South Taranaki’s long-awaited new road opens
An enthusiastic crowd of more than 50 people turned out on Wednesday for the opening of a new road to link an isolated South Taranaki settlement with SH3.
South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon and Ngā Rauru chairperson Mike Neho shared the task of cutting a ribbon to officially open the district’s newest road, Te Ranganuku (formerly known as the Nukumaru Station Rd extension).
It provides a flood-proof access to Waiinu and the Silver Fern Farms Waitotara meat processing plant, which until now relied on the Limeworks Bridge, which had been closed four times for long periods following floods.
A blessing of the new 8.3km road was led by Ngāti Ruaiti hapū and Ngā Rauru.
Nixon said the $12.1 million project, 66% paid for through the former government’s Shovel Ready Projects Fund and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, represented a major investment in the southernmost part of the district, and guaranteed security of access for residents and business.
“The South Taranaki District Council made a commitment to provide a secure, safe and reliable access route to the Waiinu beach settlement, guaranteeing the security of access for residents in the event of future floods, as well as the ongoing financial viability of businesses operating in the area,” he said.
The project to build the new road was first mooted after the June 2015 floods closed the Limeworks Bridge.
The new road will eliminate the risk and cost of business interruption to the community and local industry, in the event of future flooding.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment representative Bridget Sullivan congratulated the council on its diligence and care throughout the project, particularly in managing the funding aspects and keeping up communication with the government.
“This was critical for the economic safety and resilience of the area, and this is a great example of central and local government collaboration,” she said.
Whanganui MP Carl Bates extended his thanks to all who were involved in the project.
“This project is a great demonstration of how local and central government can work together and provide our communities and businesses with the infrastructure so critical to their ongoing viability.
“Now, enjoy the new road.”