14/06/2005

Roads, footpaths a priority for submitters

Dust annoys Aotea

Aotea ratepayers asked Otorohanga District Council that full consideration and urgency to be given to sealing of roads in the area.
Two separate submissions were made from Aotea residents - one from the Aotea Ratepayers Association and one from 'residents of Aotea'. Both stated dust from unsealed roads was a nuisance, entering household water supplies.
"The dust settles on the roofs, which then becomes drinking water. People living along these roads with emphysema and asthma are badly affected. Children walking along the roadside at times cannot be seen through the dust. All these points are considered serious health hazards," Aotea Ratepayers Association stated in their submission.
The dust problem has been attributed to extra vehicles on the road due to sightseers and the Aotea Estate subdivision, as well as visitors taking part in recreational activities in the area.
John Blackmoore, who represented the residents of Aotea at a recent council meeting, asked that something be done about the problem prior to the Christmas holiday period, when the number of people in the area is at its highest.
He said even if sealing of roads is unable to be carried out before this time, the installation of a layer of non-dusty metal would be appreciated by the community.

Residents seek footpath

Haerehuka St residents want Otorohanga District Council to consider installing a footpath along their street, in order to improve safety and access. Dave Williams put the submission before the council on behalf of concerned Haerehuka St residents.
In the submission Mr Williams said the street was one of the busiest in Otorohanga's urban area, and was certainly the busiest street that has a footpath along only one side.
Several services are based in the street, including the Otorohanga Garden Centre, Otorohanga Dental Surgery, Windsor Court Elderly Housing Complex, the Anglican Church and Otorohanga College.
"Many residents along the street and others find it difficult not having a footpath on the east side. Several residents have mobility difficulties and use either walking frames or mobility scooters and a footpath would give much easier access to the town centre, especially the supermarket," stated Mr Williams.
He also said the lack of footpath affects secondary school students walking to school and people attending , church services.
Residents asked that the council install a footpath along the east side of Haerehuka St from Turongo St to Bledisloe Ave.

Holiday park group treated Kiwiana style

Kiwiana morning tea with the mayor was on the itinerary when the Kiwi Holiday Park marketing group visited Otorohanga for their annual conference. Representatives from more than 50 Kiwi Holiday Parks throughout New Zealand attended the conference, which was hosted by local Kiwi Holiday Park marketing group member Billie Ann Gadd.
The group arrived in Otorohanga last week for four days.
They visited local tourist attractions in Otorohanga and Waitomo, including Otorohanga Kiwi House. The group was treated to a Kiwiana morning tea in the Otorohanga District Council chambers, courtesy of Project Kiwiana.
Visitors were invited to mingle with mayor Dale Williams, council staff, Project Kiwiana members and Otorohanga's mascot Wiki the Kiwi.
Mr Williams thanked Mrs Gadd and her partner Kelvin Mehrtens, for bringing the conference to Otorohanga and providing the town with an opportunity to promote itself to representatives from throughout New Zealand.
"They are really supportive of us and in turn we (Otorohanga) support them," said Mr Williams. Kiwi Holiday Park marketing group member Gordon Martin, who is based in Wanaka, said it was the first time the conference group had had the privilege to meet with representatives from a local council. He said it was also the first time the annual conference had been held in one of the smaller centres.
"It was decided the group would meet in Otorohanga after Mrs Gadd made a bid to host the 2005 conference two years ago.
"Billie has done such a terrific amount of work," said Mr Martin.
The annual Kiwi Holiday Park conferences alternate between hosts in the North Island, South Island and offshore.