‘Real story’ about trucks on Awapuni Rd

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

Opinion

Re: 4.30am wake-up by logging trucks, May 26 letter.

There are a lot of things you can do to help you sleep. There are also many people who start work at 4.30am or earlier — the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker are up and going to work at 3am.

Now, let’s get down to the real story about trucks. I have lived in Awapuni Rd for 76 years and plan to for another 20. First, I used to wake to the noise of the night cart, the shit shovellers as they were called — first horse and cart then as things progressed they would pick up your poo on their back in a metal can, open top, then swing it on to the steel deck. Now that would have woken you up . . . and the smell might have put you back to sleep.

As industry moved on in the Wattie’s days, green peas and sweetcorn passed by 24/7. All these trucks had loose sides that would bounce and rattle. The only good thing was to get up early to get the green pea vines off the road, as it had a few potholes.

Then Transit/NZTA took over — State Highway 35 has been coated a few times, and the last was hot mix.

Now, let’s get to the noise: May 29, 8am, my bedroom is only 18 metres to the road and I took notes using 0 to 10 noise levels: six logging trucks a full 2; two truck-trailer liners 2; two Hiabs long deck 2; cars 2-3; motorbikes 4; Harleys (nice sound) 5; ambulance and police 8-9; and young one’s burnouts, drag racing and extra loud music 10.

Engine braking is restricted in built-up areas and there is no more room on Awapuni Rd, as it is too narrow and dangerous for children on bikes — especially the shoulders on the roundabout.

Put up a fence, have a cup of milo, put your ear plugs in and put your head down . . . or sell your house and go live in the country — then the cows will keep you awake. This is life, and people do live in Awapuni Rd, young and old.

Brian Shepherd, 76

PS: We don’t get any more green pea vines!