Rural rally roads to be closed for popular race
Rural roads in northern Manawatu¯ will close for a popular motorsport race, despite complaints over its effect on livestock and the environment.
The Silver Fern Rally will dart through the back blocks of Manawatu¯ on November 28, but residents are concerned about the danger it poses to stock and effect it could have on their roads.
The rally has been a circle on the calendar of motorsport fans since the late 1960s, when drivers were given free rein to the country’s smooth flowing gravel public roads and abundant forest tracks.
It’s held over three stages, with road closures of about four hours at a time.
Alex and Angela Mcintyre, who farm on Mangamako and Waipuru roads, said in a submission that their deer were easily startled and the threat of crashes could affect the welfare of their animals, who were breeding.
The Mcintyres are unable to rotate them to internal paddocks and, if a roadside fence was to break, the deer were not easily herded.
‘‘Mobs are set stocked to avoid mis-mothering,’’ their submission to Manawatu¯ District Council said.
‘‘Fawns will panic, as will hinds, and may wander onto the road.
‘‘It’s essential to fix fences immediately and, therefore, may be impractical for organisers.
‘‘We support the rally but not during this time.’’
Council infrastructure general manger Hamish Waugh said officials could set a speed restriction alongside the Mcintyre farm, which would reduce the noise and danger to stock.
Motorsport New Zealand were also insured for $10 million, chief executive Richard Templer said. ‘‘That’s a lot of fences.’’ Makoura Rd resident Charlotte Jeffery didn’t support racers using her rural road for entertainment.
Two roads near her house were already closed. Pohangina Rd was closed due to a bridge rebuild, and Makoura Rd with subsidence.
Residents were dependent on roads because, if damaged, detours could add hours onto travel.
‘‘I find it appalling that a rally can be allowed access to tear up our fragile infrastructure.
‘‘The damage from rallys is obvious on the inside corners that have been scoured out and fill up with water any time it rains. Our precious metal gets sprayed off the road and into the water tables causing culverts and drains to become blocked.’’
Waugh said the council hadn’t encountered any issues with damaged roads in past events and the organiser would fund any significant repairs needed.
‘‘[Organisers] try to minimise disruption and open roads before the designated times, when they can.’’
‘‘I find it appalling that a rally can be allowed access to tear up our fragile infrastructure.’’ Charlotte Jeffery, Makoura Rd resident