Tim Welch
@tfwelch.com
urban planner, educator, transport nerd, data geek, dad
Pinned
Tim Welch
@tfwelch.com
· May 10
Most transport maps show where infrastructure is.
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
Finally got to ride the new Devonport hybrid-electric ferry!
I kept thinking something was wrong because it was so quiet, we never got the bone rattling revving diesel engines.
But the unexpected bonus was the massive windows! I couldn’t even capture the whole window in one photo. Love it!
I kept thinking something was wrong because it was so quiet, we never got the bone rattling revving diesel engines.
But the unexpected bonus was the massive windows! I couldn’t even capture the whole window in one photo. Love it!
July 15, 2026 at 3:27 AM
Finally got to ride the new Devonport hybrid-electric ferry!
I kept thinking something was wrong because it was so quiet, we never got the bone rattling revving diesel engines.
But the unexpected bonus was the massive windows! I couldn’t even capture the whole window in one photo. Love it!
I kept thinking something was wrong because it was so quiet, we never got the bone rattling revving diesel engines.
But the unexpected bonus was the massive windows! I couldn’t even capture the whole window in one photo. Love it!
Nobody send me another email. I want to keep this round number!
And also, there will be a long queue to get to your email...
And also, there will be a long queue to get to your email...
July 1, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Nobody send me another email. I want to keep this round number!
And also, there will be a long queue to get to your email...
And also, there will be a long queue to get to your email...
Reposted by Tim Welch
Apologies to @timwelch.nz that should have been @tfwelch.com for the Auckland Transport Access Atlas, which is a good opportunity for me to share this snapshot of the cycling safety lens applied to Where To Act - check it out yourself here ataa.tfwelch.com
June 23, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Apologies to @timwelch.nz that should have been @tfwelch.com for the Auckland Transport Access Atlas, which is a good opportunity for me to share this snapshot of the cycling safety lens applied to Where To Act - check it out yourself here ataa.tfwelch.com
This morning in the Nelson Mail, the impact of lower and higher speeds on SH6 Blenheim to Nelson: www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
And the full data and analysis backing the article: crash.tfwelch.com/nelson/
People will die on SH6 due to higher speeds.
And the full data and analysis backing the article: crash.tfwelch.com/nelson/
People will die on SH6 due to higher speeds.
Highway crashes climbing after speed limit rise, says expert
A year on from speed limit reversals on the highway between Nelson and Blenheim, NZTA say its hard to draw conclusions but a transport expert says crashes are on the rise.
www.thepress.co.nz
June 19, 2026 at 8:26 PM
This morning in the Nelson Mail, the impact of lower and higher speeds on SH6 Blenheim to Nelson: www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
And the full data and analysis backing the article: crash.tfwelch.com/nelson/
People will die on SH6 due to higher speeds.
And the full data and analysis backing the article: crash.tfwelch.com/nelson/
People will die on SH6 due to higher speeds.
Never a dull moment when you‘re a public transport user!
Bayswater ferry I was on seems to have run aground. They got it moving again and hustled us off the boat.
Hasn‘t sunk (yet) so that’s good. But definetly a first for me!
Bayswater ferry I was on seems to have run aground. They got it moving again and hustled us off the boat.
Hasn‘t sunk (yet) so that’s good. But definetly a first for me!
June 19, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Never a dull moment when you‘re a public transport user!
Bayswater ferry I was on seems to have run aground. They got it moving again and hustled us off the boat.
Hasn‘t sunk (yet) so that’s good. But definetly a first for me!
Bayswater ferry I was on seems to have run aground. They got it moving again and hustled us off the boat.
Hasn‘t sunk (yet) so that’s good. But definetly a first for me!
Sometimes you see something cool, and you want it for yourself.
Inspired by Anthony Castrio's nyc-cartogram, I made an Auckland version: drop a pin and the city is redrawn by public-transport travel time instead of distance, with a couple more modes and a few extra features.
warp.tfwelch.com
Inspired by Anthony Castrio's nyc-cartogram, I made an Auckland version: drop a pin and the city is redrawn by public-transport travel time instead of distance, with a couple more modes and a few extra features.
warp.tfwelch.com
June 18, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Sometimes you see something cool, and you want it for yourself.
Inspired by Anthony Castrio's nyc-cartogram, I made an Auckland version: drop a pin and the city is redrawn by public-transport travel time instead of distance, with a couple more modes and a few extra features.
warp.tfwelch.com
Inspired by Anthony Castrio's nyc-cartogram, I made an Auckland version: drop a pin and the city is redrawn by public-transport travel time instead of distance, with a couple more modes and a few extra features.
warp.tfwelch.com
Reposted by Tim Welch
The council should not be jeopardising millions of dollars of government funding on the basis of such a flawed review. This review set out to kill investment in our public spaces, and it's tried to achieve that by fudging the numbers
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
Wellington Green councillor claims $189m error in Golden Mile review
“The council should not be jeopardising millions of dollars of government funding on the basis of such a flawed review,” says councillor Geordie Rogers.
www.thepost.co.nz
June 17, 2026 at 9:57 PM
The council should not be jeopardising millions of dollars of government funding on the basis of such a flawed review. This review set out to kill investment in our public spaces, and it's tried to achieve that by fudging the numbers
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/3610...
Reposted by Tim Welch
An infuriating analysis from @tfwelch.com of how the Budget reflects transport priorities. 3/4 of new capital spending to roading, and most of that to *one road*. Zero new investment in walking and cycling. Fuel excise relief signalled, but not PT fare relief. theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
As global fuel risk rises, NZ Budget 2026 puts roads first – again
Budget 2026 increases road spending – while offering limited support for public transport, emissions cuts and climate resilience.
theconversation.com
June 8, 2026 at 10:20 PM
An infuriating analysis from @tfwelch.com of how the Budget reflects transport priorities. 3/4 of new capital spending to roading, and most of that to *one road*. Zero new investment in walking and cycling. Fuel excise relief signalled, but not PT fare relief. theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
I frequently read OIA requests and responses (related to transport and infrastructure) and see all kinds of things, but this (unrelated) one made me laugh. And the genuine response is just as good.
"Why did someone look at my LinkedIn?"
Gotta love public records!
"Why did someone look at my LinkedIn?"
Gotta love public records!
June 4, 2026 at 1:47 AM
I frequently read OIA requests and responses (related to transport and infrastructure) and see all kinds of things, but this (unrelated) one made me laugh. And the genuine response is just as good.
"Why did someone look at my LinkedIn?"
Gotta love public records!
"Why did someone look at my LinkedIn?"
Gotta love public records!
Budget 2026 hierarchy: roads first, rail a distant second, general public transport, walking and cycling nowhere.
$150m goes to fuel supply, but basically nothing to reducing oil dependence.
My latest: theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
$150m goes to fuel supply, but basically nothing to reducing oil dependence.
My latest: theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
As global fuel risk rises, NZ Budget 2026 puts roads first – again
Budget 2026 increases road spending – while offering limited support for public transport, emissions cuts and climate resilience.
theconversation.com
May 29, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Budget 2026 hierarchy: roads first, rail a distant second, general public transport, walking and cycling nowhere.
$150m goes to fuel supply, but basically nothing to reducing oil dependence.
My latest: theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
$150m goes to fuel supply, but basically nothing to reducing oil dependence.
My latest: theconversation.com/as-global-fu...
Reposted by Tim Welch
From the Archives : Poverty 2012 and 2021
May 28, 2026 at 10:16 PM
From the Archives : Poverty 2012 and 2021
$15b in weather losses over the past decade. Moa Point dumped 70m litres of raw sewage into Wellington Harbour. Groundwater contamination is rising. Half our rivers are unsafe to swim.
Budget 2026 drops water spend from $127m (2026) → $35m (2027) → $5m/yr (2028–30).
Make it make sense.
Budget 2026 drops water spend from $127m (2026) → $35m (2027) → $5m/yr (2028–30).
Make it make sense.
May 28, 2026 at 4:04 AM
$15b in weather losses over the past decade. Moa Point dumped 70m litres of raw sewage into Wellington Harbour. Groundwater contamination is rising. Half our rivers are unsafe to swim.
Budget 2026 drops water spend from $127m (2026) → $35m (2027) → $5m/yr (2028–30).
Make it make sense.
Budget 2026 drops water spend from $127m (2026) → $35m (2027) → $5m/yr (2028–30).
Make it make sense.
We're in the midst of the worst oil crisis in history and the government's new budget is dedicating $1.8 billion to a single highway while taking $2.5m from public transport bus decarbonisation to fund underground utility maintenance.
May 28, 2026 at 3:11 AM
We're in the midst of the worst oil crisis in history and the government's new budget is dedicating $1.8 billion to a single highway while taking $2.5m from public transport bus decarbonisation to fund underground utility maintenance.
When the government releases its budget later today and undoubtedly puts more money towards roads while putting less money into public transport and no money into cycling or walking, remember that driving is the only mode of transportation that is both currently and historically falling in Auckland.
May 27, 2026 at 7:11 PM
When the government releases its budget later today and undoubtedly puts more money towards roads while putting less money into public transport and no money into cycling or walking, remember that driving is the only mode of transportation that is both currently and historically falling in Auckland.
Reposted by Tim Welch
“In our biggest cities... if we can encourage people to use public transport more, that will reduce pressure on fuel demand that can be used for people who don't have public transport options available."
Featuring our own Matt Lowrie (and wise words from @tfwelch.com): www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
Featuring our own Matt Lowrie (and wise words from @tfwelch.com): www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
Auckland bus passengers hit record high as fuel crisis bites
One global crisis killed off public transport use in Auckland. Another has brought it roaring back. The question now is: what next?
www.rnz.co.nz
May 25, 2026 at 10:24 PM
“In our biggest cities... if we can encourage people to use public transport more, that will reduce pressure on fuel demand that can be used for people who don't have public transport options available."
Featuring our own Matt Lowrie (and wise words from @tfwelch.com): www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
Featuring our own Matt Lowrie (and wise words from @tfwelch.com): www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
I don’t accept that sweeping away our most vulnerable people for the comfort of those that don’t want to see our society’s inequities is legitimate policy.
And neither should you.
My latest piece for Newsroom: newsroom.co.nz/2026/05/25/m...
#waronthepoor
And neither should you.
My latest piece for Newsroom: newsroom.co.nz/2026/05/25/m...
#waronthepoor
Move-on orders punish poverty while we defund all the ways out of it
Comment: Begging and rough sleeping aren’t crimes of disorder. They’re symptoms of an under-resourced, under-performing security net.
newsroom.co.nz
May 24, 2026 at 8:17 PM
I don’t accept that sweeping away our most vulnerable people for the comfort of those that don’t want to see our society’s inequities is legitimate policy.
And neither should you.
My latest piece for Newsroom: newsroom.co.nz/2026/05/25/m...
#waronthepoor
And neither should you.
My latest piece for Newsroom: newsroom.co.nz/2026/05/25/m...
#waronthepoor
Reposted by Tim Welch
Adam Douglas Thompson in The New Yorker.
May 22, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Adam Douglas Thompson in The New Yorker.
They're taking the land that houses our people, and the water for crops that feed our people, to build the data centers that will put our people out of work.
What's the problem?
www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
What's the problem?
www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
The biggest data center ever is becoming a huge problem in Utah
Kevin O’Leary wants to cover 40,000 acres. Residents say, ‘Not in my backyard.’
www.theverge.com
May 22, 2026 at 1:30 AM
They're taking the land that houses our people, and the water for crops that feed our people, to build the data centers that will put our people out of work.
What's the problem?
www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
What's the problem?
www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
I’ve been doing it for 5 years now, but getting to work on a bike and ferry is still such an unbelievably amazing privilege.
So much better than driving!
So much better than driving!
May 14, 2026 at 8:37 PM
I’ve been doing it for 5 years now, but getting to work on a bike and ferry is still such an unbelievably amazing privilege.
So much better than driving!
So much better than driving!
You’d think a 20% rise in cycling trips from April 2025 would be headline news.
309,197 cycle trips in April, 1.30 million YTD, and 3.48 million over the past 12 months.
Amid surging fuel prices, Aucklanders are finding cheaper, healthier ways to get around.
More data at: cycleway.tfwelch.com
309,197 cycle trips in April, 1.30 million YTD, and 3.48 million over the past 12 months.
Amid surging fuel prices, Aucklanders are finding cheaper, healthier ways to get around.
More data at: cycleway.tfwelch.com
May 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM
You’d think a 20% rise in cycling trips from April 2025 would be headline news.
309,197 cycle trips in April, 1.30 million YTD, and 3.48 million over the past 12 months.
Amid surging fuel prices, Aucklanders are finding cheaper, healthier ways to get around.
More data at: cycleway.tfwelch.com
309,197 cycle trips in April, 1.30 million YTD, and 3.48 million over the past 12 months.
Amid surging fuel prices, Aucklanders are finding cheaper, healthier ways to get around.
More data at: cycleway.tfwelch.com
Reposted by Tim Welch
Say hello to the CCET Love Cycling Centre in Mt Eden – the free bike repair service on a mission to help you reduce your carbon footprint.
https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/news/welcome-to-the-ccet-love-cycling-centre-in-mt-eden/
https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/news/welcome-to-the-ccet-love-cycling-centre-in-mt-eden/
May 14, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Say hello to the CCET Love Cycling Centre in Mt Eden – the free bike repair service on a mission to help you reduce your carbon footprint.
https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/news/welcome-to-the-ccet-love-cycling-centre-in-mt-eden/
https://www.bikeauckland.org.nz/news/welcome-to-the-ccet-love-cycling-centre-in-mt-eden/
A decision on Auckland’s next Waitematā Harbour crossing is expected (maybe) next month.
Worth remembering: bridge traffic still hasn’t returned to its 2018 peak, and 50% of commuters now cross the harbour by bus.
So why is the current process focused on more road capacity?
Move people, not cars.
Worth remembering: bridge traffic still hasn’t returned to its 2018 peak, and 50% of commuters now cross the harbour by bus.
So why is the current process focused on more road capacity?
Move people, not cars.
May 14, 2026 at 12:04 AM
A decision on Auckland’s next Waitematā Harbour crossing is expected (maybe) next month.
Worth remembering: bridge traffic still hasn’t returned to its 2018 peak, and 50% of commuters now cross the harbour by bus.
So why is the current process focused on more road capacity?
Move people, not cars.
Worth remembering: bridge traffic still hasn’t returned to its 2018 peak, and 50% of commuters now cross the harbour by bus.
So why is the current process focused on more road capacity?
Move people, not cars.
Most transport maps show where infrastructure is.
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
May 10, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Most transport maps show where infrastructure is.
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
I wanted to show what that infrastructure actually lets people reach.
I’ve been building the Auckland Transport Access Atlas: an interactive map of car dependency, accessibility, equity, and planner priorities across Auckland.
ataa.tfwelch.com
It will be interesting to see where fuel prices go in the coming weeks and how closely/quickly they track crude prices.
In MBIE's latest fuel stock update, on-shore diesel stock slipped below 20 days.
Worth noting: retail price data is 11 days old, and fuel stock data is 6 days old.
In MBIE's latest fuel stock update, on-shore diesel stock slipped below 20 days.
Worth noting: retail price data is 11 days old, and fuel stock data is 6 days old.
April 20, 2026 at 11:21 PM
It will be interesting to see where fuel prices go in the coming weeks and how closely/quickly they track crude prices.
In MBIE's latest fuel stock update, on-shore diesel stock slipped below 20 days.
Worth noting: retail price data is 11 days old, and fuel stock data is 6 days old.
In MBIE's latest fuel stock update, on-shore diesel stock slipped below 20 days.
Worth noting: retail price data is 11 days old, and fuel stock data is 6 days old.