A seal of approval for smoothing out a graveled gorge

A few months ago Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke publicly commented about the importance of the NZ Transport Agency getting on with the sealing of the last 12 kilometres of State Highway 43 through the Tangarakau Gorge.

Let me quote some of what he said: ‘‘The local communities have long been calling for improvements to this route. The current state of the highway makes it a barrier to progress rather than an asset.

‘‘There has been a recent history of a lack of good maintenance over the whole length of the highway and the unsealed portion is a major deterrent to all motorists who use this road.’’

Anecdotal feedback suggests that road maps showing metal sections, some insurance companies tend to dissuade potential visitors from travelling on SH43.

This highway 43 is now known as the ‘‘Forgotten World Highway’’, aptly named by previous Stratford mayor David Walter. Many information boards were erected telling of the local history when it was NZ’s first Heritage Trail launched in 1990.

Having been the Stratford councillor for the region from 1983 till 1998 I personally have a strong affinity with not only the highway but the amazingly resilient farmers and the communities they have developed since the late 1890s.

It gives me pleasure to lend my support through this column to encourage NZTA to complete and maintain this road through some of the most beautiful picturesque landscapes and spectacular views, including the drive through the Tangarakau Gorge.

I did note at the time of Mayor Neil’s comment a couple of letters to editor saying they should leave the road unsealed as a unique driving experience but I must say that in 2017 that is not a good reason to leave it unsealed.

Another major risk factor is without higher traffic volumes SH43 could lose its highway status resulting in Stratford District Council ratepayers having to dig deep to help fund maintenance.

Over the last few weeks I have been reading a 30 page report prepared and written by transport consultants Abley on the Forgotten World Highway in partnership with our Taranaki Regional Council’s accompanying report.

Both reports speak very strongly of the urgent need to have the 12km gorge road sealed but as well reinstate the maintenance of the whole highway back to the levels it was some five years ago. I was shocked to read that maintenance spending had dropped more than 50 per cent.

These reports also highlight the importance of safety, noting the increase in traffic volumes but also the huge potential for tourists who want to explore our hinterlands.

Added to this is the fact that Taranaki was selected the second best destination in the world by ‘‘Lonely Planet’’. The offshoot of this will be with us for a long time as the word spreads and it is well known that many visitors/tourists on their second visit to NZ want to ‘‘get off the beaten track’’. And what better place to visit than eastern Taranaki.

The report also highlights the importance of this highway as the alternative route when SH3 is blocked for whatever reason! As well SH43 is Taranaki’s direct link with SH1 at Turangi.

There is so much to see, not only for tourists but locals alike, such as the Mt Damper Falls, Aotuhia, the old Whangamomona road and while there a break at the famous Whanga pub for a chat, food, a beer or even stay the night.

During my time on the Stratford County Council (SCC), then after the Local Government Reforms of 1989 and our merger with the Stratford Borough Council, we had a huge drive to improve our unsealed roads which accounted for some 50 per cent.

With the advancement of milk tankers, much larger delivery stock trucks and, in fact much more traffic overall, it was imperative that as roading is the life blood of our local farming community/economy a policy was developed of sealing important loop or through roads.

As examples the back country communities of Makahu, Matau, Tututawa and Moki Rd into Mt Damper now enjoy sealed access rather than the sometimes dusty, muddy or pot-holed narrow gravel roads that most settlers would remember. If we asked any of these farming families today if they would prefer to go back to a narrow metal road I think the answer would be a predictable no.

I would like to end by using the Whanga saddle as another example of a windy, dusty, corrugated dangerous section of Highway 43. The SCC, with huge support from all the locals, convinced the National Roads Board around 1980 to seal the whole saddle. Who says people power can’t move mountains?