Key Takeaways
- The road to Cape Palliser, a iconic North Island landmark, is at risk of being reclaimed by the sea due to regular battering by winter storms.
- The community and the council are working on a permanent fix to the road, which has been damaged by storms, including one section that was washed away last year.
- The road is currently classified as a special purpose road, which means it receives 100% funding from the government for maintenance and repairs.
- The local community is working with the council to ensure the road is funded going forward and to find a permanent solution to the damage caused by the sea.
- The road is an important route for tourists and locals, with a steady stream of campervans and daytrippers visiting the area throughout the year.
Introduction to the Problem
The road to Cape Palliser, a well-travelled and iconic North Island landmark, is facing a significant threat from the sea. The road, which is the most southerly of North Island roads, is regularly battered by winter storms, causing damage and disruption to the route. Last year, a section of the road was washed away, leaving only one lane open to traffic. This has resulted in a one-way traffic system being put in place, with roading contractors Fulton Hogan managing the road and closing it when the sea is coming over the road at night.
The Current State of the Road
The current state of the road is a major concern for the local community and the council. The road is an important route for tourists and locals, with a steady stream of campervans and daytrippers visiting the area throughout the year. The road’s proximity to the sea makes it vulnerable to damage from storms, and the community is working with the council to find a permanent solution to the problem. Palliser Bay farmer Brian Jephson, who was previously a South Wairarapa District Councillor for 12 years, said that the local community is working with the council to get the road fixed as soon as possible and to ensure that the road is funded going forward.
The Community’s Efforts
The local community is taking an active role in working with the council to find a solution to the problem. Jephson said that the South Wairarapa District Council is "really in behind this" and that the council is working to find a permanent fix to the road. The community is also working to ensure that the road is funded going forward, with Jephson noting that the road is classified as a special purpose road, which means it receives 100% funding from the government for maintenance and repairs. This funding is crucial for the road’s upkeep, and the community is working to ensure that the road remains safe and accessible for all users.
The Council’s Response
The South Wairarapa District Council is working closely with the community to find a solution to the problem. A spokesperson for NZTA confirmed that they help fund repairs for the road, which is managed by the South Wairarapa District Council. The spokesperson noted that the road is classified as a special purpose road, which means that NZTA/Waka Kotahi has a 100% financial assistance rate, covering approved maintenance, low-cost, low-risk, and emergency works activities for the road. However, the work is done by the council as the relevant road controlling authority.
The Importance of the Road
The road to Cape Palliser is an important route for both tourists and locals. The road provides access to the iconic Cape Palliser lighthouse and its resident seal colony, as well as to the boats, campground, and food truck at Ngawi. The road is also an important route for people who work in the area, with Jephson noting that retirees may not be affected by the road’s closure, but people who work in town are affected. The road’s importance is reflected in its classification as a special purpose road, which recognizes its high tourism and strategic value.
Conclusion
The road to Cape Palliser is a fragile but well-travelled route that is at risk of being reclaimed by the sea. The community and the council are working together to find a permanent solution to the problem, with the road’s classification as a special purpose road providing crucial funding for its upkeep. The road’s importance to both tourists and locals means that it is essential that a solution is found to ensure the road’s long-term viability. With the community and the council working together, it is hoped that a permanent fix can be found to protect the road and ensure that it remains safe and accessible for all users.
