Roading network ‘collapsing’: Weatherell

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

A transport business operator says the region’s network is deteriorating and has raised the question of whether roading contractors are audited.

“Are they up to scratch,” Steve Weatherell, of Weatherell Transport, asked at this week’s Gisborne District Council meeting.

Bill Burdett, who described himself as “the biggest complainer about roads” said: “The short answer is no.”

Mr Weatherell said roading in and out of the district was a major issue.

The whole network was collapsing, which was having a deteriorating effect on gear and machinery.

Eastland Wood Council chairman Iain McInnes said Gisborne’s roading network was the economic driver of the region.

Roads needed to be upgraded, safe and efficient but there was insufficient investment in the region’s roads.

The issue affected not only forestry roads but farming and the honey sector.

The forestry industry was not looking for “a handout”. It wanted a fair and equitable funding system with everyone paying their share.

The industry had lobbied central government and was happy to do so as it wanted the district to reach its full potential.

Brian Wilson said there appeared to be an uncoordinated approach to lobbying the Government.

He asked who should be leading the approach to government.

Mr McInnes said it was the council’s responsibilty as the owner of roads.

It was not up to forestry to maintain roads or to organise maintenance.