Coronavirus: Covid-19 shows us that our priorities are no longer as urgent as they seemed

The sudden arrival of Covid-19 into our lives has brought a lot to worry about, but on the other hand, some of our past daily worries may be put aside, at least for a time.

Here is a summary of past troubles in Auckland that you can forget about for now.

1. SHOULD WE MOVE THE PORT OF AUCKLAND?

Consider that my prediction is in the background. Despite the strength of the arguments for and against, the government’s call in late 2019 to commission more detailed reports, originally due soon, this has been overtaken by more urgent work and expense. If there was ever a way to fund it, there certainly won’t be one for a while now. Both the Auckland Council and the Government have more important things to worry about. With cargo volumes low, there is more time, rather than less, to worry about when the Auckland port might be blocked.

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2. WHERE IS THE GREAT CRUISE FOUND?

The question now is, what cruises? The idea over and over again of building moorings at the end of Queens Wharf already seemed doomed for environmental reasons, and the most expensive option, for the council, to modify a loading dock for the occasional mega-ship may not be unnecessary. No one knows how and when the cruise industry will revive, and where Auckland will fit into their plans. The occasional mega-ocean liner may anchor in the Inner Harbor as they have for the past two seasons, if they return.

3. THE CENTER / WATERFRONT STADIUM?

You already forgot, didn’t you? When will Rugby resume? The same goes for the All Blacks. Can Auckland support even the stadiums it has, and how a greater focus on updating Eden Park can change the needs of the city? This was never an urgent call, and with tourism and international sports suspended, and everyone’s budgets looking red, this may comfortably disappear for a few years.

4. WILL THE LIGHT ALWAYS PASS?

I’ll take a chance here and say that, as slow and messy the process has been so far, big transportation projects are likely to happen faster than ever as both the council and government seek to create economic activity after Covid 19 Del Similarly, a better bus priority on the Northwest Freeway, and a host of other updates to public transportation, biking, and walking.

5. WHEN CAN I CASUALLY CROSS THE QUEEN STREET IN MY CAR AGAIN?

Do not even think about it. Technically, level 4 or even 3 was your best shot, but your trip was probably not allowed. Covid-19 has accelerated long overdue initiatives, such as widening trails and improving bicycle access along the “golden mile.” The finale is smaller than it was for private racing on Queen Street, and the sudden improvement in air quality during Level 4, a reminder of why those days should be gone.

6. THE DROUGHT, IT’S RAINING NO?

Ok, this is the reason for concern. While we’ve been struggling with life at levels 4 and 3, Auckland’s water supply fell to a 26-year low in April of 46 percent. A group of rainy days does not end the drought. This is serious. Watercare’s usual aversion to scaring people into paying attention quickly fades, and companies face restrictions if dams reach 40 percent. Regardless of the other difficulties the Aucklanders face, water is essential but increasingly precious, and it’s time to save it like never before. Don’t worry if your rate bill could go up $ 1.80 a week, focus on what you can do to keep Auckland on the water, until divine or meteorological intervention arrives.

Unfortunately, Auckland is likely to face much bigger problems in the coming months or years than previously held headlines.