Key Takeaways:
- Cape Palliser Road, a scenic route in the North Island, is at risk of being reclaimed by the sea due to erosion and storm damage.
- The road is currently one-way traffic only in some sections, but tourists and locals are still using it to access the Cape Palliser lighthouse and surrounding areas.
- The local community and council are working together to find a permanent fix for the road, with funding support from the government.
- The road is currently classified as a special purpose road, which means it receives 100% funding from the government for maintenance and repairs.
- The community is concerned about the road’s future funding status and the potential impact on the local economy and residents.
Introduction to Cape Palliser Road
Cape Palliser Road, a scenic and windswept route in the North Island, is slowly being reclaimed by the sea. The road, which is the most southerly of North Island roads, is regularly battered by winter storms, causing erosion and damage to the infrastructure. Despite the challenges, the road remains a popular tourist destination, with a steady stream of campervans and daytrippers heading to the Cape Palliser lighthouse and surrounding areas. However, the road’s current state is a concern for the local community and council, who are working together to find a permanent fix.
The Current State of the Road
The road’s condition is precarious, with one section of an entire lane washing away just before the small fishing village of Ngawi last year. Since then, that part of the road has been one-way traffic only, with roading contractors Fulton Hogan managing the traffic flow. According to Palliser Bay farmer and former South Wairarapa District councillor Brian Jephson, the local community is working closely with the council to get the road fixed as soon as possible. Jephson praised the council’s efforts, saying that they are "really in behind this" and that roading contractors are doing a good job of managing the road. However, he noted that the road’s closure, even if only for a day, can have a significant impact on the local community, particularly those who work in town.
Tourism and the Local Economy
Despite the road’s challenges, tourism remains a significant contributor to the local economy. The Cape Palliser lighthouse and its resident seal colony are a major drawcard, attracting visitors from all over the world. The road’s scenic route and stunning coastal views also make it a popular destination for campervans and daytrippers. Jephson noted that the demographics of Ngawi are changing, with more retirees and tourists moving to the area. However, he also acknowledged that the road’s closure can have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly for those who rely on the road for work or business.
Funding and Maintenance
Cape Palliser Road is currently classified as a special purpose road, which means it receives 100% funding from the government for maintenance and repairs. The road is managed by the South Wairarapa District Council, which works closely with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to ensure the road is safe and accessible. According to an NZTA spokesperson, the agency helps fund repairs for the road, but any work done on the road is carried out by the council. The spokesperson noted that the road’s special purpose classification means that NZTA has a 100% financial assistance rate, covering approved maintenance, low-cost, low-risk, and emergency works activities for the road.
Future Plans and Concerns
The future of Cape Palliser Road is uncertain, with concerns about the road’s funding status and the potential impact on the local economy and residents. The South Wairarapa District Council is working on plans to address the road’s challenges, but the community is anxious about the potential consequences of any changes to the road’s funding or classification. In part two of this report, we will explore the council’s plans for the road and the community’s fears for the road’s future funding status. As the road continues to face the challenges of erosion and storm damage, it is clear that a permanent fix is needed to ensure the road remains safe and accessible for generations to come.
