Local businesses are petitioning Parliament to call for assistance after significant disruption and delays as a result of City Rail Link (CRL) construction, MP for Auckland Central Nikki Kaye says.
“It’s been around six months since I first met with Albert Street businesses impacted by CRL disruption.
“In that time we have had several meetings with councillors, City Rail Link Limited (CRLL) officials and council officers. A month ago I met with the Minister of Transport and I’ve also written to the Mayor and the Minister advocating for local businesses. There has been a lot of discussion but little action.
“Council has implied that they may have made a proposal to Government but if this exists it is not public.
“Businesses on Albert Street have faced extreme hardship as a result of significant delays with the project. In other jurisdictions the Ministry has acknowledged business disruption where there have been significant delays and supported businesses.
“Documents obtained under the Official Information Act reveal under the original design for the City Rail Link a plan was developed to reduce disruption which was in my view not adequately followed. CRLL has treated businesses poorly and at times failed to adequately communicate with them.
“The reality is, this is an extraordinary situation where the length of delay has ruined the lives of businesses owners in the area. I have worked closely with Heart of the City, who represent businesses in Auckland Central and who have now set up a petition which I will present to Parliament to consider these issues once we have obtained signatures.
“These people deserve much better. I encourage people to sign the petition and I hope that the Government and Council will act to provide greater support.”
The petition can be found here.
