Boat ramp revamp closer
Beach Rd draft concept plan ready for review
Plans are being floated for a long-awaited upgrade of the Beach Rd boat ramp. The proposed transformation, led by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, would improve the Beach Rd boat ramp, esplanade foreshore reserve, MacMillan Reserve, and 294 Beach Rd.
The improvements could include raising and widening the first 30 metres of the boat ramp, installation of cultural and historical features, more open green space for new picnic areas, upgrading the public restrooms, and adding more public car and boat trailer parking.
The council has worked with hapu, Nga¯i Tamawhariua and the Katikati Boating Club.
“This informed the development of a draft plan that enhances this space, so it meets the diverse needs of the community and incorporating the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area,” senior recreational planner Jason Crummer said.
“Katikati’s Beach Rd boat ramp and surrounding area has long served as a popular area for recreational activities for the Katikati community. Whether you’re water enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, freedom campers, or visitors, this plan has the potential to benefit everyone. “We invite the Katikati community to share their feedback on the draft concept plan, what improvements could be made, and which aspects are important to them. This feedback will inform decision-making and guides our ongoing work to shape the future of this area,” he said. Katikati Boating Club commodore Don Wallis said the club was happy the council had got the ball rolling.
“We support several of their initiatives including moving the boat shed further down the site, new toilets, widening and raising the first 50 metres of the boat ramp and the selling of the house to fund the project. However, the vital earthworks necessary to contour the site to the beach, thus creating a much-needed sandy beach, while at the same time addressing the erosion of the cliff face, are our main points of difference. I’m sure we can work with council on this and even help with some of the project.”
The club will present submissions to vary the scheme along the lines of their attached plan.
As well as council, Wallis and other club members will also be at the community information event to discuss the importance of the cliff face.
Info: For more information and to provide feedback on the draft concept plan visit haveyoursay. westernbay.govt.nz/. Hard copies are available from Pa¯tuki Manawa Katikati Library and Service Centre and at council offices at Barkes Corner. Feedback closes on April 1.
Road works
SH2 traffic notice to March 17. Maintenance/remaining reseal sites: Pahoia/Esdaile roads, March 15. Where possible, works will be carried out at night, with temporary speed limits during the day. Weather dependent, expect delays.
Other sites remaining scheduled after March 27: Pahoia/Esdaile roads, Lund Rd to Forta Leza, Highfields Drive, Katikati, Challenge O¯ mokoroa, Woodland Rd, Old Fire Station, Katikati.
Athenree Gorge — line marking ahead of flexible median barrier installation. Contraflow in place with speed restrictions.
Kauri Point Rd to Stokes Rd — service relocations under way. Contraflow and shoulder closures in place with speed restrictions. SH2/Sharp Rd intersection — roundabout construction under way with significant activities on the southbound lanes. Intermittent stop/go traffic management may cause longer delays, but typically expect minor delays.
Apata Curves — road widening works under way. Contraflow in place with speed restrictions. Intermittent stop/go traffic management may cause longer delays, but typically expect minor delays.
SH2/Te Mete Rd, Te Puna — haul road set up to support summer earthworks season for construction of Takitimu North Link, shoulder closure, 60km/h temporary speed limit.
SH2 Te Puna Stream bridge, Te Karaka Drive, Whakama¯ rama — road rehabilitation night works, 8pm-5am, delays will occur. Expect significant delays during night works. Temporary speed limits in place during the day.
— Source: NZTA
George turns 102
George Clark, of Waih¯ı Beach, turned 102 last week.
Two years ago Katikati Advertiser ran a story on the centenarian —
the father of former Prime Minister Helen Clark — when he celebrated his milestone 100th birthday with family and friends.
This year he had three birthday parties and enjoyed them all — with his men’s coffee group, his local friends and support and one with family.
Helen says George is in good health and spirits.
“He is very proud to have reached 102. With 18 great-grandchildren, he has a lot to look forward to.”
Ladies do lunch
The Katikati Lunch Club enjoyed a three-course lunch on the veranda of the restored Athenree Station at Athenree Homestead this month. The group also toured the eightbedroom 1879 settlers homestead.
They donned Victorian hats for photographs around the homestead — a memento of their day together.
Katikati Lunch Club was originally for rural women to come into town to socialise with others. The lunches continue and are on the third Wednesday of each month, and include guest speakers.
For information go to www. athenreehomestead.org.nz.
Waih¯ı Beach Coastguard to rescue
On Saturday night, Waih¯ı Beach Volunteer Coastguard conducted a search and rescue operation after a yacht ran aground on Bowentown Bar.
The incident occurred when a yachtsman misjudged the tide in
the channel and contacted Coastguard for assistance.
The situation escalated to a mayday at 11.26pm and by midnight, Waih¯ı Beach volunteers had launched rescue vessel Gallagher Rescue with seven crew members on board.
Despite not having an EPIRB or flares on board, the person used flashing red lights to help Coastguard identify his location in the dark.
The person on board was wearing a lifejacket, and the crew successfully attached a tow line and freed the yacht from the sandbank.
Feedback welcomed on draft long-term plan
A focus on core services, infrastructure and careful financial management features in Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s longTerm Plan 2024-2034 consultation
document, which is open for public feedback.
The regional council is seeking public feedback on all documents during the consultation period from March 8 to April 9. Among the proposals include who should pay for buses, whether to sell some Port of Tauranga shares, and new regional parks.
Full draft available from www. boprc.govt.nz/ltp-2024
Red Cross appeal
This month New Zealand Red Cross is running its annual appeal and is asking for your help to fund its “bucket list” of activities that improve the lives of vulnerable people in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. A spokesperson says it is asking Kiwis to help it do “buckets of good” by giving to the annual appeal. The appeal includes a nationwide street collection on March 22-23.