by Geoffey Churchman

Last night about a dozen Waikanae people showed up to the first of these designed to inform the board members about the issues that concern locals. Three of the four members were there to listen — Peter Bollman, Phil Byrne and Richard Mansell.

Five members of the public spoke including me. I think my concerns about the need to improve the look of the Main Road between the railway overbridge and the New World need some photos as does those of another speaker about the need for improvement to Waikanae North Park — these will come in a day or two, as will a report on the Elizabeth Street pedestrian crossing.

Another guy spoke on the perennial topic of the last 9 years regarding the need for a full interchange for the ‘Ewy’ at Peka Peka.

My view is that at the least it needs a turn-off for northbound traffic into Peka Peka Road close to Harrisons. Until the advent of the ‘Ewy’ people could turn off SH1 into Peka Peka Road. Since the ‘Ewy’ was opened motorists and trucks have needed to take the Waikanae turnoff, head west as far as Huiawa Street then head north along the beach road. The amount of extra traffic has caused extra maintenance needs we’re told.

It wouldn’t be hard to create a flat turn-off between the ‘Ewy’ and Peka Peka Link Road before or at the roundabout, see the aerial 3D map:-

This is a central government NZTA matter so the candidates for the Kapiti parliamentary seat need to be lobbied to get their commitment take it up in turn with NZTA.

Other matters raised were the need for a roundabout at the Te Moana Road/Rauparaha intersection (that goes back to 2020 also), and the problem of unwanted housing ‘intensification’ in the town, and forthcoming traffic congestion hotspots.

The need to keep KCDC Rates increases down to the rate of inflation was mentioned and it’s clear that these three board members are very conscious of it.