreshing and liberating to be in a place that is so well connected and accessible. Auckland is slowly getting better. But with the current central government we currently have - I still feel like we are stuck in 1979.
All the best for Australia mate.
Mike
Awwww Jon you cant go now while Auckland sits on the cusp of… wait let me think that one over for a few minutes
[comes back after an hour]
Nah got nothing
You take care of your self and all the best in Convict-ville
(dont worry I lived in Aussie as well before returning)
And thanks for all your hard work
I’m sad to hear you’re leaving.
It’s been great reading your blog over the last year or so since I discovered it.
You’re going to increase the IQ of Australia, that’s for sure. But you’re a real loss to us in NZ.
Good luck and have a good time!
This is the only blog I read, so I will miss you Jon.
any chance if someone can take over the site and run it,good luck in australia,miss reading what happening on the trains,i am a train passenger from the 70′s when there was 6 red carriages plus one engine,train from auckland to wellington was 12 carriages,silver star was trains of the day,big stations that looked like a double house and keep you dry,good old days
Sad to hear this is the end of AKT,
I never commented but always enjoyed reading your posts over the past few years. Aucklandtrains was usually the first site I would visit for the day.
All the best in Oz.
Jon, so sad to read this, but can certainly be proud in what you have achieved over the last 4 years. If it all possible the contents of the site should be archived for the future. All the best for Australia and future endevours.
Sorry to see the end of this vital blog Jon, but can’t fault your logic for leaving. Appreciate Mike’s comments above too. I was in Melbourne and Sydney this month; Melbourne in particular has that street-level energy generated by the bustle of pedestrians, cyclists, trams and car working together. That is the draw-card - a well-functioning progressive city - not the higher incomes (and rents).
I hope at least that this final post is one that the MSM do decide to pick up on.
Big thanks Jon
And welcome to Aus
will miss the site, provided a great source of information and overwhelmingly informative and civil debate, most unusual on blogs, especially ones that encounter politics.
Hope someone picks up the mantle and continues the site in some form. Really, really hope the site stays online or accessible in some form, is an invaluable historic record.
Dude! I’m really very sad to read this post!
You’ve done a great service for your city and you should be proud.
I’ve been following your posts for a few years now from London. Having just returned home for a holiday, I don’t blame you for wanting to leave and try a city with a bit more vitality. Aucklands getting better, but it’s got a long way to go!!
Good luck with all your future plans, I hope you find a way to archive your work.
Take Care
Jon C - Thanks for everything over the years. I cannot remember how I first found out about this site, seems like so many moons ago, but has always been on my daily visit list.
Yes, Len Brown has certainly set up an amazing plan for Auckland, unfortunately some backwards provincial politicians are running NZ again, so Auckland looks set for nothing much new to happen transport wise, apart from more tarmac.
Just catching a train today from Salzburg to a regional city in Bavaria today I was thinking about how NZ needs good regional rail services. It is only the National politicians who are holding them and the country back.
Good luck with your new life in Australia, and if you ever happen to visit Switzerland look me up. Europes longest tram line rolls past my appartment.
Hi Jon, I’ve never commented before but have been reading your site for just under a year. I went travelling for six months and I followed your updates the whole time I was away. I thought it bit strange that I didn’t want to disconnect from home but it seems a lot of people have been following you from overseas. Thank you for keeping me personally informed and consequently keeping all my friends informed. Best of luck.
Very sad to hear that you’re not going to be blogging anymore Jon. I always felt that our blogs complemented each other very well - and we had things nicely covered between the two blogs.
Wishing you good luck in your new life in Australia. You seem to be going there with your eyes very much open, which is good, as many people seem to be surprised that it wasn’t the panacea they expected.
You will certainly be missed here though.
Joshua
Auckland Transport Blog
http://www.transportblog.co.nz
Jon, your blog site has been an invaluable resource for my academic research and personal interest in PT. Your insight into Auckland’s PT development will be sorely missed. I wish you all the best in your future in Australia. Oh and I agree with many others here, can we get this site archived?
Sorry to see you leave Jon!! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, and reading about the various issues you are passionate about! Thanks also for doing a ‘look-back’ over the years, and year - it’s been great to see how far we have come.
Your voice will be sorely missed.
Best of luck in Australia!
All the best Jon C, this has been a site I’ve very much enjoyed reading. It’s sad that you’re off, but I trust all your future endeavours go well.
*sniff* T.T
I’m gonna miss this site…..It is the one blog I truely look forwards to reading everyday.
But I understand your move, I would be out of here as well If I could move,
Auckland is progressing, but for too slowly.
Thanks for everything.
Sad news indeed Jon! Your blog has been a daily read for me to keep up with all things Auckland, and I will certainly miss it.
Best of luck in Oz.
All the best Jon. Have appreciated your work. Trust all your future endeavours go well.
Jon sorry to see you leave. You have been a very positive influence on the transport scene in New Zealand. It has been a pleasure to see how it has developed over the last few years and will be very much missed. Thank you for efforts and intelligent insights.
It has been a good blog community also with many varied personalities and views coming out amongst the regular posters. All of which will be missed! Good luck!
Damn.
Best of luck and come back soon.
Jon you have been immortalised on Facebook by Mayor Len Brown who states he is also sad to see you go.
Again all the best in Australia
A real shame for those of us who enjoy this blog so much. Still understand the need to move away. I’d be out of here in shot as well if I could (wife does not want to move). Don’t really want to hang around and watch Auckland become a giant, sprawling baby boomer retirement village, which is where the current government wants to steer it.
Best of luck. You will be missed.
I will be trying to pick up some of the stuff that Jon was doing so if your want to keep up with what is happening with transport, particularly in regards to Auckland, please stop by.
http://transportblog.co.nz/
Thank you for providing 3 years of interesting blog posts. I know as a transport mad person, I will miss reading your blog posts. I have enjoyed the political pressure you and some of the other transport bloggers have put on the transport minister.
All the best Jon
Very sad news indeed. Clearly it takes a huge amount of work to keep this site as fresh and as dynamic as it has been. Auckland will be much poorer for your absence, Jon.
Hope you have a good time in Australia, but perhaps we can can tempt you back with the CRL… I’m sure it will happen and your work here has helped the great and ongoing revival in rail and PT in general in AK.
Oh hello Jon
Oh really that you are leaving us!!! I thought on your topic that it was the last word for 2011 but it is actually that u r leaving the country for good!!!
I certainly feel very participated on reading your blog, you have give every people a feel how the transport of Auckland can be improved! You have understand people frustration and have been providing a positive forum rather than negatives!!!
Now once you left, I am just wondering who is going to take over this blog or is it really the end of this site??
All the best Jon
Regards
Jacky
I can only echo what everyone else is already saying. Auckland transport is better for you having done this. We’ll miss you!
Jon This is definitely the saddest post I`ve read on here. Thanks for all your work and effort with the blog. Auckland and NZ will be much the poorer for you.
One can only hope we get a central govt in the not too distant future which shares in Len Brown and the Auckland Council`s vision for Auckland and we can really get this place rocking so that we might entice you and others back.
Anyway, good luck Jon.
Sad to see you go… been a good couple of years reading this
Hopefully you’re onwards and upwards with new projects
Jon
Just wanted to add my name to the growing list of people sad to see your leaving NZ. Many thanks to the obvious hard work you have put into your site which will be sorely missed.
Sorry to hear you’re leaving Jon (with a C), but best of luck with your new home. Many thanks for all the interesting entries here over the years.
@Jon (with an R), hahaha I’ll miss your sense of humour here. We all know eight daily provincial passenger trains were canned under Labour and none under National. It’s funny when you pretend it’s the other way around - may you continue to express your sense of humour in the other forums
I for one never expected you to leave but I am sure that you have given it lots of thought and I wish you well with your new venture. Take some comfort in the fact that I will be staying on in Auckland and I will keep exposing the inadequacies that plague our city via Eye on Auckland.Just as my blog has had some influence, your blog helped in the fight to make our city so much better and it will be missed.
Thanks again for all your effort and stay in touch with Eye on Auckland when you are in Aus. Good luck mate.
Sydney
http://www.eyeonauckland.com
Thank you for creating this blog Jon. I’ve always enjoyed keeping up-to-date with what is going on through your daily postings. The effort and creativity you put into creating this site has been a real gift to people with an interest in Auckland and transport.
You will be missed here, but all the best for the move to Australia. Bon voyage.
A pity you are leaving us. We will miss a very popular blogger. Have a good life in Aussy
Dear Jon. Thank you so much for 4 amazing years of fantastic documentation, articles, photos, etc. We will miss your blogs galore.
Best wishes not just for the season but for your new start across the Tasman. Bon Voyage and hope to read a new blog from over there.
Diego
Thanks for your all your kind words and best wishes. They mean a lot. Glad you have enjoyed AKT.
Fantastic blog - a must-read every day. Will miss this. All the best Jon.
This has been one of my favourite websites for a while. It’s sad that its all come to an end. Thanks!
Bye Bye Jon, and like everyone else I will miss your blogs. Thanks for all your efforts in keeping us up to date on public transport issues.
All the best in Oz
Come and join us in transporttextbook.com, and get your Kiwi teeth into the silly situation on this side of the ditch
And you’re used to only having one government - we have 8 or 9 of the damned things to contend with.
Jon, Long time watcher, occasional commenter. Sad to see you wind this blog up. I second Riccardo’s comment above, come and join us at TT and give a ‘fresh set of eyes’ to Australia’s PT problems and a better look at NZ. Well done for all your efforts in NZ and best wishes for your ‘new life’ in Australia.
HW
Oh man, I just heard this news and I’m honestly gutted. As you know, you inspired me to create my own blog for transport here in Korea. Your blog was one of my main sources for tracking the development of Auckland’s transport projects. Now what will I do?
I understand your reasons though, myself living overseas. I hope you enjoy your life in Australia and using the transport there. I hope you’ll pop into other forums every now and again too.
Thanks again mate.
You can use the Campaign For Better Transport forum to discuss issues affecting Auckland and NZ transport.
http://www.BetterTransport.org.nz
“It’s because I’m increasingly frustrated if not depressed that NZ could be so much better, so much more interesting, and more able to hang on to people so they can do stuff here and still enjoy the lifestyle that makes NZ special.”
Don’t hold your breath for change. Those reasons are almost exactly why I left the country nearly 40 years ago! Returned in 1996. Big mistake; it’s still a small country that thinks smaller.
Gutted.
I have been reading this site for a little over a year now and have greatly appreciated your articles, especially with how you were always the first to report anything new.
Thank you for all your effort in creating such an interesting blog and god wishes for your future in Australia.
Sorry read. Has really made me very sad indeed. This is another loss to public debate / media as Stratos TV is now dead, what is next? TVNZ 7 probably.
http://pundit.co.nz/content/stratos-is-dead-whos-next
A big hat tip to you Jon C.
Thanks Jon - you will be missed and I am afraid you are actually irreplacable!
The idiots that run Auckland Public Transport and the like will now be able to get away with the moronic decisions and stupid ideas now ad infinitum.
God help us! God help Auckland!!
This is not good news.
You have been a strong intelligent voice as well as bringing us the news we cant get anywhere else.
Thanks and good luck as others say.
But you need to know no one can come close to doing the job you have done in helping make Auckland and public transport so much better,
You’re a legend jon C
If transport junkies need another place to score they could also check out-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland-deserves-a-Tram-System/217282094980382
I’ve another voice to add to all the others. I too think you provided a bit of a kick in the pants for those with a bit of a say in Auckland. So thankyou for sinking the slipper into a few recalcitrant arses. There are the visionless and the simple, and we’ve got to keep on kicking.
You’ve done a fine job.
Sorry to read you’re going Jon. Your blog was a twice daily read for me. All sorts of comments, left and right. were posted. Some topics fell flat and seemed to attract little interest while others touched raw nerves.
Good luck in Oz where there are much better train services but also more creepy crawlies and venom spitting cane toads.
Woah, judging by the comments here NZ is definitely a country full of pessimists. People come and people go, it is not the end of the world, it is a fact of life. I find it dis-heartening to read how quickly most of you forget just how dramatically Auckland has changed in the last 2 years - and for the better. I have just had visitors from Melbourne and they are amazed at what they see, it is a very different city to the one that they left years ago. Many of us will stay on and help build a better city because we believe that this and NZ is the best place in the World - by a loooooong mile. Those leaving are only making room for those who want to move to this Country.
@eyeonauckland - 2 years progress - 50 years to go to catch up with the rest the world! I think we have a right to be disappointed - it’s still a very slow process & the people in charge still won’t get real on the issues that need addressing.
EyeonAuckland, sure people come and go, but Jon’s dedication to improving this city’s public transport has been exemplary. Knowing that his beady eye was focused on their (in)actions doubtless “helped” some of the ‘crats within the transport bureaucracy to find solutions quicker than they otherwise might. He’s a real loss to the cause, as demonstrated by his anecdotes about the public keeping him abreast of developments all over the region.
For my part, I’m very sorry to hear that we’re losing you, Jon. All the best for Australia, but entirely selfishly I hope that it’s a rotten experience and you come rushing back to Auckland tout de suite; and the tooter the sweeter
All I can say is THANKS. I enjoyed reading your blog every day. I hope it will return at some point.
All the best sucess with your dreams. I hope you find what you are looking for.
@JX - u sound like a real drama queen - the only thing 50yrs behind is your thinking.
@Eyeonauckland - spot on - your blog too has made a difference and great you are staying on
@Jon - thanks for the interesting blog.. I hope you’re not moving just because of integrated ticketing.
Hi Jon
really sad to hear this news, all the best
@eyesonauckland, will be keeping tabs of your blog too
And I agree, we have come along way since Project DART began not so long ago and in my honest opinion we still have a long way to go.
In saying that I was reflecting on things over 2011while I was on annual leave (am back at work now) and it has been quite a year. 2012 will be a very interesting year both exciting and with plenty of opportunity for some heart breaks with The Auckland Plan and Long Term Plan becoming final and realised.
For me personally 2011 has been and gone and here comes 2012 to which I say BRING IT ON (even though I have a hectic year ahead).
As for AKT, Jon through AKT has been an inspiration on many levels. I will let his accomplishments speak for themselves.
But time progresses and Blogs come and go, even with AKT now a part of history (in a nice way) another blog will rise up (if not done so already) and continue the continue the mission of better transport in Auckland and better Urban Planning and Design as well.
Personally (ok here comes the “shameless” advertising as it is called at one site I frequent
) I will be doing my part in that mission through; lobbying and keeping on the back of Auckland Council and Central Government for a better Auckland (and through my work (where I work) as well, and blogging (to which AKT and WhaleOil provided the blogging inspiration) commentary and debate on Auckland’s Planning and Transport.
But I raise my [looks around control room] Lemon Lime and Bitters (non alcoholic) to Jon and AKT for the work, commentary and debate (which got lively).
Hope all goes well in Aussieland (and am expecting an Aussie Transport Blog
)
http://voakl.net/
Best of luck in Australia Jon. Thanks for your hard work in helping to make Auckland a better city (even if most of it’s inhabitants don’t care, or worse, realise).
Jon all the best for the move across the ditch, I have enjoyed reading your thoughts, ideas and seeing you achieve some quiet wins, Auckland will be the poorer for you going.
I am to the right of the political spectrum, but do agree with a lot of what you advocate, your thoughts and ideas are in the main well thought out, the pity is that both sides of the political divide can not meet in the middle and progress some of the things that need to be done.
Having just got back from Australia, it is interesting to note that they have right leaning governments in most states now, a left leaning senate and lower house, but that is more than likely going to change in the next 12 to 18 months, they are also selling off their Power Assets, not because they have to, but because they see it as the right thing to do. There the similarity ends.
The Aussies encourage investment, both with the massive Superannuation base they have, but also with the state funding big projects that they can see have a big upside. This includes transport infrastructure, roads and rail.
I am also seriously considering a move, I am over the inability of local and central government being able to make a decision, but also the inability to see the big picture. There is also little pride in this country or aspiration to achieve. The tall poppy syndrome is alive and well.
All the best, and it would be great to see an odd post of how it is all going.
I’ve been following this blog since its earliest days, after finding a link to it through Railpage.au.
I’ve been out of NZ/Auckland since ’05 but came home for Christmas.
Sadly the trains were not running (engineering works so thats fine with me), but things like the Cloud (sadly empty
), the Vector Area, far better bus, rail and road networks, broadband/wifi, one council, shared spaces, Auckland’s vastly improved waterfront, a far more impressive Motat etc.
Its come a long way and it feels like Auckland is finally heading somewhere… its still a ghostown after five though like the rest of the country.
The only real let-down for me was Eden Park, what a waste of $$$.
”its still a ghostown after five though like the rest of the country.”
And it feels like a ghost town before 5 too because you don’t see very many people, you only see the metal boxes they are using to drive everywhere.
A bit late but I’ll miss you heaps. Thanks so much for all your hard work over the last 4 years! This blog has provided a really valuable service to Aucklanders. Thanks again for your commitment. I hope you find Australia more satisfying to live in.
Really sad to hear. Regularly read your blog. All the best mate.
Thanks again for all your very kind messages here and via email.
They are very much appreciated.
I am in Australia and enjoying it - so far!
I just found this post, I was born in Auckland and now happily live in Christchurch but I’ve been a frequent reader of this blog for the last 3 years or so. I’m extremely sad to see you go - there is no voice as valuable to transport issues in Auckland and you really helped me reconnect with my homecity. I will miss this blog and the wonderful news and photos you post! All the best!
Good Luck Jon, always loved the blog, you will be missed.
Cheers for all your hard work in making Auckland a better place.
You will be missed.
All the best Jon.
I requested that National Library archive this blog as a record of Auckland’s rail development. The site was achieved March and June last year. They will do a final capture / harvest tonight where it should be available for viewing online in the National Digital Heritage Archive (NDHA) in the next couple of weeks.
May AKTNZ live on!
Jym
I’ve followed your blog right from the very start, first while living in London, and now Melbourne. Good Luck Jon, Auckland and NZ is poorer for your loss. I’m going to miss this source of news from home.
I’m news starved already. You brought us info no one else gave us or before anyone else did.
Come back Jon C. All is forgiven.
There has been much change throughout these four years, and AKT has kept us informed.
All the best John
This has been a great way to keep up to date with the Auckland trains. I lived and worked there in 2010 on the signalling upgrade. I love Auckland and hope to move back sometime. Excellent work on the site and sorry to hear it has stopped. Best wishes for Aus.
Thanks for all your hard work Jon, I’ve visited your site nearly daily to stay informed.
Best of luck in Australia, enjoy their trains!
Cheers,
Rog
What a shame, you commitment and dedication are to be admired and I will truly miss this site.
Would be great if someone with your enthusiasm could pick it and continue the site. Sadly I think it would take more than one person.
I love public transport and have always hoped that things would get better in Auckland, so was really stoked to discover your blog a year or so ago and enjoyed devouring every post! Really sad to see this end, but thanks for all the insight (and humour), all the best in Aus!
What a shame! I have never made a post, but have read this blog like clockwork for almost 2 years. Always a insightful and good read. One of my regular sites. Sorry to see it go
Miss you already, Jon!
Don’t forget where home is, eh…
. I have derived great enjoyment from observing and sometimes commenting.on the Auckland goings on and hope that I am still able to travel by the tine the new EMUs enter service.
sorry i hear this maybe your last post, im trying to find a way to live in aussie also, i was in melbourne and enjoy the cheap public transport, im disapointed auckland removed the trams, it would of worked great in the cbd,queen street instead of those loud pollutant buses, the private roads and motorways over there is new to me but it works, the flat ground and the grid suburb layout is very efficient, the wide roads sharing with the trams shows it was a great plan, im sick of auckland current plans with this len brown adding hundreds of traffic lights and the resource consent delays,
Jon, as a Melbournian and a frequent visitor to Auckland, I have really enjoyed perusing this site, and watching the recent exciting developments! Wishing you all the very best in Australia.
Welcome back Jon? Or is somebody else updating the site? Either way, great to see AKT active once more
Geoff my blogging days are thankfully over. I am very happy in Brisbane thank you where trains work.
I was about to pull the plug on the site but a couple of readers have offered to put up the odd photos so the record of the progress towards electrification can be kept for historical purposes for when Auckland gets there.
There will be no commentary and I am not involved.