INCREASED RESOURCES FOR ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTION

Over the coming days and weeks, Raumati Road users and residents can expect roundabout works to pick up, after Council met with senior contractor representatives to agree on increased resourcing and longer hours for the works.

“Parts of this job haven’t gone to plan and we apologise for the disruption, inconvenience and frustration it’s causing. We’ve heard your concerns and we’re working closely with our contractor to do something about it. We also recognise that we could have done more to keep people in the loop, and we’ll be increasing the frequency of our updates,” says Sean Mallon, Group Manager Infrastructure Services.

“You can expect to see work pick up over the school holidays - you’ll see increased hours of work during the day and we’re at the point where progress will be more noticeable. We’re preparing the foundations of the road which involves using a roller to build up the bottom layers and waterproofing to get it ready for the top layer. Once that’s done we can put down the asphalt, which is the final smooth surface you’ll drive on.”

“Once the final road surface is finished we’ll still have work to do to complete footpaths in the area, finishing off the works at the Weka Triangle, and carrying out the Matai Road Intersection improvements, but this should be less disruptive,” says Mr Mallon.

“We know it’s a nuisance but if you’re travelling through the area, please be patient and allow extra time for your journey, as the works we’re doing do require traffic management, and at times there will be four-way stop/go in place. We also know this area has been tricky for cyclists and we’re keen to keep everyone safe so while it’s busy over the next few weeks, we recommend hopping off your bike and going onto the footpath.”

Raumati Road is one of the busiest roads in Kāpiti and building a roundabout and carrying out other improvements around 10,000 or so vehicles a day plus pedestrians and cyclists can be challenging.

“To avoid disruption we’ve had specific works hours in place for our contractor. This was to avoid causing traffic jams at school drop off and pick up times and minimise disruption to residents. We’re trying to strike a balance but we acknowledge these works have been frustrating for everyone.

“We also know that potholes have been a big issue in this area, so we’ve instructed our contractor to be more proactive in managing potholes around this area. This should also become less of a problem now that we’ve moved into this next stage of works.”

Residents and road users can expect more regular updates and are encouraged to email or call us with any concerns or issues.

“We want to hear from you about how it’s going. If you’ve got issues or concerns, the best way to let us know is to email kapiti.council@kapiticoast.govt.nz.”

To keep in the loop on progress sign up to Everything Kāpiti and bookmark the Raumati Road improvements webpage, which is being updated every few days to keep people in the loop:

http://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/services/A---Z-Council-Services-and-Facilities/Roads/raumati-road-works/

FIRST SECTION OF PAEKĀKĀRIKI CONNECTION TRACK OPEN

This week the Council finished and opened the first section of the Paekākāriki Connection Track, a walkway that aims to provide a safer passage through a bush setting, between Paekākāriki and the popular Te Araroa Escarpment walking track.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says the new walkway takes pedestrians away from heavy traffic volumes through this area.

“This section of footpath is used a lot by locals and visitors heading to the Escarpment Walking Track and at the moment, it’s very close to high volumes of traffic. The section we’ve just opened is the first of two stages for this track. This first section is a compacted gravel path that stretches around 220 metres south of Paekākāriki township. Once both stages are complete, the new bush walkway will provide a safer option that in most parts will be away from the main highway. People will be able to walk this track and come out just across the road from the entry to the Escarpment walk.”

"This track was initiated by the Paekākāriki Community Board and now we'll start consultation with key stakeholders to progress the second half of the track," says Ms Law.

WI PARATA REOPENS

Wi Parata Reserve reopened earlier this week, following on from safety improvements to avoid the danger of falling Astelia from the trees.

Wi Parata Reserve has been closed since February after concerns were raised about Astelia falling on tracks and posing a danger to track users.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says it’s great to have the improved tracks up and running.

“We’ve made minor modifications to plants in the reserve, and we’ve created an alternative track to avoid Astelia removal where possible. It’s a popular reserve and locals are pleased that it’s open for business.”

GET HANDS ON WITH NO8 WIRE WEEK

Kāpiti Coast residents have the oppotunity to get hands on over the next couple of weeks, with No8 Wire Week offering a number of local events aimed at encouraging community resilience, DIY resourcefulness and environmental responsibility.

The Council-led initiative runs from 14-23 July, and will include workshops and excursions, repair cafe days, an eco art exhibition, and a community banquet featuring speakers.

“Winter is a great time of year for learning and sharing,” says Sustainable Communities Co-ordinator Vanessa Crowe, “and No8 Wire Week will have something for everyone. There are so many ways we can be more resilient and resourceful, help the environment and connect with other people. This event is a celebration of that, and we hope Kāpiti residents make the most of it.”

No8 Wire Week kicks off on Friday 14 July with ‘Food for Thought’, a community banquet and speaking event. A range of speakers will present their work, experiences and insights on a range of social and environmental issues. Their challenge will be to present in the PechaKucha 20x20 format, which involves speakers showing 20 images for 20 seconds and talking to these images as they advance.

For more information on the ‘Food for Thought’ event and to purchase tickets, visit:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no8wireweek-food-for-thought-tickets-35448128306?aff=es2

For more information on No8 Wire Week, including a full timetable of events, visit:

http://kapiticoast.govt.nz/Our-District/on-to-it/no8-wire-week/

LIFEGUARDS FIRST-EQUAL AT REGIONAL CHAMPS

The Coastlands Aquatic Centre lifeguard team has come first-equal with the Tawa Pool team at today’s Wellington Region Lifeguard Competition.

The centre hosted today’s annual event, which featured teams from Wellington City Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council and Palmerston North City Council.

Council Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says the competition, which involves a quiz, a rescue scenario, swimming races and a rope throw rescue event, is a showcase for our lifeguards and the skills they need to be successful.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team – it's great for them to have the opportunity to showcase what they do.”

ENDS

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