Councillor comment 

 

With Otamatea Ward Councillor Jonathan Larsen

Footpath upgrade
I have previously had several reports of people tripping on uneven footpaths around the Heads area and hurting themselves. As a result of residents continuing to raise this issue, it is good to finally see work being carried out on footpath renewals. The work is programmed for the month of June for Wintle St, Molesworth Dr, and Mangawhai Heads Rd. 

If you have issues with roads, footpaths and other Council infrastructure I encourage you to log the issues with Council on council@kaipara.govt.nz or 0800 727 059, 24 hours seven days a week. Delays with seeing action taken can be frustrating, but having issues properly documented does help with getting better customer service delivered.

Coastal walkways open days 
Following on from ‘Alamargate’ (where a large public turnout expressed opposition about a gravel pathway being formed through the Alamar Reserve), there are now two further public meetings (open days) planned. The open days are an opportunity to be guided through the full coastal walkway feasibility study to better understand the range of opportunities and challenges. Public feedback will also be sought at the open days on the area of the walkway from North Ave through to the Holiday Park including Alamar Reserve. 

I have seen a draft of the revised plan for this area and can confirm that your voices appear to have been heard. The plan shows the walkway in the Alamar Reserve area now as “Open Waterfront Walkway (Grass)”. The open days are Saturday 15 June 10.30am to 1.30pm at Mangawhai Club, and Sunday 16 June 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Senior Citizens Hall, Fagan Place.  Make sure you get along to one of the open days and have your feedback recorded.

Molesworth Drive shared path
Thank you for all your feedback on priorities for Mangawhai Community Plan infrastructure. The most urgent priority indicated to me is the path along Molesworth Drive especially in the area adjacent to MAZ. This path is now included in the stage one transport projects, and Council will soon be undertaking conversations around this path (and the Village intersections). I suggest also making your thoughts on these areas known at the upcoming open days, to help influence future direction and priorities.

 If you have any community projects or issues that you would like assistance with, I can be contacted on 021 185 8389 or Cr.Larsen@kaipara.govt.nz. Check out my ‘The WorkBoot Councillor’ facebook page for regular updates.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not represent the consensus position of Council.