Night works have been going on since the start of last week on some central city roads. The work is being done at night to reduce disruption during the day. Photos / Gisborne District
Night works have been going on since the start of last week on some central city roads. The work is being done at night to reduce disruption during the day. Photos / Gisborne District
Contractors are working at night over three weeks in Gisborne to “freshen up” the road surface in several streets.
Asphalt pavement works began last week as part of Gisborne District Council’s ongoing maintenance programme, and will continue across several CBD locations.
“The work involves asphalt patching to repair worn sectionsof road, with crews working overnight to minimise disruption for daytime traffic, local businesses and pedestrians,” GDC journeys operations manager Libby Young said.
“It’s an important part of keeping the city centre roads in good condition and looking their best.
“By taking care of repairs now, we’re helping extend the life of the road and ensuring it remains maintained and comfortable for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Ongoing work to improve the surface of streets in Gisborne's CBD. Photo / Gisborne District Council
Young said carrying out the works at night means the busy daytime environment of the CBD could continue largely as usual.
“Businesses operating during the night will be notified in advance prior to the commencement of works.
“We know the city centre is a busy hub during the day, so scheduling this work overnight helps us minimise disruption for businesses, residents and visitors while still getting the job done efficiently,” she said.
Motorists travelling through the CBD during the evening and early morning hours may notice temporary traffic management and are encouraged to follow signage and drive with care around crews.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this work is underway.”
Black Falcons airshow cancelled
The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s “Black Falcons” aerobatic display team did not appear in Gisborne’s skies over the weekend.
The RNZAF's Black Falcons put on a display of tight formation flying and aerobatics during the New Zealand junior surf life saving championships at Pāpāmoa in late February. Photo / Jamie Troughton Dscribe Media
Their North Island tour scheduled for the weekend, which included the East Coast and Gisborne, was cancelled.
“We had been looking forward to the tour, but our displays and flypasts are always subject to operational considerations,” said Squadron Leader Matt Stapp, the officer commanding of Central Flying School RNZAF, and Falcon 3.
“We know a lot of people had been looking forward to seeing us over the weekend and will be disappointed that we have had to cancel.
“So are we, and we hope to make up for that in the future.”
The six aircraft in the team were to refuel in Gisborne before flying back to their base at Ōhakea.
Gisborne SPCA halves cat adoption fees during renovation upgrade
Major upgrades at the Gisborne SPCA mean that there is less space for cats for now, with at least one kitten heading to Wellington due to space constraints.
Violet from the Gisborne SPCA a long-stay cat up for adoption, for half-price. Photo / Supplied
A half-price adoption promotion began on Saturday and will run until Sunday, March 29.
The SPCA’s Gisborne centre manager Kayla Newman said this also coincides with its “Caturday” events.
“To help us clear the room ahead of and during the renovations and give our cats the best chance at finding homes, we’ve reduced our adoption fees.
“Adult cats will be $74.50 and kittens will be $149.50. This is for the Gisborne centre only,” Newman said.
She said upgrades in the adoption room included installing new secure double doors to improve safety and better containment of the cats and new vinyl flooring to make the space easier to clean and more hygienic.
“We will also have a ‘catio’ as you enter our adoption room where you will be able to enjoy a secure outdoor, feeling safe while bonding with your new feline friend,” she said.
The renovations were due to be complete around April 3.
Newman said they would love to find a home for a cat named Violet, who had been there for more than two months after arriving as a stray along with a two-day-old kitten.
“Her kitten has since been transferred to Wellington due to capacity pressures and will be adopted from there, but Violet is still here with us waiting for her forever home.
“She has done such a wonderful job raising her baby, and now it’s her turn to find a family of her own. After more than two months with us, we would absolutely love to see Violet finally go to a loving home,” Newman said.
“We’re hoping the promotion will encourage people who may have been thinking about adopting to come in and meet the cats we currently have available. Every adoption helps us create space, so we can continue helping animals in need.”
