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Meanwhile, in Tararua Country....

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Kiwithrottlejockey
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« Reply #75 on: December 06, 2011, 04:31:30 pm »


More cows than people as herds grow

By DON FARMER - Wairarapa Times-Age | 4:00PM - Tuesday, December 06, 2011

COW

MILKING COWS outnumber people by nearly three to one in the combined Wairarapa-Tararua district and numbers are growing at a much faster rate, latest statistics show.

A herd count by DairyNZ shows Wairarapa-Tararua has 164,720 dairy cows producing 52million kilograms of milksolids a year but, despite popular opinion, the number of dairy herds in the district has fallen in the past decade.

Ten years ago there were 608 herds being milked, but now there are 470. However herds are larger with 7500 extra head being milked now than was the case a decade ago.

That equates to a growth rate cent of 4.8 per cent, well ahead of the human population growth.

Tararua is by far the dairy capital of the combined district with 312 herds against 158 in Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa.

Masterton is a small dairy area with fewer than 20 herds but although Wairarapa has fewer herds, the ones being milked are, on average 100 cows larger, than those in Tararua.

To carry statistics a step further DairyNZ has released details of the effective hectares being dairy farmed.

Tararua totals 36,922ha and Wairarapa 24,217ha.

As far as dairying as a whole is concerned, Waikato is the kingpin area with 30 per cent of the country's 11,735 dairy herds.

The DairyNZ survey shows 4per cent of herds are 1000 cows or more, but most farmers are still milking between 300 and 500 cows.


http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/more-cows-than-people-as-herds-grow/1198680
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« Reply #76 on: December 06, 2011, 06:17:09 pm »


Trailer goes off Track road

Road closed, detour put in place

By WARWICK RASMUSSEN - Manawatu Standard | 5:23PM - Tuesday, 06 December 2011

CRASHED: A truck's trailer unit over the edge of the road on the Pahiatua Track. — Photo: KEN CARRINGTON.
CRASHED: A truck's trailer unit over the edge of the road on the Pahiatua Track.
 — Photo: KEN CARRINGTON.


A TRUCK's trailer unit has slipped over a steep bank on the Pahiatua Track temporarily shutting the road leaving the Saddle Road the only link between Manawatu and Wairarapa.

Witness Ken Carrington said the truck was heading downhill on the Pahiatua side of the ride and its refrigerated unit appeared to have slipped over the edge shortly after 4pm today.

"It's pulled the whole thing over and it's hanging down the bank."

Mr Carrington said the driver appeared shaken, but unhurt.

Police were on the scene.

Spokeswoman Kim Perks said the road had to be closed while the frozen goods on the trailer were removed. The trailer would then be lifted up and out.

She estimated the road would be reopened by 8.30pm.

Mr Carrington, a former truckie who was heading to Palmerston North at the time of the incident, said getting the unit out of the way would "probably be a major" and would disrupt traffic for some time.

The Pahiatua Track is one of two major roads used to link Manawatu and Wairarapa, with the Gorge Road closed to a major slip for the past four months.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/6095703/Trailer-goes-off-Track-road
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« Reply #77 on: December 11, 2011, 01:16:31 pm »


Gorge ‘steps’ toward reopening

Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Saturday, 10 December 2011

LANDSLIDE: The damage done by the recent slip in Manawatu Gorge is clear to see. — MURRAY WILSON/Fairfax NZ.
LANDSLIDE: The damage done by the recent slip in Manawatu
Gorge is clear to see. — MURRAY WILSON/Fairfax NZ.


THE first "step" toward reopening the Manawatu Gorge has been completed.

Contractors have dug the first of a series of terraces in the hillside where slips have kept State Highway 3 closed since August.

The terraces, or steps, were being dug out from the top of the hillside down and would secure the site from further slips, said NZ Transport Agency state highways manager David McGonigal.

Examples of this type of benching can be seen on the other side of the river near Ballance Gorge Road.

"It's been a challenging operation getting to this point, so it's really rewarding to see the first bench completed and our plans taking shape," Mr McGonigal said.

The process of creating the steps involved bulldozers moving material across the hillside to diggers which lifted it into a chute. Material sent down the chute would be removed from the bottom once the slip-face had been stabilised.

Mr McGonigal said it was a seven days a week operation, weather permitting, although rain had caused some delays over the past few days.

"We're also continuing to look for ways to speed up the clearing process, such as dual excavation operations at the top and bottom of the slip and moving our work schedule to 24/7 as soon as it is safe to do so."

Meanwhile, Mr McGonigal said truckies deserved a big pat on the back for their safe and considerate driving on the alternative routes.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from the public about how the vast majority of truckies have been driving with great care and consideration, in particular pulling aside to let vehicles pass them. This makes a real difference for everyone because it reduces hold-ups and makes journeys safer by reducing the need for risky passing manoeuvres.

"We know travelling on the alternative routes is no picnic for truckies, and we're really appreciative of how considerate they've been under trying circumstances," Mr McGonigal said.

The Manawatu Gorge was not likely to be reopened before the end of January and the cost of clearing the slip could reach $10 million.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6120156/Gorge-steps-toward-reopening
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« Reply #78 on: December 22, 2011, 06:30:32 pm »


The ongoing saga of the "Woodville gate"....



Traffic gate a barrier to infuriated local residents

By VICKI WATERHOUSE - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Friday, 16 December 2011

WOODVILLE RESIDENTS affected by a gate installed to block a rural road have been further angered by the decision to deny them access.

Contractors began work on the gate on Oxford Road, near the intersection of Woodlands Rd, on Wednesday without any warning from the Tararua District Council to residents.

The council made the decision in response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and because of increased traffic cutting through Oxford Road after a series of slips closed the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

The gate would force motorists travelling along Saddle Road — an alternative route to the gorge — to drive through Woodville.

When it made the decision, the council said motorists with a legitimate reason to go through the gate would be given access at the discretion of the council.

But yesterday it was revealed residents of the road would not necessarily qualify.

When Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis was asked whether being a resident of Oxford Road was a good enough reason to have the combination code to the gate, he responded "sadly, it's not".

Mr Ellis was against the road closure when it was decided at a council meeting at the end of last month.

He had fielded calls from disgruntled residents, but said some people were happy about the installation of the gate.

Before the gate was put in, a barrier was put up to deter motorists from using the road. Mr Ellis believed this was sufficient.

"I thought in fact the actual way it was being handled at the time was fair enough under the circumstances," he said.

Mr Ellis said people who felt they had a genuine reason to go through the gate could apply at the council. Emergency services would also be given the combination.

Resident Tony Jarman, who lives on Oxford Road just down from the gate, has to detour 7 kilometres through Woodville to go to Palmerston North, where he frequently travels for work.

He was horrified residents would not be allowed access. "That's just disgusting," he said.

Mr Jarman said the postal service had also been in touch to ask him where he wanted his mail delivered as drivers would no longer deliver to his house because of the detour.

Farmer Gayle Cresswell, who uses the road as the route between her farm and cowshed twice a day, was livid when she found out she was unlikely to gain access.

She said it would mean an extra 300km a week would have to be travelled between the farm and cowshed.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6150720/Traffic-gate-a-barrier-to-infuriated-local-residents



Woodville's locked gate to stay despite furore

By VICKI WATERHOUSE - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Tuesday, 20 December 2011

TARARUA DISTRICT COUNCIL is refusing to back down from a controversial Woodville road closure, despite an angry backlash from ratepayers.

The gate was installed on Oxford Rd, near the intersection of Woodlands Road, and has been secured with a combination lock since Friday.

The council made the decision in response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and because of increased traffic cutting through Oxford Rd after slips closed the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

The gate forces motorists travelling along Saddle Road — an alternative route to the gorge — to drive through Woodville.

When it made the decision, the council said motorists with a legitimate reason to go through the gate would be given access at the discretion of the council.

It has since emerged that only five people have been given the combination, and all are farmers or farming contractors who have to move heavy machinery.

Mayor Roly Ellis said a closed council meeting was held over the issue but nobody changed their vote. The gate would stay, despite angry residents venting to the council.

"I spent all weekend on the phone and in front of the computer with emails and phone calls from residents," Mr Ellis said.

"When the phone stops about 10 at night, you know that people are upset."

Mr Ellis had opposed the gate and supported leaving the road blocked off with chicanes, but was outnumbered.

"There's absolutely no change, the resolution stands," he said.

He had received a petition from people in Woodville supporting the removal of the gate and had passed it on to councillors to consider, but it had no effect.

Councillor Peter Johns, who supported the installation of the gate, said the NZ Transport Agency was not prepared to fix any roads other than Saddle Road and Woodlands Road because of extra traffic resulting from the gorge road closure. This meant the cost of any damage to Oxford Road lay with the council.

The benefits to Woodville outweighed the negatives, he said.

"The majority of the businesses in Woodville are suffering tremendously and [are] on the brink of going broke," he said.

"Obviously, as part of our responsibilities we need to promote business in the district, not see the demise of existing businesses. A lot of those businesses rely on passing traffic."

Councillor Johns said the diversion cost people only a couple of minutes.

"There are times when people might be inconvenienced for the good of the district. I think it's rather sad that some people are not prepared to go out of their way for a couple of minutes to help others."

Roading liaison manager Graham Lamond said residents would not get access.

"If the resident who lives in the house down the road wants to take a shortcut over to Palmerston North, no they won't [be given the combination to the lock]," he said.

"But if they're running their farm in the immediate vicinity ... rather than putting a haybaler right through the main street of Woodville, naturally they'll have access through there on an extremely limited basis."


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6166036/Woodvilles-locked-gate-to-stay-despite-furore



Council reopens road after public outcry

By VICKI WATERHOUSE - Manawatu Standard | 11:27AM - Wednesday, 21 December 2011

TARARUA DISTRICT COUNCIL is bowing to public pressure and the threat of legal action and temporarily opening a gate that closed off a Woodville road, infuriating residents.

The council caused outrage among Tararua residents when it closed off Oxford Road by installing a gate near the intersection of Woodlands Rd on Friday.

The gate has forced motorists using Saddle Road, an alternative route to the gorge, to drive through Woodville. It was secured with a combination lock, which only five farmers and contractors had the code to.

The council made the decision in response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and because of increased traffic cutting through Oxford Rd after slips closed the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

But today, council gave the instruction to contractors to open the gates for public thoroughfare.

It was not known what time today the gates would be opened.

Council chief executive Blair King said a special meeting would be held tomorrow for council to reconsider the resolution. He said the mayor asked for the meeting.

"They're being opened, but not removed," Mr King said.

He said the backdown came in response to "various requests the council has been receiving".

"They came to the conclusion last night that it would be prudent to hold a special meeting," he said.

"They've just asked me to implement the status quo for the interim, which is to have the gates open."

The meeting would be held at 1pm tomorrow.

The u-turn comes after one resident took legal action against the council.

Mr King said the decision to reopen the gate was made in part because of the risk that legal action would cost the community more money.

He said if an injunction was lodged, council would have to hire lawyers and that cost would fall to the ratepayers.

"The whole purpose was not to spend more money, but to try and help," Mr King said.

Oxford Road resident Tony Jarman, who has to make a 6-kilometre detour to reach the other side of the gate, said he had consulted with his barrister, Gordon Paine.

"It's just the way they've [council] done things, very sneakily, very underhand, and for a very self-serving purpose," Mr Jarman said.

"It's costing a lot of people a lot of money to gain a few people a very little bit it makes no sense."

Residents would love to take to the gate with bolt cutters, but it was unlikely to happen, because most of the people protesting were "genuine law-abiding people", he said.

"Although we say it, we'll never actually do it. You have to have that in your nature, don't you? And I certainly don't."

Mr Paine questioned whether the council's actions were legal and was preparing to send a letter on behalf of Mr Jarman.

"[It] suggests to them that they've made a terrible mistake and they really should revisit their idea."

If the council did not back down, the matter would likely end up in court, he said.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6172124/Council-reopens-road-after-public-outcry



Council to reconsider road closure after protests

By VICKI WATERHOUSE and JESSICA SUTTON - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Thursday, 22 December 2011

A SPECIAL MEETING will be held today to discuss the controversial closure of a Woodville road as Tararua District Council grapples with community outrage and a threat of legal action.

The meeting comes amid signs of a possible council backdown.

The council raised the ire of Tararua residents when it closed off Oxford Road by installing a gate near the intersection of Woodlands Road last Friday, but yesterday it was reopened after a resident threatened legal action and a petition was signed by 60 residents.

The gate has forced motorists using Saddle Road, an alternative route to the Manawatu Gorge road, to drive through Woodville. It was secured with a combination lock to which only five farmers and contractors had the code.

The council had made the decision to close off the road in response to tough trading conditions for Woodville businesses and because of increased traffic cutting through Oxford Road after slips closed the Manawatu Gorge road in August.

Council chief executive Blair King said a meeting would be held today for the council to reconsider the road closure.

"They're [the gates] being opened, but not removed," Mr King said. They were being opened in response to "various requests the council has been receiving".

"They [councillors] came to the conclusion that it would be prudent to hold a special meeting. They've asked me to implement the status quo for the interim, which is to have the gates open."

The moves come after talk of legal action.

Mr King said the decision to reopen the gate was made in part because of the risk that legal action would cost the community more money.

He said if an injunction was lodged, council would have to hire lawyers and that cost would fall to the ratepayers.

"The whole purpose was not to spend more money, but to try and help," Mr King said.

Oxford Road resident Tony Jarman, who has to make a six kilometre detour to reach the other side of the gate, had instructed his lawyer, Gordon Paine, to write to the council.

Mr Paine questioned whether the council's actions were legal and was to send a letter on behalf of Mr Jarman.

"[It] suggests to them that they've made a terrible mistake and they really should revisit their idea."

If the council did not back down, the matter would probably end up in court, he said.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6177698/Council-to-reconsider-road-closure-after-protests



Woodville retailers fuming over reopened gate

By JESSICA SUTTON - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Thursday, 22 December 2011

MAD: Hotel owner Kevin O'Connor. — FAITH SUTHERLAND/Fairfax NZ.
MAD: Hotel owner Kevin O'Connor. — FAITH SUTHERLAND/Fairfax NZ.

WOODVILLE RETAILERS are livid the gate closing off a road funnelling people into the town has been reopened — with some businesses claiming they are just weeks away from having to make staffing cuts.

Since the Manawatu Gorge road was closed in August, Woodville businesses have lost thousands of dollars, with less traffic coming through the town.

After the Tararua District Council moved to shut off Oxford Road — an alternative route to bypass the town — retailers noticed a considerable increase in customers. Business owners said they were disappointed by the council's U-turn — leaving Oxford Road open for now.

John Gooding, who has owned Fish Spot takeaways for 10 years, said his business had just weeks left before he would start having to consider letting staff go.

"It's quite devastating to know [the gate is] going to be reopened again," he said.

"For a bit there we were getting customers again. It's very hard for us as we haven't reduced our staff numbers but I just don't know how much longer we can continue like this." New Central Motor Inn owner Kevin O'Connor said he was fully booked during the weekend for the first time since August — when the gorge road shut.

"It's simple; if you want Woodville to keep going, then leave the gate closed, but if you want Woodville to die then open the gate," he said."

Businesswoman Suzie Johnson has recently opened two shops in Woodville, but was still deciding whether to open the third store because the gorge closure has meant fewer customers to the town.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6177699/Woodville-retailers-fuming-over-reopened-gate
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« Reply #79 on: February 01, 2012, 09:17:31 pm »

Manawatu Gorge closed until mid-year

LATEST: The Manawatu Gorge will remain closed until at least the middle of the year, the New Zealand Transport Agency announced today.

A series of landslides on August 18 last year has closed the State Highway 3 road through the gorge for all but three days.

NZTA initially thought the road could be reopened this month but, during a site visit this morning, State highways manager David McGonigal said it would not be opened until later this year.

"The sheer size and complexity of the job requires more time, and our best estimate to reopen is midway through this year."

Mr McGonigal earlier told the Manawatu Standard that crews working on the slip site had encountered increasing amounts of rock.

"It's much more difficult and time-consuming to shift rock than dirt . . .'' he said. "The silver lining is that it's shedding more light on the geological makeup of the slope, and the more solid rock that we find, the more secure it's likely to be.

"However, the rock we've uncovered so far is quite fractured, so benching the hillside remains the linchpin of keeping the slope stable in the long run.''

"The third bench is nearly done and we expect to start cutting the fourth bench next week, '' he said.

The Saddle Rd and Pahiatua Track have been used as alternate routes while the Gorge Rd is closed.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6349324/Manawatu-Gorge-closed-until-mid-year
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« Reply #80 on: February 15, 2012, 12:03:02 pm »

They are also making a lot of money selling the gorge dirt
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« Reply #81 on: April 14, 2012, 01:52:54 pm »


Gorge slip clearance at ‘full tilt’

By MATTHEW GROCOTT - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Saturday, 14 April 2012

IN PROGRESS: Contractors work on the Manawatu Gorge slip.
IN PROGRESS: Contractors work on the Manawatu Gorge slip.

EFFORTS TO CLEAR the slip in the Manawatu Gorge are going "full tilt", the NZ Transport Agency says.

As contractors are back working around the clock on the Ashhurst side of the slip, excellent progress was being made, NZTA Palmerston North state highways manager David McGonigal said.

State Highway 3 through the Gorge has been closed for all but three days since August 18 due to a series of slips.

Work to clear the slip from the Ashhurst end was halted over Easter after movement was detected on the roadway. Work resumed on Tuesday.

The clearance of the slip from the Woodville side was not affected.

"With 24/7 operations back in place at the Ashhurst end of the slip, things are really going full tilt," Mr McGonigal said.

"The guys are well and truly slogging it out. They've already removed close to 250,000 cubic metres, and they'll keep going, truckload after truckload, night and day. That's what it's going to take to get this massive job done, so as long as it safe to do so, we'll keep it up."

Mr McGonigal said the Higgins crews working on the slip had received special training about night work to make sure they stayed safe.

"We're proud of our safety record to date and we intend to keep it that way. Safety remains paramount at all times on this job, both up on the slip itself and in the carting operations below."

NZTA was now looking at moving the work on the Woodville side to 24 hours a day.

The agency still planned to reopen the Gorge "mid year", he said.

The full extent of the damage to the bridges underneath the slip is still unknown. Mr McGonigal said the NZTA still needed to fully dig out material around the road and bridges before a complete assessment of any damage could be made.

"What we find when they are fully uncovered will certainly influence the re-opening date, and I will provide updates on the situation as they come to light."

Mr McGonigal said the NZTA appreciated of the community's ongoing patience and understanding throughout this historic closure.

"This slip has had an impact on everyone in the region-motorists, truckies, local residents and businesses, road crews working hard to maintain the alternate routes, and of course the guys who are up there working tirelessly to get this road re-opened."

"My sincere thanks goes out to everyone for their understanding."


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6743352/Gorge-slip-clearance-at-full-tilt



Gorge closure hammers Woodville

By SSICA SUTTON - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Saturday, 14 April 2012

THE PROPERTY MARKET in Woodville has taken a hammering since the closure of the Manawatu Gorge road, with real estate agents warning the Tararua town will "remain dead" until the slip that has blocked State Highway 3 is cleared.

Just six houses have been sold in Woodville since Christmas, compared with about one sale a week before a massive slip last August forced the thousands of vehicles travelling between Tararua and Manawatu each day to take longer alternative routes via the Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track.

Property Brokers real estate agent Jude Coombe said the Woodville housing market has plummeted as a result.

"There's no doubt it is having a huge impact on the little town," she said. "Unless someone is working in the town they won't be buying a house here. Houses here are extremely affordable and are great for first-time buyers and investors but they're just not coming."

Since Christmas, she said Property Brokers had sold five houses in Woodville and Professionals had sold one. Before the gorge closed she was selling about one property a week.

"It's extremely tough, not only for those trying to sell their houses but for us. We rely on commission from sales and when we're not getting any we don't have any income coming in."

Mrs Coombe and her colleague Ailsa Hemopo currently have 30 properties on the market, and she said it was unlikely many of them would sell before the gorge reopened.

"We're losing a lot of buyers from over the hill. We've heard that people are taking the wait and see approach about moving to and from the town, but many [buyers] are reconsidering because of the cost of travelling."

"It will remain dead until the gorge reopens."

Motorists are spending, on average, between 20 to 30 minutes longer driving between Manawatu and Tararua using the detours.

Real Estate Institute of New Zealand statistics reveal that from April 2011 to March 2012, 29 houses in Woodville had sold, compared to 44 the previous year.

Professionals agent Wendy Kendall said out of the five properties she had on the market, four were owned by sellers wanting to leave Woodville.

"The gorge needs to reopen," she said. "There is less interest coming from Palmerston North."

She said five years ago the market in Woodville was "buoyant".

On the other side of the hill, property in Ashhurst has been selling well, Watson Property agent Marcus Watson said.

The Saddle Road diversion had pushed thousands of drivers through the town, and Mr Watson said the gorge could be a factor in why property was selling.

"It could be that more people are coming through the town and wanting to buy there, but it's difficult to say and pinpoint exactly why."

"In comparison to other years properties have sold really well and reasonably quickly too."

He said he had been approached by buyers living in Woodville who were wanting to purchase in Palmerston North so they did not have to drive through, or around, the gorge.

"There are definitely people who are looking to purchase in the city. I have had a few buyers from there wanting to move because of the travel."


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6743347/Gorge-closure-hammers-Woodville
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« Reply #82 on: April 26, 2012, 01:43:05 pm »


$4.5m roading fix in the works

By JANINE RANKIN - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Horizons Road Crossings

THE Saddle Road or Pahiatua Track could be in line for a $4.5 million upgrade.

The proposal is a key item in the draft Regional Land Transport Programme that is out for public comment.

The closure of the Manawatu Gorge road for all but three days since August 18 because of slips has highlighted the region's vulnerability and the need to increase the capacity of the alternative routes.

The draft plan, put out by transport planning leader Horizons, is asking people whether $4.5m should be spent on those roads during the next three years.

The programme aims to refine the priority list of projects to be put forward for possible taxpayer funding.

Horizons transport manager Anne Redgrave said setting regional priorities was important to ensure limited Government money was spent on the most important projects.

"With a national focus on congestion there is a limited pool of money available for regional roads."

"Through our submissions process, we want to hear from the public whether they feel spending $4.5m on improving an alternative route is the best way to go, or whether there are other projects they would like to see benefit."

Consultation on the draft programme is the only opportunity for people to have their say on improvements to state highways.

With the closure of the Manawatu Gorge to traffic, the Saddle Road is being used as a state highway and maintained by the NZ Transport Agency.

Ms Redgrave said the draft regional programme would cost an estimated $350.5m from 2012 to 2015.

It includes the maintenance, operation and renewal of local roads and state highways, public transport services and infrastructure, walking and cycling facilities, road safety education, and transport planning.

Most of the money would come from local and regional rates, given the Government's focus on nationally significant roads and reducing congestion.

Other Palmerston North projects in the draft programme include bus service extensions and the proposed central city bus terminal.

Elsewhere in the region projects include improvements to the Foxton to Shannon diversion, State Highway 56 and State Highway 3 (Whanganui), safety improvements to SH2 between Woodville and north of Dannevirke, provision of stock effluent disposal facilities around the region, and road safety education programmes.


  • Submissions close 4pm Friday, May 04, at horizons.govt.nz; by email at rltp@horizons.govt.nz; using the submission form on the back of the summary available from Horizons offices; or by mail.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6804958/4-5m-roading-fix-in-the-works
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« Reply #83 on: April 26, 2012, 01:43:50 pm »


$3.5m price tag for trail

By MATHEW GROCOTT - Manawatu Standard | 7:53AM - Thursday, 26 April 2012

The Tararua Traverse

A CYCLE AND WALKING TRACK offering sweeping views from the top of the Tararua Ranges will cost $3.5 million to build.

But first it needs the support of the Tararua and Horowhenua District Councils who would likely be faced with the bulk of the bill for the project dubbed the Tararua Traverse.

The 86km cycleway would run from Shannon to Eketahuna and involve the building of a new hut near the midway point.

Consultant Robert Burra from Opus, who wrote the study, said the Tararua Traverse would generate an estimated $506,000 in economic activity for the surrounding area. It would cost $50,000 per year to maintain. It would also offer scenery not available on other walks in the Lower North Island. "The view from the top of the Tararuas would be unrivalled," he told a Tararua District Council meeting on Tuesday. Mr Burra estimated that 3000 would use the track per year on average, though that number could increase when the route became better known.

Tararua councillors were lukewarm in their response to the presentation, the prevailing view being that government funding would be needed if the project was to go ahead.

Tararua councillor Chris Southgate said the cost of the project, in construction and maintenance, was "significant". "Who is going to be the benefactor? From a Tararua perspective, the trail ends at the southern end of the district."

Councillor Southgate said there were limited accommodation and dining options in Eketahuna and he wondered if track users would end up spending their money in Masterton.

The report has not yet been presented to Horowhenua District Council, however Horowhenua's manager of strategic and corporate services was at the Tararua meeting.

He said not all expenditure by councils had a direct economic return.

"What's the economic benefit of sealing roads, what's the economic benefit of building a park?" The project had potential benefits for tourism and promoting exercise, he said.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/6808719/3-5m-price-tag-for-trail

______________________________________

3 comments posted by Manawatu Standard website readers....


brian  #1 — 09:41am, April 26, 2012

Doing the Tongariro Crossing recently I was told by the guide that there were 200 other people behind us on the track. Please leave the Tararuas to the wild life and those who wish to make the effort to get there . Why not concentrate on windfarm tourism for those that watched the wombles of wimbledon as children.



ricjk  #2 — 09:51am, April 26, 2012

Why bother with the Tarurua side as it is horrible weather and as the the article says a boring hole in Pahiatua and Eketahuna why any lives in the Tararua district is beyond me. Maybe make it loop to Palmerston North or Masterton much better.



Chur Bro  #3 — 11:07am, April 26, 2012

Build it. Where are the Hotel/Motel Operators on this? the users are from around NZ and the World and would use the local accomadation, Facilities e.g. Lido, Local gyms, diners...their are not alot off things visitors can do in Palmy...

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« Reply #84 on: May 02, 2012, 02:55:45 pm »


Cycleway a real uphill battle

By WALT DICKSON - Wairarapa News | 9:28AM - Wednesday, 02 May 2012

SECTIONS of steep terrain are not the only hurdle facing backers of a cycle route through the Tararua Ranges.

A hefty construction bill could derail the proposed cycleway altogether.

Consultants Opus presented a scoping study on the Tararua Traverse to the Tararua District Council last month.

The 86 kilometre cycleway would run from Shannon to Eketahuna and involve building a new hut near the midway point. It would cost $3.5 million to build.

The Tararua Traverse would generate an estimated $506,000 in economic activity for the surrounding area, according to Opus, and cost $60,000 per year to maintain. It would include sections of "extremely steep and challenging terrain" and "huge vistas".

Opus estimates 3000 people would use the track a year on average, though that number could increase when the route became better known.

Critical to the route getting the green light is the support of the Tararua and Horowhenua district councils, who would likely be lumped with the bulk of the construction cost.

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis says his council is not opposed to the idea but in the current economic climate it is unaffordable.

There needs to be considerable funding from other parties, such as the Government, for the project to get the go ahead, Mr Ellis says.

Just how much of the forecasted economic return would come back to the Tararua District, in particular Eketahuna, is also a very grey area, he says.

There isn't the infrastructure of motels and backpackers in Eketahuna or the southern part of the district to cash in on any tourist influx, Mr Ellis says.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/wairarapa-news/6841671/Cycleway-a-real-uphill-battle
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« Reply #85 on: February 19, 2013, 10:41:47 am »


Well behaved crowd praised

By KATHRYN KING - Manawatu Standard | 12:00 NOON - Monday, 18 February 2013

FLYING THE FLAG: Seven-year-old twins Ethan and Kieran Trask show their support for the Hurricanes. — WARWICK SMITH/ Fairfax NZ.
FLYING THE FLAG: Seven-year-old twins Ethan and
Kieran Trask show their support for the Hurricanes.
 — WARWICK SMITH/ Fairfax NZ.


PAHIATUA POLICE are praising the crowd at the annual Mangatainoka Super Rugby pre-season game after only one arrest was made at the match.

Fans came from far and wide to see the Hurricanes take on Super Rugby champions the Chiefs in Saturday's sellout game.

The Chiefs dominated the first half, but the Hurricanes came back strongly in the second, managing to almost — but not quite — take the lead, with the Chiefs winning 25-21.

With the police booze bus out both before and after the match, Pahiatua Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said the 8000-strong crowd was fairly well behaved.

Last year there were no arrests, and this year there was one.

In that instance, a man was told to leave early in the game because of his behaviour, and he did so, but later returned to the field and continued to cause problems.

And the lack of arrests didn't mean there weren't a few scuffles.

After the game, a group of about 10 to 15 people became involved in a mass fight, requiring half a dozen officers to haul the group of young men off each other. No-one was seriously injured, but one man was seen to have blood pouring from his nose after a blow to the face.

The event was generally well run and coping with 8000 people was manageable, he said.

About 25 officers worked at the game, and that filtered down to about six during the course of the night, plus additional staff working in the alcohol traffic units, he said.

Mr Glassey said the Pahiatua township was quieter after the game this year than it had been other years, but unlike previous years, they had teamed up with local publicans to stop people imbibing quite so much.

The pubs closed earlier than they needed to, about 1am.

"People had too much alcohol on board, they [publicans] sensed, along with us, that people had consumed enough and didn't need to stay open to 3am," he said.

Three drink-drivers were caught by his team, but no-one else was arrested in town that night.

He was unsure how many the alcohol traffic group caught, but believed there may have been a couple more drink-drivers caught outside of Dannevirke.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/8317720/Well-behaved-crowd-praised



Fans feel buzz at Mangatainoka

By KATHRYN KING - Wairarapa News | 12:15PM - Monday, 18 February 2013

DRESSED UP: Some Angry Birds turned up at the game. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
DRESSED UP: Some Angry Birds turned up at the game. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.

THEY CAME as bumble bees, sumo wrestlers and angry birds, but Hurricanes supporters left disappointed when the home team favourites failed to beat the Chiefs.

The 8000 strong crowd at yesterday's Hurricanes vs Chiefs game in Mangatainoka saw Hurricanes fans come to life when, after a dismal start, their team rallied in the second half.

But even with the thunderous cheers of the crowd, it wasn't enough. With a final score of 25-21, the Chiefs, Super Rugby's champions of last year, held their ground.

Before the Hurricanes could even get on the field, 5-year-old Hilton McCullough, from Lower Hutt, had already stolen the hearts of the crowd.

Suffering from leukaemia, the Child Cancer ambassador draped in multiple strands of a treatment-bead-necklace helped to open the game with Sir Colin Meads.

As the little boy with a charming smile walked back from a turn about the field with two Tui girls at half time, his mother, Rebecca McEwen, said it was a near thing he even made the game, having spent the night before in hospital.

"He's not 100 per cent, today, but he's OK, he's excited but it's quite overwhelming for someone his age," she said.

While Hilton will savour his helicopter ride as the thrill of the day, for Masterton Hurricanes supporter Sarah Wing, it's the moment the Hurricanes kicked a conversion that sailed over top of a stock truck and hit a passing Chiefs supporter on the back.


GAME ON: There was some rugby too. Hurricanes' Beauden Barrett with ball. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
GAME ON: There was some rugby too. Hurricanes' Beauden Barrett with ball.
 — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.


AWAY FROM HOME: A chiefs supporter. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
AWAY FROM HOME: A chiefs supporter. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.

SPECIAL GUEST: Child cancer ambassador, Hilton McCullough, at half-time with Tui Girls, Tamara Novak (left) and Charlotte Wainwright . — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
SPECIAL GUEST: Child cancer ambassador, Hilton McCullough, at half-time with Tui Girls,
Tamara Novak (left) and Charlotte Wainwright . — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.


READ BUZZ: There were a few bumble bees buzzing round the crowds. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
READ BUZZ: There were a few bumble bees buzzing round the crowds.
 — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.


GREAT DAY: The crowd was having a great day at the game. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
GREAT DAY: The crowd was having a great day at the game. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/wairarapa-news/8318435/Fans-feel-buzz-at-Mangatainoka
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« Reply #86 on: May 21, 2013, 01:40:46 pm »



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« Reply #87 on: October 29, 2013, 08:40:54 pm »


Keep it near the brewery, locals say

By CHRIS HYDE - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Tuesday, 29 October 2013

ANYWHERE but Masterton — that is the view of Mangatainoka business owners after learning the rugby match that "put the town on the map" will not be returning to Tararua next year.

When the Hurricanes play the Blues in a Tui-sponsored pre-season Super Rugby match on the first Saturday in February, the paddock the players run out on to will not be the one maintained by Neil "Skin" Symonds. Instead Tui expect a similar crowd to the 7000-plus that have packed in to Mangatainoka over the past four years to turn up at Memorial Park in Masterton.

The venue change is a forced move. Mr Symonds is in poor health but said he hoped to host the previously annual fixture again in 2015.

"I was told by the specialist to back off with the work and if you don't listen to him, who do you listen to?" he said. "Then I started thinking very, very strongly about doing it anyway but my family intervened ... I'm really disappointed ... the community got such great benefit out of it."

Business owners in the town are also disappointed, with many calling for Tui to look at holding the match at the Pahiatua rugby club.

"Everyone around here gets so excited for this game and the school kids work so hard at fundraising," said Tui View Bed and Breakfast owner Kathy Howland. "To lose it to the town completely has put a lot of people out — I already had people fully booked in for that weekend."

"There's still time for Tui to turn this around and they should because it just won't be the same if it's not close to the brewery."

Property manager Annie Sowry said the town would rally to help organise the game at an alternate local venue if given the chance.

"It's not right moving it to Masterton. That match put us on the map, it's one of our little claims to fame, and no-one in this town wants to give that up. We'll chip in and volunteer to help organise a game here if it means we can keep it local."

Pahiatua Post Office Hotel owner Peter Bourke said the match was his biggest weekend of the year. If it had to be moved, the most logical place was Pahiatua to keep it near the brewery.

Mr Symonds said the offers of help and the desire to keep it in the town were appreciated.

While Masterton was not the ideal location, he said there was nowhere in the immediate area with the facilities to successfully host a match of that size.

Tui representatives could not be reached for comment.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/9337130/Keep-it-near-the-brewery-locals-say
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« Reply #88 on: September 04, 2014, 05:32:39 pm »


from the Manawatu Standard....

Historic pub pours its last beer

By KELSEY WILKIE | 12:00 NOON - Thursday, 04 September 2014

CLOSING TIME: Dudley Arms tavern in Mangatainoka. Owners, Dave Woolland and Vicki Spicer. — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.
CLOSING TIME: Dudley Arms tavern in Mangatainoka. Owners, Dave Woolland and Vicki Spicer.
 — WARWICK SMITH/Fairfax NZ.


THE END of an era was marked as the final beer was poured at the Dudley Arms tavern.

The bar is a landmark in Mangatainoka, where it has operated as a pub since 1888.

Last month owners Dave Wolland and Vicki Spicer decided they couldn't carry on.

They bought the pub nine years ago but business slowed right down over that time, Wolland said.

When the liquor licence ran out on August 19th, they decided not to renew it. They were done.

“Things have got pretty slow in the country area,” Wolland said.

“It's basically a sign of the times.”

On a good day they were getting about 12 customers, he said.

The low price of alcohol at supermarkets and people drinking at home instead of going out were contributing factors.

Down the road Tui HQ resides, which “hasn't helped the situation”, Wolland said.

The brewery applied for a tavern licence in 2011.

At the time, Wolland accused the brewery of going back on its opening promise to not go into direct opposition with cafes and bars in nearby towns.

Tui commercial manager Nick Rogers told Fairfax in 2011 the brewery had no desire to be a pub. It had applied for a tavern licence at the recommendation of the Liquor Licensing Authority.

Wolland said competition from the brewery was too much for the “little rural pub”.

Getting burgled in May was the straw that broke them, Wolland said.

“I have mixed feelings about it,” Spicer said.

There were good times, she said.

“We had a guy drive here from Hawke's Bay just for a Dudley burger,” Wolland said.

A Dudley burger is Wolland's specialty — a burger with a three quarter pound of home-made meat patty.

“You got coleslaw underneath, patty, bacon, an egg, cheese.”

Customers from around the globe loved the burger, Wolland said.

Both said the best part was the people they met.

Not only did they come in for a beer, they came in for a coffee or for a chat.

“We saw both sides, we saw some arrogance,” Wolland said. “Met a lot of good people ... different people, from different walks of life.”

The couple laugh as they remember the characters they encountered.

“We'll have a look at it in a month's time, may open up as a cafe or something. It's time just to have a break and kick back a little bit.”


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/10459034/Historic-pub-pours-its-last-beer
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« Reply #89 on: October 23, 2014, 07:07:34 pm »


Eketahuna to host Hurricanes match

WAIRARAPA NEWS | 3:59PM - Wednesday, 15 October 2014

IN TRUE No 8 wire Kiwi style, Tui Brewery is bringing the big game of Super Rugby back to the small town - Eketahuna.

The Eketahuna Rugby Club, which marked 125 years of rugby with jubilee celebrations earlier this year, will welcome the Hurricanes on Saturday, January 31st, 2015, when they take on the Crusaders in a Super Rugby pre-season game.

The announcement follows the success of four previous sold out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise — three of which have been played at Mangatainoka, next to Tui Brewery, and the 2014 game played at Memorial Park in Masterton.

DB commercial manager Nick Rogers, who has championed all pre-season games to date, says it is fitting the big game is returning back to heartland New Zealand.

“We've always believed in bringing the big game of Super Rugby back to provincial New Zealand and it's exciting next year's game will be held in Eketahuna, a club with a fantastic and proud history and a club with such loyal supporters,” he says. “Like the previous games held in Mangatainoka and in Masterton, we expect this game to be embraced by everyone in the region.”

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni says Eketahuna will be a unique experience for fans and for the players.

“Playing at Eke epitomises grassroots rugby and we know there's a strong rugby community up there who will be thrilled to see the Hurricanes in their backyard,” says Mr Te Puni.

“Hurricanes territory not only includes our main centres, but our smaller rugby communities in between, so to be able to head somewhere new in 2015 is an exciting opportunity.”

The decision to hold the game at Eketahuna was made after the Mangatainoka RFC ground was unavailable.

Having two of Super Rugby's most passionate franchises in the Hurricanes and Crusaders is expected to provide rugby fans with an exciting game of footie and be a great family day out. There will be enough temporary seating at the Eketahuna Rugby Grounds to accommodate all 4,000 ticket-holders; pre- and post-game entertainment as well as an array of guest speakers while passionate fans are expected to turn out in their regional colours or colourful costumes.

Tickets for the Super Rugby pre-season game will go on sale on November 11th and be available through PGG Wrightson Stores and at Tui HQ, SH2, Mangatainoka.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/wairarapa-news/10620490/Eketahuna-to-host-Hurricanes-match
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« Reply #90 on: October 23, 2014, 08:03:42 pm »

correct me if i am wrong....but..is this news from the 15th of october....has there been a time warp.. is this a history lesson??
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« Reply #91 on: January 15, 2015, 01:03:11 pm »


from the Wairarapa Times-Age....

Almost ready for kick-off

6:55AM - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

ALL SET: Nick Rogers checks the scoreboard at Eketahuna.
ALL SET: Nick Rogers checks the scoreboard at Eketahuna.

THE ground work is almost done, the seating has been arranged and supporters' flags are flying high ahead of this month's pre-season Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and Crusaders in Eketahuna.

The game being held on January 31ST, at the Eketahuna Rugby Club, will see the rural township (population 440) swell with 4,000 rugby fans wearing their regional colours, says Nick Rogers, DB commercial and marketing manager.

“We've sold 80 percent of the tickets for this fantastic Super Rugby clash already which shows just how passionate Crusaders and Hurricanes fans are,” says Rogers.

“The last time these two teams met in Mangatainoka, it was all go with the Crusaders coming away with a great win. It'll be anyone's guess who takes the victory this time round but what is certain is how exciting the game will be.”

Dennis “Doc” Dougherty, president of the Eketahuna Rugby Club, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, has been overwhelmed but not surprised by the community support for the game.

He says a team of club members is working tirelessly to get the pitch and the surrounding grounds in top order to host some of the country's leading rugby players.

“The Christmas trees came down and the Hurricanes flags went up,” says Dougherty. “Since New Year, it's been all go and we've got a great crew of enthusiastic people making sure the place is in top order to welcome the Crusaders and Hurricanes and their legions of fans. After talking to a few people in town, I think everyone who lives in Eketahuna willbe at the game. It's brilliant for the town.”

Hurricanes CEO James Te Puni and his team are equally excited about the game.

“It's hard to believe we're nearing our first game already, but this is a match all of the Hurricanes crew are looking forward to playing and attending. It will be a great way to finish our week-long pre-season camp in Gisborne, and a good test for the players to put into practice everything they've worked hard for over the last two months.”

“We know Eketahuna will put on a good show as hosts, and the Hurricanes and the Crusaders are looking forward to responding to that with a fantastic Super Rugby display.”

This month's game follows the four previous sold-out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise in the Wairarapa-Bush region — three of which have been played at Mangatainoka and last year's game played at Memorial Park in Masterton.

Rogers, who has championed all four games to date, says their success comes down to providing Heartland rugby fans with a family-friendly and memorable day of footie in their own backyard.

Like previous years, this match has pre- and post-game entertainment as well as an array of guest speakers.


GA tickets for the Super Rugby pre-season game are still available through PGG Wrightson Stores and through Tui HQ, SH2, Mangatainoka. Prices are $40.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wairarapa-times-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503414&objectid=11385597
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« Reply #92 on: April 10, 2015, 01:37:54 pm »


from the Manawatu Standard....

Manawatu Gorge slip closes State Highway 3

By MATHEW GROCOTT | 5:45PM - Friday, 09 April 2015

CLOSED: A slip has blocked State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge.
CLOSED: A slip has blocked State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge.

STATE HIGHWAY 3 will be closed through the Manawatu Gorge until Friday afternoon.

A slip has blocked the road about 2km from the Ashhurst end of the gorge after more than a day of steady rain in the area.

The rock fall occurred about 1.23pm about 700m east of the where a slip closed the Gorge on and off for close to a year in 2011 and 2012.

The slip will not be cleared by contractors until the site has been assessed by an engineer on Friday morning.

“We're keen to get the slip cleared and get the road re-opened because we know how vital this link is for the region,” NZTA spokesman Andrew Knackstedt said.

“But we need to be sure the site is stable and safe before we can let our contractors get in there and get the work under way.”

“We'll let people know as soon as we have more information, and the meantime we're asking drivers to be patient and to drive carefully in these wet conditions when using the detours.”

Motorists were advised to take the Saddle Road between Ashhurst and Woodville. This would add about 30 minutes to the journey.

The Pahiatua Track was also open for drivers heading between Palmerston North and Wairarapa.


NZTA — North Island highway info

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/67672473/manawatu-gorge-slip-closes-state-highway-3



from the Manawatu Standard....

Rockfall-hit State Highway 3 at Manawatu Gorge to stay closed for fortnight

By MATHEW GROCOTT | 12:58PM - Friday, 10 April 2015

BLOCKED: A close-up of the large slip.
BLOCKED: A close-up of the large slip.

NZTA has today announced the road will be closed for at least a fortnight. The rock fall on Thursday was initially expected to close State Highway 3 for at least 24 hours.

Agency spokesman Andrew Knackstedt said an engineer had assessed the area around the slip on Friday morning and found the slip had left the cliff above it unstable.

Contractors would need to be brought in to abseil down the cliff and use airbags to release the unstable material from the cliff face.

Knackstedt said the amount of debris that came down in the slip on Thursday was not large, and could be cleared in a matter of hours.

However the unstable state of the rocks above the slip site meant the road could not be re-opened to motorists for safety reasons.

Knackstedt said NZTA apologised for the inconvenience this would cause but the agency's number one priority must be to ensure the safety of motorists using the highway.

The Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track were both open as alternate routes for the 8,000 or so vehicles that use the Manawatu Gorge each day.

Landslides kept the gorge closed for more than a month in 2011, costing the region more than $2 million.


Related earlier news story:

 • Rain, rockfall closes Manawatu Gorge


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/67686457/rockfallhit-state-highway-3-at-manawatu-gorge-to-stay-closed-for-fortnight
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« Reply #93 on: April 11, 2015, 09:54:55 pm »


from the Manawatu Standard....

Here we go again: Slip shuts gorge for fortnight

By KATHRYN KING | 11:00AM - Saturday, 11 April 2015

Thursday’s slip, about 2km into the Gorge from the Ashhurst end, will not be cleared until loose material on the cliff is removed. — David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.
Thursday’s slip, about 2km into the Gorge from the Ashhurst end, will not be cleared until loose material
on the cliff is removed. — David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.


A SLIP has closed the Manawatu Gorge to motorists for at least two weeks, reigniting debate about the security of Manawatu's main route to the east.

The slip itself is small, but the hill above it is too unstable for contractors to get in to clear it. Until the loose material is removed from the hill by abseilers State Highway 3 cannot be reopened.

Until it reopens, traffic will be forced to use alternative routes through the Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track.

The Saddle Road is still undergoing construction as a result of an August 2011 slip that disrupted traffic for close to a year, and the Tararua District Council has advised caution.

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said the council needed to lobby the Government for more help to improve the resilience of the Manawatu Gorge.

“It's good that NZTA have improved the Saddle Road, but I still don't think that road will be able to cope with extra traffic for weeks on end.”

“It does seem like a Band-Aid on a weeping sore.”

The slip is about 2km into the Gorge from the Ashhurst end and about 700m east of the site of the 2011 slip.

An engineer assessed the hillside above the slip on Friday, NZTA spokesman Andrew Knackstedt said.


The slip itself is small, but the hill above it is too unstable for contractors to get in to clear it. — David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.
The slip itself is small, but the hill above it is too unstable for contractors to get in to clear it.
 — David Unwin/Fairfax NZ.


There was loose material on the cliff face that was in danger of falling onto the road.

As this was a hazard to traffic, and to anyone working to clear the slip, Thursday's slip would not be cleared until the loose material on the cliff was removed.

It would require airbags to be inserted into the hill and inflated by contractors who had abseiled down the hill from above.

NZTA regional performance manager Mark Owen said the area where the slip occurred was one of seven places that had been identified in a 2012 geological report as being a medium-high risk of rockfall.

Safety measures, including installing netting, on those areas were planned to be installed within the next financial year, at a cost of $1.7 million, as part of ongoing maintenance of the route.

Safety was their number one priority, he said.

Thursday's slip came down just 30 minutes after Palmerston North city council candidate Bruno Petrenas launched a campaign to have the Manawatu Gorge recognised as a Road of National Significance.

The former national president of the NZ Automobile Association said NZTA should upgrade the vital link to ensure slips were kept to a minimum.

Petrenas said the economic infrastructure of Palmerston North and Manawatu was badly affected when the biggest slip in New Zealand history closed the Gorge in 2011 and that should never happen again.

“Even in one of our best summers on record, the Gorge has been reduced to one lane in parts due to slips, which shows how vulnerable it can be for through traffic,” he said.

“Therefore the NZ Transport Agency must reinforce what's been done already so we don't have a repeat of what happened three years ago.”

Petrenas said the Saddle Road route should be classified as a State Highway, and he challenged local MPs to support the call.

“If the Government can upgrade 10 bridges in Northland at the cost of millions of dollars, then it can show the same level of regional commitment and care for Manawatu and Tararua,” Petrenas said.

Palmerston North City Council road planning team leader David Lane said the council was comfortable with NZTA's recognition of the gorge as a nationally significant route.

At 8,000 vehicles a day, it did not have the congestion problems that would warrant the Roads of National Significance classification.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/67697394/HERE-WE-GO-AGAIN-Slip-shuts-gorge-for-fortnight
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« Reply #94 on: April 11, 2015, 10:42:54 pm »

"“If the Government can upgrade 10 bridges in Northland at the cost of millions of dollars, then it can show the same level of regional commitment and care for Manawatu and Tararua,” Petrenas said."

....I didn't even know there had been a by election down there😳.........😜
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« Reply #95 on: April 12, 2015, 01:15:00 pm »


Due to the fact that LTNZ's SH3 regularly falls over and all that heavy traffic diverts over the Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track, both local roads paid for by the ratepayers of Tararua District, I reckon it is time for Tararua ratepayers to DEMAND that their council slap severe weight restrictions on the Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track, effectively blocking heavy trucks from using them without a special permit from the council for each trip. For years, the ratepayers of Tararua District have been lobbying for both of those roads to be made state highways so the local ratepayers aren't stung for the cost of the roads getting pounded to bits by heavy STATE HIGHWAY trucks, but the government and LTNZ have been ignoring them. Effectively banning heavy trucks from those roads would force the Nats government into taking over those two roads and relieve the local ratepayers of the burden of paying for heavy trucks passing through their area pounding their roads to bits and costing those ratepayers big-time.
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reality
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« Reply #96 on: April 12, 2015, 01:27:41 pm »

.....mmmm...maybe bring it to the attention of the MP for that electorate.....

...or give Winnie a call.....he (and Little) got 10 bridges in Northland just by turning up😜
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« Reply #97 on: August 05, 2015, 02:38:23 pm »


from the Manawatu Standard....

Jobs on the line at Tui Brewery

Up to 24 of the 37 people employed at iconic
Mangatainoka Tui brewery could be impacted.


By JONO GALUSZKA | 1:39PM - Wednesday, 05 August 2015

Tui Brewery in Tararua may be downsizing. Up to 24 jobs may be affected, and a smaller brewery may be installed. — Photo: Mike Watkins/Fairfax NZ.
Tui Brewery in Tararua may be downsizing. Up to 24 jobs may be affected, and a smaller brewery
may be installed. — Photo: Mike Watkins/Fairfax NZ.


A BIG SHAKE-UP is on the cards for one of New Zealand's most iconic breweries, with the jobs of nearly two-thirds of the people employed at at Tui Brewery up for review.

Owner DB announced on Wednesday that they had entered into a consultation process which would see big changes take place at the Mangatainoka icon.

In a statement, a DB spokeswoman said a smaller capacity brewery would be installed and up to 24 jobs — both full-time and part-time — would be affected if the proposal went ahead.

The brewery currently employes 37 people.

The changes would “enhance the current Tui HQ experience,” and were aimed at generating tourism in the area.

“No final decisions have been made and DB is committed to the Mangatainoka community and to the wider region.”

Any changes to jobs would not take effect until May 2016.

The spokeswoman said DB was committed to the region, proved by a recent decision to get Fletcher Building to undertake earthquake strengthening on the Tui Tower.

The total new spending could total up to $5 million.

The brewery, opened by Henry Wagstaff in 1889, has long been a Tararua attraction.

The seven-storey tower was built in 1931, but the builders initially forgot to install a lift and stairs.

Tui has been owned by DB since 1969, and became well-known around New Zealand after the humorous “Yeah Right!” advertising campaign.


Tui

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/70845660/jobs-on-the-line-at-tui-brewery
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« Reply #98 on: August 05, 2015, 08:26:56 pm »

I hear there are about 1000 kiwifruit jobs on offer, great when everything works out Grin
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« Reply #99 on: August 06, 2015, 12:23:36 pm »


There are no Kiwifruit orchards in Tararua District.

So I guess you will be ecstatic that 24 additional Tararua folks will be claiming the dole.

Perhaps you could volunteer to pay a higher tax rate to cover the cost of those 24 additional lots of dole payments every week?
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