…after 55 years – Trams are back in town!
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...
Author: Mike Lee
History repeats – National screws Auckland rail for the third time
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...
Leaping Lizards! liberated native skinks and geckoes alive and breeding
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 ...
Stand for New Zealand! Kippenberger’s rallying cry at Galatas has message for modern New Zealanders
ANZAC Day Address by Auckland councillor Michael Lee on behalf of the Governing Body Auckland Council, Civic Commemorative Service Cenotaph, Auckland Museum and Domain. Today we gather to solemnly remember the sacrifices...
Rediscovered! Ponui Island’s ‘lost tribe’ of kiwi
First published 25/04/11 Paragraph 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...
Auckland heritage tram rediscovered – former Onehunga tram car 53 found at Thames disguised as a bach!
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...
Letter from Paris
Hello Mr Lee, My name is Jasper Middleton, I am a graduate architect from Auckland, currently living in Paris. I keep a very watchful eye on Auckland’s progress, as I’m a fervent supporter of...
Tribute to a great New Zealander – farewell Prof John Morton
There was a very large turn-out of mourners for the funeral of Professor John Morton at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church in Parnell last Friday. The size of the crowd reflected the stature of the man and...
Mike Lee speaks at opening of Baldwin Avenue Train Station – predicts Auckland rail patronage to overtake Wellington within two years – invites Transport Minister Steven Joyce to openings of further rail stations…on the CBD Link
I wish to welcome everyone here this morning to this handsome new Baldwin Avenue Station Congratulations especially to Auckland Transport and KiwiRail and thanks also to the workers who built it. In the preparations...
Time to acknowledge Auckland’s founding father – lets put up a statue to Governor Captain Hobson
Blessing of the Fishing Fleet – Auckland Anniversary Day:Speech notes Mike Lee Tena koutou katoa. First of all I wish to extend to you the warm greetings of the Mayor of Auckland Len Brown...