Glad to get your head around Grey St project

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Re: No reason to fiddle with major city road, November 28 column.

Roger, my word, you seem to have a bee in your bonnet around change. If you haven’t noticed (but you more than likely have, apparently) our city is in dire need of some aroha.

This project has been in the works for well over a year, and is a step in the right direction around injecting some colour, vibrancy and life into an area in the central business district.

I’m no business expert Roger, but logic leans to more inviting business areas meaning more foot traffic, more potential customers for businesses, more income for the businesses, and a more prosperous economy.

In reference to your question, “So Mr Ngata is a transport/road safety expert?” — yes, Roger, as unbelievable as it is, I am. I’m normally not one to list my varied credentials in this manner because I believe being humble in your abilities is advantageous. But here we go . . .

- Cycling advocate for over 35 years.

- Professional cyclist for over 25 years.

- Member of steering group for Auckland Transport CBD cycleway projects.

- Learn-to-ride cycling educator — schools delivery, Auckland.

- Board member — UCI international freestyle BMX committee.

- Project lead — Devonport community pump track, Auckland.

- Project adviser — Victoria Park Skate Park, Auckland.

- Project adviser — Waterview community pump track, Auckland.

- Project adviser — “Safer communities on bikes” Belmont, Auckland.

- Project adviser — Devonport cycling infrastructure.

- Project adviser — Washington Way skate park and arterial links, Christchurch.

Again, Roger, it’s plain to see that our local council are completely swamped, literally and figuratively, dealing with outdated civil infrastructure that has been overwhelmed by the weather events of the past 18 months. Any kind of community wellbeing project gets put at the very bottom of the priority list.

Which is exactly why Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust has collaborated with GDC and Waka Kotahi/NZTA on this project.

You seem hell-bent on keeping Gisborne in the late ’90s, when other small towns in Aotearoa are achieving great social progress all because they look outside of their bubble for inspiration.

Perhaps turn that frown upside down, we have enough soggy land here in Tairāwhiti, the last thing we need is another soggy attitude.

Haimona Ngata