Survey on walkway interests

An $8 million extension to New Plymouth’s coastal walkway is in the pipeline – and people are being asked what they would like to see along the way.

The walkway currently runs for 11 kilometres between Ngamotu Beach, near Port Taranaki, and Bell Block, but the plan is to take it a further 10km to Waitara.

The New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) has allocated $4m in its 10-yearplan for the extension, with a further $4m to come from the New Zealand Transport Agency, subject to it approving the business case.

Councillor Colin Johnston said there were a number of things that could be included. ‘‘We’re talking about including things like artworks, viewing platforms, exercise equipment or selfie-stands.’’

The council was also looking at what innovations were used at other worldleading walkways, he said. ‘‘Some are making use of technology that generates power from people’s footsteps and using it to operate things like lights. Our walkway is considered world-class and we want to keep it that way. If other cities can use bold innovations then we can look at them too.’’

NPDC wants to hear what other ideas are out there. Its ‘‘Let’s Ko¯ rero’’ initiative gives New Plymouth residents the chance to give the council ideas about some big projects on its books, that it is working on as part of the latest Annual Plan.

People can win an iPad by filling out a quick two-minute survey at Newplymouthnz.com/LetsKorero between March 4 and April 2.