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REINZ June data: Buyer activity and sales up, new listings still lag

Times Team
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REINZ June data: Buyer activity and sales up, new listings still lag
The total number of properties sold across New Zealand in June 2023 increased 14.6% year-on-year to 5629, decreasing 4.1% month-on-month.

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand’s (REINZ) June 2023 figures show a renewed level of activity emerging.

REINZ chief executive Jen Baird says June traditionally tends to be a slower month for the property market, however this month we are seeing a rise in sales counts alongside a hesitancy from sellers to list.

Compared to June 2022, this month has shown a notable increase in sales. The total number of properties sold across New Zealand in June 2023 was 5629, up from 4912 in June 2022 (+14.6 per cent), year-on-year. New Zealand excluding Auckland sales counts increased by 17.4 per cent year-on-year from 3203 to 3,761.

At the end of June, the total number of properties for sale across New Zealand was 24,676, down 6.1 per cent (1595 properties) from 26,271 year-on-year, and down 7.5 per cent month-on-month. New Zealand excluding Auckland was down from 15,820 to 15,655, a decrease of 165 properties annually.

“With sales counts up year-on-year but down slightly month-on-month, the change in direction of the national inventory level is driving ongoing lower levels of new property coming to market and an increase in the number of sales being made,” says Baird.

Historical data tells us that we typically expect a decrease in sales when moving from May to June across New Zealand. When that seasonal trend is considered, by applying seasonal adjustment to the sales count figures, we see those sales this June exceeded expectations when compared to the sales count in May 2023.

Nationally, new listings decreased by 21.2 per cent, from 7893 listings to 6218 year-on-year, and a 15.5 per cent decrease compared to May 2023 from 7359. New Zealand excluding Auckland listings decreased 19.8 per cent year-on-year from 4994 to 4,005.

“Salespeople across the country are reporting increased first home buyer activity at open homes, with the easing of LVR restrictions that came into effect on 1 June bringing more people out looking. Although activity has increased, caution remains as interest rates, a pending election and further strain caused by the cost-of-living tempers putting pen on paper,” says Baird.

Nationally, the June 2023 median price decreased 8.2 per cent year-on-year to $780,000 from $850,000. Days to sell have risen to 49 days for June 2023 – up 4 days compared to June 2022 and no change from May 2023. The West Coast and Tasman regions saw an annual increase in median price – up 8.1 per cent to $400,000 and 7.4 per cent to $800,000 respectively.

“In the last three months ending June 2023, 15,934 sales have occurred, a 1.2 per cent increase year-on-year,” Baird says.

“A lack of listings and the challenge of navigating the current economic climate are putting pressure on the market. Commentators say there are harder times ahead, but sales are still happening, people are still making choices about where and how they live, and these choices necessitate a property transaction.”

The REINZ House Price Index (HPI) for New Zealand, which measures the changing value of residential property nationwide, showed an annual decrease of -9 per cent for New Zealand and a -8 per cent decrease for New Zealand excluding Auckland.

National highlights

  • The national median price has remained stable with a 0% change month on month and a -8.2% change year on year from $850,000 to $780,000. For New Zealand excluding Auckland, median prices were down 8.1% to $680,000.
  • The total number of properties for sale across New Zealand decreased 6.1% year-on-year, and down 7.5% month-on-month.
  • The total number of properties sold across New Zealand in June 2023 increased 14.6% year-on-year to 5629, decreasing 4.1% month-on-month.
  • Nationally, new listings decreased by 21.2%, from 7893 listings in June 2022 to 6218 listings in June 2023.
  • Days to sell have remained at 49 days for June 2023 — no change from May 2023 and up 4 days from June 2022.
  • When that seasonal trend is taken into account June 2023 exceeded expectations when compared to the sales count in May 2023.
  • The REINZ House Price Index (HPI) for New Zealand showed an annual decrease of 9.0% in the value of residential property nationwide.

Regional highlights

  • Whilst prices continue to ease annually in most regions, West Coast saw an increase in median sale price, increasing 35.4% from $295,500 to $400,000.
  • Auckland increased 0.8% month-on-month in the median sale price, reaching the $1m price point, but decreased 12.5% year on year.
  • Two regions (Hawke’s Bay and Southland) had a decrease in the median days to sell.
  • West Coast had the highest annual increase in median days (+28 days).

Pair caught in stolen vehicle in supermarket car park

Times Team
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Pair caught in stolen vehicle in supermarket car park
Two people have been charged after being found in an allegedly stolen vehicle in Botany. Times file photo

Police have arrested and charged two people who were allegedly found in a stolen vehicle in east Auckland.

Counties Manukau East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the pair were located in the car park of a Botany supermarket on July 11.

He says the station wagon the two people were in had earlier been sighted in Ormiston at about 5pm.

“The vehicle was observed travelling along Te Irirangi Drive toward Botany, where it was seen entering the supermarket’s car park.

“Several police units were quickly on scene and blocked the vehicle in, bringing it to a stop.

“The 31-year-old man and woman were quickly taken into custody by our staff without further incident.”

Cook says enquiries into the stolen vehicle are ongoing.

Approval granted to build water sports centre

Chris Harrowell
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Approval granted to build water sports centre
The Highbrook Esplanade Reserve in East Tamaki will serve as the site of a new water sports facility. Times file photo Wayne Martin

The Howick Local Board has granted landowner approval to a trust proposing to build a water sports facility in east Auckland.

The board voted on the item at its recent monthly business meeting.

A report provided to the board states the Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Charitable Trust sought approval to construct a water sports centre in East Tamaki, as well as an agreement to lease the land from Auckland Council, which owns the Highbrook Drive site.

Specialist council staff members assessed the application and supported it.

Recommendations put to the board were that it grant landowner approval to the trust to construct the facility; a licence to occupy for the tenant-built car park and access ways, boat ramp, hardstands and pontoon areas; and an agreement-to-lease to the trust for five years on specified terms.

The terms include that funding be secured for the facility’s complete development on or before July 1, 2026, and prior to any works commencing.

“Construction of the proposed water sports facility will take approximately 12 months to complete however may be undertaken in stages over a five-year period,” the report says.

“The building will house clubrooms and storage facilities for the trust.

“The trust would also sub-lease parts of the building to schools and community organisations to operate rowing and waka ama, and other kindred activities from the site and buildings.”

Part of the trust’s purpose is to oversee delivery of programmes that encourage the growth of outrigger canoeing, rowing and other flat-water sports in Auckland.

The facility would be located at Highbrook Esplanade Reserve, which provides access to the Tamaki River.

The report states that as part of the resource consent process, the applicant sent a letter detailing the proposal to nine iwi groups.

Following mana whenua engagement, the trust has developed an ongoing relationship with local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, which has included discussions around the pre-works archaeological investigation and a site blessing.

The board went on to vote in favour of the recommendation.

Chairperson Damian Light says it’s proud to support the waters ports centre, “which will be a significant asset at both a local and regional level”.

“When complete, it will enable more people to be involved in outrigger canoeing, rowing and other flat-water sports,” he told the Times.

“We’re fortunate to have amazing local sportspeople in the Howick Local Board area and facilities like this attract even more.

“The trust behind the project is well represented by both regional and local organisations.

“Not only will it be a fantastic asset from sports, recreational and cultural perspectives but it will also connect people with our amazing natural environment and help boost the local economy.”

Light says the landowner approval and lease marks a major milestone in the project’s journey, which has its roots in a 2007 study intended to find the best location for regional flat-water sports facilities.

“It’s great to see this project continue to make good progress and we’re grateful for the work the Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Charitable Trust, and its predecessors, has been doing to drive this project forward.”

Sports nominations called for

Times Team
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Sports nominations called for
Lance Revill of Revills Boxing Gym was last year’s Supreme Award winner. Photo Brad James

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Howick Sports Awards.

The annual awards will be held at the Pakuranga United Rugby Club on Thursday, September 14 from 7pm.

Organisers are keen to get as many nominations in for sportsmen and women as well as clubs an dofficials in the Howick, Pakuranga and surrounding districts.

“We would like you to consider nominating someone from your club,” organisers said.

“If you have never been to the Howick Sports Awards, it is one of the best nights in the community.

“The room is full of the best of the best, the best athletes, the best coaches, and the best volunteers.”

The achievement nomination period is April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Any junior nominations should be under 19 as of January 1, 2023.

All finalists will receive two free tickets to the awards evening.

Nominations close on August 3 and finalists will be announced on August 15.

Tickets for the awards evening will go on sale on August 17.

Last year’s Supreme Award winner was Lance Revill of Revills Boxing Gym.

Visit www.sporty.co.nz/purc/howick-sports-awards for more information and make a nomination.

Pair charged over alleged mail thefts

Chris Harrowell
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Pair charged over alleged mail thefts
Howick Police sergeant Brett Meale says several people have been arrested in relation to the theft of mail in east Auckland. Times file photo Wayne Martin

Police have charged two people after receiving reports of mail allegedly being stolen from homes in parts of east Auckland.

Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police says the pair are before the courts in relation to such incidents in Bucklands Beach.

“Police responded to reports of two people believed to be going through mailboxes and taking the contents at about 4.15pm on June 25,” he says.

“Police monitored the pair and provided updates to responding officers who located them in Pakuranga and took both into custody without incident.”

Meale says a 25-year-old female and a 41-year-old male were to appear in the Manukau District Court charged with theft.

“This was an excellent demonstration of teamwork between different areas of policing and we’re pleased to have brought a resolution to those in the community who may have been impacted,” he says.

“We also thank the member of the public who reported the incident.

“We know this will have caused some concern, and we encourage anyone who notices any damage or suspicious activity outside their house or their neighbours’ property at any time of day or night, to please contact police.”

The arrests follow incidents of members of the public finding mail that had been stolen from homes in Howick and handing it in to the Howick Police station in Cook Street.

Meale previously told the Times mail and courier parcels were being found dumped in various locations and he asked residents to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

“Each time it had been found at a bus stop around the area,” he said.

“The mail handed in to us has come from a number of houses in Cook Street, Rodney Street and Howe Street.

“The enquiries we’ve made are that the mail that was missing has been stolen, but the stuff that’s been handed in we’ve delivered to the owners with a letter saying their mail has been opened and handed in to us.”

Meale said residents should be aware of a thief potentially following a postie as they deliver the mail.

“We’ve had other incidents of where a courier drops off a parcel on a doorstep and people are following the courier around.

“Sometimes they’re wearing a high viz-vest and go in behind and steal the parcel.

“We want people to be aware, and also if they can try and secure their letterbox so someone can’t steal the mail out of it.”

People with information on the theft of mail from homes in east Auckland can phone police on 105 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.

St Kents basketball head to co-coach Perth Wildcats 

Staff
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St Kents basketball head to co-coach Perth Wildcats 
Aaron Young has been named as assistant coach for the Perth Wildcats in their 2023/24 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign. 

Saint Kentigern College’s head of basketball has been named as the new assistant coach for the Perth Wildcats basketball team.

Aaron Young was just 24 when he arrived at Saint Kentigern College with the objective of developing his coaching career.

Now eight years on, he has caught his big break, being announced as the assistant coach for the Perth Wildcats in their 2023/24 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign.

Young says the level of coaching he’s going to be involved in is something he’s always looked forward to.

“It’s all really worked out well. I love the group that’s being assembled on and off the court. I’m just happy to be a part of it,” he says.

Young has played a major role in the basketball programme at St Kents over the past eight years, particularly in his role as the premier boys coach, which he led to win the National Premier Competition in 2019.

“It was never a matter of if, but when Aaron was going to be elevated and make it to the next level of basketball coaching,” says a Saint Kentigern spokesperson.

Alongside his commitments with the east Auckland College, Young was employed by the NZNBL franchise the Auckland Tuatara 2020 as head coach.

He took the side to three consecutive finals series in three seasons, including a grand final in 2022.

Perth Wildcats general manager of basketball operations, Danny Mills, says Young met a lot of the criteria sought for the club.

“As we went through a thorough search process to identify an assistant coach we could bring into our programme, we found Aaron ticked a lot of boxes in regard to his background and experience as a current head coach in the New Zealand NBL.

“His ability to connect with and develop players whilst having a modern and innovative mindset on how he views and teaches the game,” he says.

Meanwhile, Young is confident that he can help the Perth organisation and he is very passionate about the team.

“The Wildcats are a world-class organisation. I’ve always had great respect for Perth.

“I know they do things at a high level, so just being able to contribute to and complement what’s already been built over a couple of decades is pretty exciting,” he says.

Library sign finally done

Staff
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Library sign finally done

Driving home this afternoon [June 27], I noticed we finally have Council contractors replacing the entire signage for our library and lounge.

They may finish today if the rain holds off. We’ve waited several years for this to happen.

Alan La Roche
Howick

High rise

Staff
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High rise

Creating high rise high density housing and vast suburbs without trees or gardens is akin to having birds without a sky.

In reality, this is precisely what these suburbs will end up having and that is not to mention, as a consequence, swarms of crickets, cicadas, ants, flies, mosquitos, cockroaches and wasps of biblical proportions making their destructive presence felt for the unfortunate residents given no other alternative by a heartless government.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay

Rail closures

Staff
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Rail closures

I found it amusing that train delays and cancellations in Wellington recently made headline news.

Users of the Auckland Eastern Line have to put up with a total closure of the loop through the Eastern Bays area for nine months.

Why does it take so long to upgrade the base below the track? The trip between Panmure and Britomart takes up to an hour in peak times, using the Express Rail Bus. The benefit to commuters is the free ride, as many of the rail buses are not equipped with Hop Card readers, but no doubt ratepayers will be asked to make up the shortfall in revenue.

Dave Ronson, Pakuranga Heights

Are we really in a recession?

Staff
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Are we really in a recession?

Re: Recession a dark cloud [Christopher Luxon, Times, June 21]. When I bragged some silliness my father would retort, “You’ll do a fat lot!” Will Christopher Luxon “fix” the economy or “do a fat lot”?

Are we really in a recession? GDP makes no distinction between “want” and “need”. Perhaps people are simply spending less on what they don’t need.

Some businesses will fail. Neo-liberals tell us that is how the market is meant to work. If you make a profit, you are clever and helping society allocate resources correctly.

If you are making a loss, the government has mismanaged the economy, according to Christopher Luxon. Maybe what it really means is some people are doing a job that doesn’t matter. That would certainly account for the shortage of people to do the work that needs to be done.

Dennis Horne, Howick

Celebrating Matariki: Kids welcome international travellers

Times Team
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Celebrating Matariki: Kids welcome international travellers
Ormiston Junior School pupil, seven-year-old Marlowe Aira Reid with her koroua (grandfather), Te Whainoa Te Wiata at Auckland Airport.

Ka whakamānawa a Te Taunga Rerenga o Tāmaki Makaurau i a Matariki hei te 14 ō Hurai, mā te whakapāho atu i te iarere o te Taunga Rererangi, i ētahi kōrero hei mihi ki ngā kaieke waihoki hei whakamārama ake i te hiranga o Matariki. 

Auckland Airport will be celebrating Matariki on July 14, with dedicated PA announcements throughout the international and domestic terminals, greeting and farewelling travellers in te reo Māori and explaining the significance of Matariki. 

One of the voices belongs to local student Marlowe Aira Reid, 7.

Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said Auckland Airport has a unique opportunity to educate people about Matariki traditions as they arrive in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. 

“The first thing travellers will hear when they land on Kiwi soil and disembark the plane, will be te reo Māori, and meaningful messages of Matariki, over our PA system, voiced by two school children and Auckland Airport team members who speak te reo Māori. Matariki is an important time for many of our Auckland Airport employees and we want to share this with our travellers,” she said. 

The special Matariki PA messages are set to be heard by 52,000 pairs of taringa (ears) with a busy day expected at Auckland Airport on July 14. More than 14,000 international travellers are expected to arrive, with 12,000 people expected to depart.  The domestic terminal will also be busy with 13,000 arriving and 13,000 departing. 

A sample of one of the PA announcements, greeting travellers at international arrivals says:  

  • Nau mai ki Aotearoa, tau mai ki Tāmaki Makaurau. Tākina rā ko Pūanga e tōia nei a Matariki ki te pae. Mānawatia te wā, mānawatia te ātea, mānawatia ngā tohu o te tau hou Māori. Tukua tō manawa kia ngā i te mauri o Matariki. Tukua tō ngākau kia pīpiri atu ki te mahana o tō ahi kā. Tukua tō ate kia ngiha anō a mahara. Tukua ngā hara ki tua, kia wātea ai tō ātea ki mua. Mānawatia a Matariki. 
  • Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. Today, we celebrate the rising of Matariki, the star cluster. For many Māori, it heralds the start of the New Year. As you step into Tāmaki Makaurau, immerse yourself in the magic of Matariki. For many, Matariki is a time to rest, to reconnect with loved ones and reminisce about past times, to realign with the present and reset for the future. We wish you a bountiful year ahead. Mānawatia a Matariki. 

International travellers at Auckland Airport will also continue to be welcomed by a karanga as they walk through the tomokanga (the Māori carved entrance) upon arrival.  

The PA announcements were recorded by a group of people, including two Auckland Airport employees who put their hands up to be involved – duty operations manager Gabriel Thompson and deputy crew chief operations Mataio Masina. 

Marlowe Aira Reid from Ormiston Junior School.

They were joined by Psalm-Aawhina Mahanga, a 15-year-old student from nearby Manurewa High School, as well as Ormiston Junior School pupil, seven-year-old Marlowe Aira Reid. Her koroua (grandfather), Te Whainoa Te Wiata, from Te Tari Consultants also joined in. Te Whainoa works closely with Auckland Airport, as one of the key members delivering Auckland Airport’s internal te reo Māori courses.  

“Te Whainoa is a great kaiako (teacher) to our employees who have been fortunate enough to learn from him. Not only do these courses help beginners and intermediates learn te reo Māori but it also helps with cultural competency and allows our people to learn key tikanga, or custom,” said Hurihanganui. 

“These PA recordings have the opportunity to be something we can come back to and refresh time and time again, as a way to mark special occasions. Our team members were proud to be a part of this and we look forward to seeing reactions from travellers as they come through the terminals.”

Artists unite to support hospo

Times Team
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Artists unite to support hospo
Get along to select east Auckland eateries and spend to grab a unique artistic creation. File photo supplied

People have the chance to get their hands on a unique artistic print by spending at least $50 in certain local restaurants and cafes.

The project, entitled Feed Your Eyes, is part of the Arts Out East initiative supported by Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.

It’s created by Toni Mosley and sees a group of artists supporting local hospitality businesses.

The artists involved are Peatree, Greta Umbers, Louisa Afoa, Sarah Walker-Holt, Reuben Lankshear and Mosley.

Each of them will make a set of limited edition screen prints with Blue Bathtub Press based on their own creative practice.

People need to spend a minimum of $50 at one of the 11 participating eateries, and then exchange the receipt for a print at the Te Tuhi art gallery at 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga.

Go to www.artsouteast.org.nz for a list of the restaurants and cafes taking part in the initiative which is on until 6pm on July 23.

Excitement builds for FIFA Women’s World Cup

Times Team
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Excitement builds for FIFA Women’s World Cup
The Spirit of Football and a very special ball have paid a visit to Fencibles United AFC. Times photo Wayne Martin

The Spirit of Football and a very special ball have paid a visit to Fencibles United AFC.

Spirit of Football is a not-for-profit community interest company dedicated to promoting a very special ball as the “star of the beautiful game” in the run-up to each Football World Cup.

It is simply known as The Ball.

The Ball is football’s equivalent to the Olympic Torch.

Every four years, it kicks off from Battersea Park in London, where the very first game of modern rules football took place.

Its destination is the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup.

The Ball 2022-2023 was officially launched at Battersea Park, London on July 10, 2022.

For the first time ever, The Ball travelled to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand instead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.

It promotes gender equality and sustainability.

The ball went to the Fencibles on Thursday where players of all ages and skill levels signed The Ball and made pledges: “How am I going to make the world/my community/my club stronger?”

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicks off on July 20 with the first match seeing New Zealand meet Norway [7pm].

ACT Party MPs: ”We need to nail inflation’

Chris Harrowell
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ACT Party MPs: ”We need to nail inflation’
ACT List MPs Damien Smith, left, and Simon Court spoke at a public meeting in Flat Bush on July 5. Times photo Chris Harrowell

Two Opposition MPs have slammed the Labour Government’s economic record and its co-governance policies at a public meeting held less than three months out from this year’s general election.

ACT List MPs Damien Smith and Simon Court fronted the meeting at St Paul’s in the Park Anglican Church in Flat Bush on July 5.

Smith, who stood in the Botany electorate at the 2020 general election, began the meeting by saying the Labour Government has “blown its budget”.

“ACT’s philosophy is a low-taxing Government, low-spending Government, and smaller Government.

“If anybody here can put their hand up and say the last six years services have improved and we’ve got value for money, I’d like to know if you have that opinion.

“Inflation is running rampant in people’s lifestyles.

“In terms of the cost of living, goods are getting more expensive in the supermarket and at the petrol station and we need to nail inflation. That’s one of our goals.”

Smith said ACT would bring back interest rate deductibility if elected to Government.

It will not punish people for having a “little nest egg” for their retirement relating to property and it will encourage Kiwis to stay in New Zealand as well as create real jobs that keep young people here.

“Our concern is that [Finance Minister] Grant Robertson is loading people up with debt and future generations are going to have to pay for this legacy.”

Court asked why it is that when people raise an issue such as investing in water infrastructure, they end up talking about ethnicity and the Treaty of Waitangi.

“And why one group of people who are affiliated to an iwi, hapu or marae are given special rights to have a say as to how we use water, how we allocate resources, and decision-making over how other people use their land, in the case of the resource management reforms.

“As a civil engineer, and initially as an environmental scientist, I would say when we’re making decisions about water quality, you want to know is it safe for people and fish to swim in, is it safe to drink, and are the pipes that get it to my home or business in a fit state.

“Those are all things scientists and engineers and ecologists can tell you.

“But there is nothing people are born with that gives them a special power to look into the water, or the pipes, and tell you whether they’re working or whether the water is fit to drink.

“ACT believes that is just one example – co-governance and Three Waters – the concept this Labour Government introduced … is an example of how wrong New Zealand has gone in the past 30 years.”

Smith and Court answered questions from the audience on subjects including crime, how ACT would work with National, housing intensification, and voting under the MMP electoral system, among others.

This year’s general election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 14.

MP launches petition to raise speed limits

Chris Harrowell
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MP launches petition to raise speed limits
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown is behind a petition asking Auckland Transport to reintroduce the previous speed limits on a group of major local roads. Times photo Chris Harrowell

A petition has been launched calling for speed limits on three of east Auckland’s busiest roads to be raised.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown created the petition, which he’ll eventually deliver to Auckland Transport (AT).

The agency announced last year it was reducing the speed limits on 1600 roads around the city as part of an effort to save lives and prevent serious injuries resulting from crashes.

“Evidence shows speed is a factor in more than 70 per cent of injury crashes in New Zealand,” AT said.

“We need to do everything we can to create safe school neighbourhoods so parents feel confident their children can walk, bike, or scooter to school.”

Brown’s petition asks AT to reinstate the previous, higher speed limits on Pakuranga Road, Ti Rakau Drive, and Te Irirangi Drive, all of which have had their limits reduced.

“These roads are the critical main arterials for east Auckland and they’re incredibly important to moving tens of thousands of people in and out of the area on a daily basis,” Brown told the Times.

“It’s important they’re operating as efficiently as possible and that’s why the speed limits should be reinstated.

“Most of them have gone from 60kmh to 50kmh. Te Irirangi Drive has gone from 80kmh to 60kmh.”

As the Times has previously reported, the Howick Local Board voted earlier this year to ask AT to reinstate the higher speed limits on the three roads as “there’s been no satisfactory justification provided for the reduction”.

During a discussion at the board’s monthly business meeting in April, member Adele White said the council used to be more of a “reactive organisation”, responding to the needs of the community.

“But now they’ve got this blanket approach, like ‘we’re going to lower the speed limit on 47 roads just because we can’.

“I feel that a traffic engineer should be looking seriously at every single road and the implications.”

Brown says statistics relating to safety on key local arterial roads “doesn’t necessarily translate to improvements with the lower speed limits”.

“We’ve tragically had a number of serious crashes this year.

“We need to make sure if there are people speeding, there’s enforcement.

“At the same time these are roads that carry tens of thousands of vehicles and we need to ensure they’re operating efficiently for people moving in and out of east Auckland.”

He says the reduced speed limits are probably the biggest issue raised with him this year.

“And the fact people don’t feel like they’ve been listened to as part of this process.

“It’s important this issue is considered as part of the upcoming Auckland Speed Management Plan AT will release in late July.

“This petition is to give the community the opportunity to express their views ahead of that plan being released.”

Brown says the Labour Government has effectively mandated local councils and road-controlling authorities across New Zealand to introduce blanket speed limit reductions on the roads.

“The National Party’s view is we need better and safer roads, not slower roads.

“We need to make sure we’re putting the investment in, not just reducing speed limits, which is effectively a Band-Aid solution to a much more complex problem.”

People can sign the petition online at https://simeonbrown.national.org.nz/60kmpetition.

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