Cattle-stop answer to wandering stock

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Te Araroa residents want a cattle-stop installed by Karakatuwhero Bridge to help prevent a problem with wandering stock.

That was the main outcome of a “full and frank” meeting in the township this week, said Gisborne District Council Waiapu ward councillor Bill Burdett.

The meeting was requested by Te Araroa Progressive Association after cattle strayed through the township and accidents occurred.

Mr Burdett said there were 25 people at the meeting, which was also attended by council livestock control staff.

Local residents expressed their concern at the meeting.

“It is a safety issue; one of the people there had been in an accident,” he said.

Mr Burdett said the meeting was well chaired by progressive association co-chairman Phil Reid.

The residents said they wanted the cattle-stop where contractors collected metal and locals went to swim in the river.

The council installed gates but these had been left unlocked.

There was also an assurance from farmers that they would repair fencing.