Thursday, March 13, 2008


WELLINGTON, FAIREST CITY OF ALL ?

Is there any city more fair on such a day as this? I doubt it. The northerly gale that greeted me Tuesday and made for a such a bumpy ride in to Rongotai airport has long abated to be replaced by clear, mild, windless days. I took advantage of this today by walking from the railway station to Oriental Parade and then back to Courtenay Place along the waterfront.

What a stunning job the powers that be have made of opening up the Wellington waterfront for its citizens. Wide walkways, (as wide as most city streets). shared by cyclists and pedestrians this area is one of the jewels in Wellington’s crown.
Cafes and bars and theatres and kayak hire places along with gardens and sculpture and plenty of seating on which to rest to rest and take in the harbour which this morning was bathed in sunshine.

I suggest that the board members and senior staff of the Ports of Auckland all get on a plane and come down here and see what could be achieved in Auckland where for the most part its citizens are disgracefully locked away from the harbour waterfront.
And I must say also that away from the harbour the city looks in fine form. It looks like the whole place has been cleaned and scrubbed. Great to see old buildings being faithfully resored too.

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