It’s unclear exactly what is happening here — back in 2020 (yes, 6 years ago) Margaret Stevenson Wright when she was on the Community Board raised the need for a safe crossing for elderly wanting to cross the road between the park on the north side and the cafes / the convenience store on the south side.

From the council–

Road works on Elizabeth Street. Lots of cones

You may have noticed the safety improvements on Elizabeth Street, Waikanae, began in early January.

Crews started with excavation work on the southern side of Elizabeth Street in preparation for construction of the raised pedestrian island. The current work includes utility trenching to install new crossing light poles, and kerb and drainage upgrades to support a new disability parking space outside businesses.

These improvements are designed to make crossing the road safer for people of all ages, and abilities, help slow traffic where needed, and maintain convenient access for local businesses. Thank you for your patience while this work continues.