Truck-free Motueka

As a new resident in the beautiful Motueka area, there is one glaring fact that has me shaking my head in dismay, and that’s the truck traffic right down the middle of Riwaka and Motueka.

Locals tell me that there’s been talk of a truck bypass for twentyfive years, so what happened? The situation is ludicrous.

The bridge over the Motueka River, as we all know, is scary and inadequate and was never meant to handle huge trucks.

As well, there are numerous safety and health issues with people being exposed to the presence and emissions of the trucks.

And no doubt the local forestry and agriculture industries would benefit economically from a proper bypass.

Imagine a truck-free Motueka, that would be fantastic!

All things considered, a truck bypass is not just a no-brainer, it’s an absolute necessity.

So how can we get this issue to the front and centre?

Who are the community movers and shakers, the safety officers, the health professionals, the truckers, the leaders who can move this forward?

Our MP, Damien O’Connor, is in the new cabinet and should be a strong advocate for action.

Let’s not be complacent any longer about this crucial issue and let’s make it happen. already becoming a ‘‘marine sanctuary’’ that corresponds in a way to the ‘‘terrestial’’ Brook Sanctuary.

I think this ‘‘marine sanctuary’’ quality places the pond well ahead of Councillor Matt Lawrey’s estuary which is little more than a tidal sand dune desert’’ with regard to observable aquatic life.

I hope all the above, plus my previous two letters, makes an inroad in helping you to believe that this Modeller’s Pond is a 100-year-old irreplaceable Nelson asset. is indecent assault. I would much prefer to see news stories of the really positive things Nelson College does to educate young men and create a respectful culture such as the "Respect 360’’ programme.