Key Takeaways
- Residents in Pāpāmoa and other suburbs are concerned about the replacement of asphalt with chipseal on lower-traffic streets
- The council has decided not to impose the extra cost of like-for-like asphalt resealing on all ratepayers
- Community self-funding has been discussed as a solution for streets that want to retain asphalt
- The cost of self-funding could be up to $6000 per household, depending on the length of the road and the number of homes on it
- The council is considering a targeted rate as part of the Annual Plan 2026/27 process in April
Introduction to the Chipseal Debate
The city of Tauranga is currently facing a debate about the use of chipseal on lower-traffic streets, with residents in Pāpāmoa and other suburbs expressing concerns about the replacement of asphalt with chipseal. The concerns include the noise, roughness, and durability of chipseal, as well as the cost of self-funding for streets that want to retain asphalt. The issue has been discussed at a recent council meeting, where representatives from various suburbs presented their concerns and suggestions for alternative solutions.
The Council’s Decision
The council has decided not to impose the extra cost of like-for-like asphalt resealing on all ratepayers, citing that it would not be fair to impose the cost on all households. Instead, the council is considering community self-funding as a solution for streets that want to retain asphalt. This would require residents to pay the difference between the cost of chipseal and asphalt, which could be up to $6000 per household, depending on the length of the road and the number of homes on it. The council has emphasized that this option is not viable for all households and that a more permanent solution needs to be found.
Concerns and Suggestions from Residents
Residents from various suburbs have expressed their concerns and suggestions about the chipseal programme. Michael Wenzel, representing residents of Phillips Drive in Oropi Downs, presented a petition with 80 signatures against chipsealing. He suggested that the council should consider the views of all residents and find a solution that works for everyone. Other residents have suggested that the council should consider a targeted rate as part of the Annual Plan 2026/27 process in April, which would allow for a more permanent solution to be found.
The Cost of Self-Funding
The cost of self-funding for streets that want to retain asphalt could be significant, with estimates ranging from $2000 to $10,000 per property. The council has emphasized that this option is not viable for all households and that a more permanent solution needs to be found. The cost of self-funding would depend on the length of the road and the number of homes on it, as well as the eligibility criteria set by the council.
The Council’s Response
The council has responded to the concerns and suggestions from residents, emphasizing that the chipseal programme is delivering value for money and needs to continue. The council has also emphasized that halting the programme would be costly and that a more permanent solution needs to be found. The council is considering a well-considered, thorough, debated, and consulted option in the Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2027-37 process, which would take into account all the views and ways to mitigate any potential risks and harms.
The Way Forward
The council has voted to develop the self-funded asphalt proposal for the LTP, which would allow residents to pay the difference between the cost of chipseal and asphalt. The council is also considering a targeted rate as part of the Annual Plan 2026/27 process in April, which would allow for a more permanent solution to be found. The council has emphasized that the solution may not be perfect, but it is the best option available within the council’s constraints. The council is working with residents to find a solution that works for everyone, and a more permanent solution is expected to be found in the coming months.