Harbour tunnels, invasive seaweed and a chat with SH16's Notorious P.I.G

[Your Auckland header] Hi {NAME}, ARE THREE TUNNELS STILL A BRIDGE TOO FAR? The government’s promise to build [three tunnels under the Waitematā Harbour]( for road and rail is a step forward in resolving how to futureproof the route - maybe. Had it come earlier in the term, leaving enough time to advance the project it might have been more meaningful, but [three months out from an election]( where the result is uncertain means it’s a plan to park up, at least until the outcome is known. It also allows the cynical to ponder whether the plan really is well thought out, or pitched now to try to improve Labour’s chances in Auckland. There is plenty to debate about the merit of the detail. That the first tunnel built would be a road one - followed at some point by a light rail one, and eventually a second road tunnel - sends mixed messages about priority. It also leaves potentially decades to pass before a lane of the existing harbour bridge becomes available for cycling, walking or sightseeing. With Auckland already [unlikely to meet its transport emissions]( reduction goals by 2030 - at least in the view of the chief executive of Auckland Transport - the $45 billion project will be too little or too late to contribute to that target. National has previously scorned the idea of a [new light rail tunnel]( and opposes the light rail route from downtown to Mt Roskill and on to Māngere and the airport. A change of government leaves a lot of promised big investment in doubt. Auckland needs some better options for getting people and freight across the Waitematā but, despite the government’s announcement, it is hard to feel convinced this is the solution. [Todd Niall] Todd Niall Senior Reporter [Todd Niall] Todd Niall Senior Reporter   [See more Auckland news →]( [timer][trk_px] [timer][trk_px] Invasive seaweed detected at Waiheke Island, divers to investigate An [exotic and invasive seaweed]( has reached Waiheke Island. The Waiheke Marine Project has been doing surveillance for the invasive seaweed, Caulerpa, that has already become established at Aotea Great Barrier Island, and notified Biosecurity New Zealand on Saturday that they had found the seaweed off the island’s northern coast near Thompson’s Point. Read more →   Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.]( [timer][trk_px] More Auckland stories you might have missed   Auckland Council launches tool for residents to check flood risk [Read more →]( Auckland's notorious motorway-dwelling pig prefers shelter, staff say [Read more →]( Do landlords have to provide curtains? [Read more →]( Auckland ferry service proposed for scrap after $3.3m upgrades [Read more →](   We want the best for Aotearoa's biggest city, but we need your help to keep reporting on local issues. Support our newsroom by making a contribution. [I'd like to contribute →]( [Discover more Auckland news at Stuff]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Your Auckland newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Your Auckland newsletter in your inbox.]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [TikTok](