Author Archives: Mike Lee

The introduction of a Hamilton to Auckland commuter rail service took a major step forward after Waikato region council leaders and MPs joined a KiwiRail Silver Fern unit on a pilot trip from Hamilton to Auckland this morning. The KiwiRail … Continue reading →

Simon Moore is a highly respected Crown Prosecutor and long-time friend of the late Phil English. The following is the  eulogy he presented at the funeral service for Phil.  Thanks to Simon and Michele Hewitson of the NZ Herald for … Continue reading →

“Separation penetrates the disappearing person like pigment and steeps him in a gentle radiance.” Walter Benjamin. I didn’t sleep that well last Friday night – I kept thinking of my friend Phil English – former political and conservation reporter at … Continue reading →

“Not only will thousands of people come to experience the open sanctuary – but be in no doubt that these birds will be coming to visit you – the local residents of Whangaparaoa, the Hibiscus coast and beyond.” Continue reading →

8th of June is always going to be an historic day for tram lovers as today the first trams to run on central Auckland streets since 1956 were landed Jellicoe Wharf at the Port of Auckland. The trams beautifully restored … Continue reading →

The Minister of Transport’s announcement yesterday which sought to demolish the business case for Auckland’s long planned Central City Link (aka CBD loop) is a major set back for Auckland. While for diplomatic reasons the Mayor and government are trying … Continue reading →

   Last Friday morning I escaped from a round of seemingly endless Auckland Council meetings to go and do what I used to do a lot of back in the ARC days – I  travelled down to Crusoe Island with … Continue reading →

ANZAC Day Address by Auckland councillor Michael Lee on behalf of the Governing Body Auckland Council,  Civic Commemorative Service  Cenotaph, Auckland Museum and Domain.        Mike Lee delivers Anzac Day speech at the Civic Commemorative Service   Today … Continue reading →

  Ponui Island (its literal translation means ‘big night’) which is just 18km from downtown Auckland is one of Waiheke’s closest neighbours (only 2km away) but one of those quiet neighbours that keep itself very much to itself.  The island … Continue reading →

Yesterday on this site I picked up a request from Martin and Lynn Plom who having just bought a bach at Thames discovered that it was an old tram: Their request to this site is repeated here: We have just … Continue reading →