Kicking off the demons in the shadow of the City Rail Link

Auckland’s Karangahape Road area is undergoing significant transformation with the construction of the City Rail Link (CRL), bringing a mix of disruption, noise, and unexpected moments of beauty to the lives of residents.

A Neighborhood in Transition

Life in the area is characterized by dust, noise, and chaos, with AI-calm test messages broadcast from unseen sources. Disembodied voices deliver messages like, “We have activated the alarm. Please evacuate the station,” and “Testing, testing one, two, three.” Auckland Transport says these are real people delivering test messages in real time.

The opening of the CRL was originally scheduled for early 2025, but is now tipped for the second half of 2026. Progress isn’t a sprint, but a marathon accompanied by the sounds of machinery and reversing trucks.

Encounters on the Street

Local artist Ed, described as rail-thin and heavily inked, stopped a resident to showcase his paintings of women, including one of a 70-year-old. He was later overheard yelling “Happy New Year” to a passerby, who responded with a mix of dismissal and good wishes.

The neighborhood also features encounters with individuals like Malosi, a Samoan man who often shelters under a church awning. He shared with a neighbor his desire to “try to be better” each day.

Daily Life Amidst Construction

Residents have adapted to the constant presence of sirens, construction, and the sounds of the city. Some find beauty in the midst of the disruption, such as the musicians performing outside Flying Out records and the treasures found at the Green Dolphin bookshop.

One resident described the experience as a “concrete cradle” filled with dust and chaos, but also moments of quiet observation and connection. She noted the resilience of neighbors, some struggling, some funny, and some simply trying to navigate daily life.

The station buildings themselves are described as magnificent, with designs intended to reflect the identity of Tāmaki Makaurau. An Edwardian public toilet, once a late-night gathering spot, was destroyed as part of the CRL forecourt construction.

Despite the ongoing disruption, residents find moments of peace and connection, like Malosi’s wistful observation that a beautiful day made him feel like he was back in Samoa.

“Testing, testing,” the disembodied voice repeats.