Letters: Kerikeri needs new roads

The need for three more roads in Kerikeri has been ignored for years, says a reader.

Councillor Foy judges that Kerikeri does not need three new roads included in the 2018-2028 draft Long Term Plan (LTP).

While having been elected to represent her ward she will be part of the jury that decides on the final plan. Councillors are expected to act at large — ie. in the interests of the whole district — and she will have had ample personal opportunity to influence the LTP at planning meetings within council. We do not need populist politics.

It is Councillor Foy's opinion that the money should be spent on roads elsewhere. Try telling that to those who experience Kerikeri's congestion daily. Do visit us.

The LTP notes that 85 per cent of population growth of the Far North in the past 20 years has been in and around Kerikeri and that most of the growth to 2042 will also be there. Kerikeri township's resident population is about 7500 but Kerikeri is an expanding service centre for much of the mid-North.

For example, there are 16500 people on the rolls of its three medical practices — about 30 per cent of the whole Far North population.

Councillor Foy finds it unusual that the KK roads are not being consulted upon, considers a district road strategy should be developed and the money from Kerikeri's new roads be spent on roads elsewhere, and asks "what would you like"?

She seems unaware that Kerikeri was consulted and answered that question long ago in the Kerikeri/Waipapa Structure Plan adopted by the council in 2007 after considerable (and expensive) public participation. The Structure Plan documents the three roads (among other things) and there they have languished ignored for 11 years. We are pleased they have appeared in the LTP.

The whole district needs infrastructure investment after years of neglect. There are doubtless unmet needs in the draft LTP but it appears the council has tried to plan strategically, at a higher level than we have previously seen, and with considerable financial challenges. District wide, $190 million is programmed for roading; the cycle trail expansion is a bold initiative.

The "Ring Road Butler Road to Clarke St, Kerikeri" and "South Eastern Bypass "(Mairenui Rd to Mill Lane)" are significant to us and urgent. The third road "Waipapa to Kapiro Rd extension" appears later in the programme.

The LTP outcome of "prosperous communities supported by a growing economy" for the Far North will not succeed by stunting Kerikeri's growth as recommended by Councillor Foy.

If you are concerned, as we are, about Kerikeri's congestion, submissions can be made on www.fndc.govt.nz.

ROD BROWN
Vision Kerikeri