Transparency in transport!

Julie from Kerikeri District

For your information please see below a copy of a recent post on the Transport Action Group (TAG) Kerikeri. Copy & past link into your browser: www.facebook.com...

"In March this year the FNDC published the Consultation Document & Supporting Information for the Long Term Plan 2018/28 – this included a vague proposal for a ‘Kerikeri South Eastern Bypass’. Neither of these documents gave the location of the road proposed – only the F.A.Q page on the FNDC website listed Maraenui Drive as the location for the proposed link to Mill Lane. So it was only a random fb post that alerted many of those living on or adjacent to Maraenui, or those working in the Commercial district on Mill Lane. Prior to this announcement Council failed to engage or consult directly the very people (residents & business owners) who would be most affected by this development.

Despite requests Council failed to disclose any further detailed information during the ‘Consultation’ period. At the public submission hearings Council told ratepayers emphatically that there ‘was no route planned’ - So imagine our surprise when after pressuring Council we obtained the FNDC report entitled 'Kerikeri Waipapa Strategic Road Network Plan, 2010)...I have attached a copy for your information It’s a long, detailed document but it makes for interesting reading!
This clearly shows that Council are far more advanced in their planning, in contrast to what they were telling ratepayers...this plan has sat with Council since 2010 and clearly shows Maraenui as an 'arterial road' - yet is STILL not available on the FNDC website – we would argue that Council’s failure to publicly disclose the extent of their road plans negates the results of the LTP due to be published on the 28th June 2018 as the public were not fully informed during the process.

You have to question the integrity of a council that is apparently ‘committed to transparency’, yet withholds significant information from its Ratepayers!

Let’s be clear – as a group we appreciate that Kerikeri needs to address increasing traffic congestion on Kerikeri Road, we are not ‘anti’ bypass, however, we would refer Council to Mayor Carter’s comment that “Consultations only succeed with genuine input from both sides”.

We ALL deserve better and moving forward we will be campaigning for more inclusive, genuine ‘Consultation’ that includes a comprehensive review of transportation plans, accompanied by full disclosure from Council, so that ratepayers and residents can make informed choices during any future submission process, and that they are not adversely influenced by the bias of elected members driven by their own agenda.

Kerikeri_Waipapa Strategic Road Network Plan.pdf Download View