Ben Ross
@benakl.bsky.social
Spatial and Policy Planner
Resident of South Auckland
Cities Skylines Player and Snob
Resident of South Auckland
Cities Skylines Player and Snob
Pinned
Ben Ross
@benakl.bsky.social
· Dec 26
2025 was indeed even busier fighting for evidence based policy over fact free reckons.
Wonder what 2026 will bring?
Wonder what 2026 will bring?
Stone the flaming crows mate
I forget how many Australian idioms I use. All. The. Time.
February 3, 2026 at 6:28 AM
Stone the flaming crows mate
Down to the business end of the Planning Bill submission
Writing the amended clauses to the Bill itself.
Should be able to send it off to the Select Committee on Monday
Also included is the Public Welfare Supreme Model
And how the Bill would work in every day urban life in this example
Writing the amended clauses to the Bill itself.
Should be able to send it off to the Select Committee on Monday
Also included is the Public Welfare Supreme Model
And how the Bill would work in every day urban life in this example
February 3, 2026 at 6:21 AM
Down to the business end of the Planning Bill submission
Writing the amended clauses to the Bill itself.
Should be able to send it off to the Select Committee on Monday
Also included is the Public Welfare Supreme Model
And how the Bill would work in every day urban life in this example
Writing the amended clauses to the Bill itself.
Should be able to send it off to the Select Committee on Monday
Also included is the Public Welfare Supreme Model
And how the Bill would work in every day urban life in this example
In which Mayor Wayne Brown runs circles around Ryan Bridge
Before he then dons his Rates Cap and heads off to Auckland Council to chair the Governing Body
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbns...
Before he then dons his Rates Cap and heads off to Auckland Council to chair the Governing Body
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbns...
Is Central Auckland on life support? Mayor Wayne Brown responds | Herald NOW
YouTube video by nzherald.co.nz
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:41 AM
In which Mayor Wayne Brown runs circles around Ryan Bridge
Before he then dons his Rates Cap and heads off to Auckland Council to chair the Governing Body
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbns...
Before he then dons his Rates Cap and heads off to Auckland Council to chair the Governing Body
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbns...
Imagine if German Conservatives did this in 1932 and 1933 with the Social Democrats....
Portugal’s conservatives back left-wing candidate to avoid a far-right president
Center-right leaders are taking pains to publicly reject the ultranationalist contender ahead of the country’s Feb. 8 vote.
www.politico.eu/article/port...
Center-right leaders are taking pains to publicly reject the ultranationalist contender ahead of the country’s Feb. 8 vote.
www.politico.eu/article/port...
Portugal’s conservatives back left-wing candidate to avoid a far-right president
Center-right leaders are taking pains to publicly reject the ultranationalist contender ahead of the country’s Feb. 8 vote.
www.politico.eu
February 3, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Imagine if German Conservatives did this in 1932 and 1933 with the Social Democrats....
Reposted by Ben Ross
Replacing the Clause 4 of the Planning Bill around the enjoyment of private property rights and land with the Public Welfare Supreme Mantra is the key crux to my submission
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
February 2, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Replacing the Clause 4 of the Planning Bill around the enjoyment of private property rights and land with the Public Welfare Supreme Mantra is the key crux to my submission
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
Now we are cooking with err renewable power (or dung beetle poo)
Good to see some get the memo: "We are stronger together as a country" - Green Party & Labour leaders #nzpol #kiwi
Labour & Green Leaders: "Coming together as a country is important"
YouTube video by Mountain Tui
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Now we are cooking with err renewable power (or dung beetle poo)
Will get blog posts going on this once the submission is complete and sent to the Ministry
Well fuck given it is that effective
From my end with my Submission to the Planning Bill, and the Post Planning Act Design Manual
From my end with my Submission to the Planning Bill, and the Post Planning Act Design Manual
February 3, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Will get blog posts going on this once the submission is complete and sent to the Ministry
Remember Willis has wiped $28.8b off GDP since 2023
That is all you need to know
That is all you need to know
Actually I don’t really give a flying fuck what Willis has to say about anything, @stuff.co.nz
Labour and Greens team up - beware ‘radical tax increases and chaos’, says Willis
The Green and Labour parties are expected to hold a rare joint press conference as a show of “unity” in Waitangi.
www.stuff.co.nz
February 3, 2026 at 2:39 AM
Remember Willis has wiped $28.8b off GDP since 2023
That is all you need to know
That is all you need to know
Despite TPM's current issues, that gives somewhat a free hand in that particular seat
February 3, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Despite TPM's current issues, that gives somewhat a free hand in that particular seat
Mineral Talks in NZ?
Fuck they found the natural occurring Plutonium just south of Nelson
Yes Plutonium can naturally occur (in very small amounts)
Fuck they found the natural occurring Plutonium just south of Nelson
Yes Plutonium can naturally occur (in very small amounts)
February 3, 2026 at 12:41 AM
Mineral Talks in NZ?
Fuck they found the natural occurring Plutonium just south of Nelson
Yes Plutonium can naturally occur (in very small amounts)
Fuck they found the natural occurring Plutonium just south of Nelson
Yes Plutonium can naturally occur (in very small amounts)
Reposted by Ben Ross
Both firefighter unions need to support this firefighter.
FENZ is just desperate for any distraction from its many many other crises and screw-ups...
FENZ is just desperate for any distraction from its many many other crises and screw-ups...
February 2, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Both firefighter unions need to support this firefighter.
FENZ is just desperate for any distraction from its many many other crises and screw-ups...
FENZ is just desperate for any distraction from its many many other crises and screw-ups...
Absolute Definition of Getting the Licence of the Weetbox
Should make you sit the full licence practical every time your licence is up for renewal
Should make you sit the full licence practical every time your licence is up for renewal
So get your restricted, sit back and wait 12 months, and then apply for a full licence?
February 2, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Absolute Definition of Getting the Licence of the Weetbox
Should make you sit the full licence practical every time your licence is up for renewal
Should make you sit the full licence practical every time your licence is up for renewal
Reposted by Ben Ross
Wayne Brown wearing his rates cap while talking about 'opposition to the central government re-election policy' aka the rates capping policy
February 2, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Wayne Brown wearing his rates cap while talking about 'opposition to the central government re-election policy' aka the rates capping policy
Sounds familiar with planning in Auckland with the Populist Playbook magnified constantly by the NZ Herald
Have you heard of “The Populist Playbook?”
A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages.
It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning.
Since then, it’s only gotten worse.
Do the steps sound familiar?
A few years ago, I posted what I still consider one of my most important messages.
It was about “The Populist Playbook” that I’ve watched play out often over my 33+ years of city planning.
Since then, it’s only gotten worse.
Do the steps sound familiar?
February 2, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Sounds familiar with planning in Auckland with the Populist Playbook magnified constantly by the NZ Herald
Reposted by Ben Ross
The Government is talking a lot about an economic recovery and lower inflation. But it doesn’t feel like it for a bunch of businesses and households. Will it by November 7? #nzpol Liquidations surge to near post-GFC highs
open.substack.com/pub/thekaka/...
open.substack.com/pub/thekaka/...
Liquidations surge to near post-GFC highs
Almost 3,000 company liquidations in 2025, highest since 2010; Petone's Soprano restaurant & others in Wellington & Christchurch close; Inflation much higher for poorest, pensioners & beneficiaries
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:38 PM
The Government is talking a lot about an economic recovery and lower inflation. But it doesn’t feel like it for a bunch of businesses and households. Will it by November 7? #nzpol Liquidations surge to near post-GFC highs
open.substack.com/pub/thekaka/...
open.substack.com/pub/thekaka/...
Reposted by Ben Ross
the whole country is on fucking fire and Mamdani is just over there going down the checklist of shitty things no one should have allowed rich people to get away with, and honestly it gives me hope for a better world.
Incredible contrast between this and Keir Starmer running a delivery driver over
Mamdani Forces Delivery Apps to Pay Back $4.6 Million Cheated From Drivers
New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has already scored a major win for deliveristas working for three delivery giants.
futurism.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:05 PM
the whole country is on fucking fire and Mamdani is just over there going down the checklist of shitty things no one should have allowed rich people to get away with, and honestly it gives me hope for a better world.
Lessons for Hipkins and Central Labour so bewedded in Centralism Incrementalism we cant even remember what they stand for apart from Nothing and we are all out of ideas
February 2, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Lessons for Hipkins and Central Labour so bewedded in Centralism Incrementalism we cant even remember what they stand for apart from Nothing and we are all out of ideas
Wayne Brown is mocking Bishop, Luxon and Willis absolutely mercilessly this morning with Ryan Bridges
February 2, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Wayne Brown is mocking Bishop, Luxon and Willis absolutely mercilessly this morning with Ryan Bridges
Ben goes Planning Part 9.5. From Asphalt Seas to Living Streets: A Policy Framework for the 24-Hour Human City
Prelude to the Planning Reforms We have covered how road design can harm other road users. We have also covered how reclaim streets, turn myopic urban areas into urban super blocks, what…
Prelude to the Planning Reforms We have covered how road design can harm other road users. We have also covered how reclaim streets, turn myopic urban areas into urban super blocks, what…
Ben goes Planning Part 9.5. From Asphalt Seas to Living Streets: A Policy Framework for the 24-Hour Human City
Prelude to the Planning Reforms We have covered how road design can harm other road users. We have also covered how reclaim streets, turn myopic urban areas into urban super blocks, what to do with all that parking, and even mentioned how to self-fund urban renewal and transit lines using Tokyo as the inspiration and Manukau City Centre as the example.
voakl.net
February 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Ben goes Planning Part 9.5. From Asphalt Seas to Living Streets: A Policy Framework for the 24-Hour Human City
Prelude to the Planning Reforms We have covered how road design can harm other road users. We have also covered how reclaim streets, turn myopic urban areas into urban super blocks, what…
Prelude to the Planning Reforms We have covered how road design can harm other road users. We have also covered how reclaim streets, turn myopic urban areas into urban super blocks, what…
Reposted by Ben Ross
More extracts on my submission to the Planning Bill which includes
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
February 2, 2026 at 7:42 AM
More extracts on my submission to the Planning Bill which includes
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Reposted by Ben Ross
@benakl.bsky.social found that article
Auckland plan change could roll over beyond RMA reform
Minister responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop says a tweaked intensification plan for Auckland may be locked in for a decade or more, as the Resource Managem...
businessdesk.co.nz
February 2, 2026 at 9:56 AM
@benakl.bsky.social found that article
Replacing the Clause 4 of the Planning Bill around the enjoyment of private property rights and land with the Public Welfare Supreme Mantra is the key crux to my submission
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
February 2, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Replacing the Clause 4 of the Planning Bill around the enjoyment of private property rights and land with the Public Welfare Supreme Mantra is the key crux to my submission
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
Yes Public Welfare Supreme is right out the Japan Land Use Law Act 1974
Same system Bishop wants to emulate
More extracts on my submission to the Planning Bill which includes
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
February 2, 2026 at 7:42 AM
More extracts on my submission to the Planning Bill which includes
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Standardised Zones out of Japan
Return of a hard Rural Urban Boundary
Infrastructure first via the NPS-I
Public Welfare Supreme Mantra
Reposted by Ben Ross
Comment of the day (so far) 👀
"You lads have just seen an iceberg in the distance from the deck of the SS ATitanic. Here in the bridge the crew are looking at charts for an ocean that doesn’t exist and the captain is looking out the wrong porthole.
That is 100% how it feels after dynamic testing."
"You lads have just seen an iceberg in the distance from the deck of the SS ATitanic. Here in the bridge the crew are looking at charts for an ocean that doesn’t exist and the captain is looking out the wrong porthole.
That is 100% how it feels after dynamic testing."
February 1, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Comment of the day (so far) 👀
"You lads have just seen an iceberg in the distance from the deck of the SS ATitanic. Here in the bridge the crew are looking at charts for an ocean that doesn’t exist and the captain is looking out the wrong porthole.
That is 100% how it feels after dynamic testing."
"You lads have just seen an iceberg in the distance from the deck of the SS ATitanic. Here in the bridge the crew are looking at charts for an ocean that doesn’t exist and the captain is looking out the wrong porthole.
That is 100% how it feels after dynamic testing."
Reposted by Ben Ross
The era of regular rail shutdowns in Auckland is almost over, phew! But train ridership has fallen in recent years, suggesting a loss of public confidence.
Now, with the CRL opening on the horizon, is Auckand Transport ready to run a proper metro timetable? Matt Lowrie tracks some worrying signs...
Now, with the CRL opening on the horizon, is Auckand Transport ready to run a proper metro timetable? Matt Lowrie tracks some worrying signs...
A metro rail timetable to match the infrastructure? - Greater Auckland
Every summer for the last 20 years some, if not all of Auckland’s rail network has been shut down for weeks on end as major upgrades take place – upgrades such as double tracking, electrification, new...
www.greaterauckland.org.nz
February 1, 2026 at 10:43 PM
The era of regular rail shutdowns in Auckland is almost over, phew! But train ridership has fallen in recent years, suggesting a loss of public confidence.
Now, with the CRL opening on the horizon, is Auckand Transport ready to run a proper metro timetable? Matt Lowrie tracks some worrying signs...
Now, with the CRL opening on the horizon, is Auckand Transport ready to run a proper metro timetable? Matt Lowrie tracks some worrying signs...