The infamous Franklin Road lights in Auckland were switched on this week, and the Mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff, was there to see it, along with Kiwi celeb Dave Dobbyn.
Speaking at the annual event, Phil and Dave both shared personal anecdotes about their relationship to the street, that links Ponsonby with Auckland’s Central Business District.
Kiwi singer Dave Dobbyn, revealed that his attitude to the area changed according to the seasons.
“When I was a little kid I used to come down this street. And in the winter it was a scary place because it was dark with leaves, and we’d be on our way to the grandmothers. And in the summer it was this glorious tunnel of green, and it’s always been a magic place for me.
“My parents first flatted here when they got married many moons ago…And we would walk over here every year for 23 years…I think it’s a beautiful peaceful protest of joy.
“It reminds citizens to walk the earth and be pedestrians.”
Phil Goff agreed, telling the Homes to Love team: “I used to have a great aunt that lived in Napier Street before it was redeveloped, so we spent a little time in the neighbourhood. I think it’s great.”
The mayor also thanked the residents of Franklin Road for getting on board with the tradition year after year, and allowing their homes to be visited and gawked at.
.jpg)