The last unsealed highway: Close to 27 kilometres of State Highway 38 remains unsealed. Photo / NZME
The last unsealed highway: Close to 27 kilometres of State Highway 38 remains unsealed. Photo / NZME
A road to a Hawke's Bay taonga will be the last stretch of state highway in New Zealand to be unsealed.
Wairoa mayor Craig Little says it's "appalling" that a section of State Highway 38 to Lake Waikaremoana in Northern Hawke's Bay is not sealed yet and says the timeto do it is "now".
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has announced plans to seal State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui, part of the Forgotten World Highway, which means part of the route between Wairoa and Waikaremoana will be the nation's the only unsealed stretch of highway.
Little said it was "appalling" the road remained unsealed, both for residents and for frequent tourists wanting to visit the lake.
While people who knew the road were fine, Little, who lives near the end of the sealed section, said a lot of people who didn't were put off.
"You see a lot of vehicles go up, hit and that and go 'bugger that' and turn around.
"You've got a road that turns people away."
Little said the council's regional transport committee was unanimous in wanting to get the road sealed and the delay in doing so had come from local iwi, Ngāi Tūhoe.
"We've got support from just about everyone to get it tar-sealed."
Wairoa mayor Craig Little said it was important to seal the road for both residents and the many visitors to Lake Waikaremoana. Photo / NZME
Ngāi Tūhoe has been approached for comment.
Tuhoe Te Uru Taumatua chairman Tamati Kruger previously told Hawke's Bay Today his iwi opposed the sealing of the road as it contributed to environmental damage.
He said sealing the road would increase the traffic and thus the amount of rubbish dumped by visitors to the area.
Little hoped something would be done soon.
"For me, it's [needed] asap.
"Our working season is here and we need to get on to it straight away."
Sarah Downs, regional manager system design for Waka Kotahi, said the agency was currently developing a Te Urewera Business Case.
"There is wide agreement that it is desirable to improve the road surface, make safety improvements, reduce dust and improve wayfinding along this road that traverses Te Urewera and provides access to Lake Waikaremoana.
"Waka Kotahi, in partnership with Ngāi Tūhoe and with input from other iwi and councils, is developing the business case to support the investment for the SH38 Wairoa to Murupara project."
Lake Waikaremoana is a popular destination as one of the country's Great Walks. Photo / NZME
The project would focus on the 150km length of SH38 between Frasertown near Wairoa and Murupara, past Lake Waikaremoana.
Approximately 70km of this road is unsealed, comprising of 27km of state highway from Aniwaniwa Bridge to Mangapapa Bridge, and approximately 45km of road which is classed as "special purpose road" and managed by council.
"Waka Kotahi, in partnership with Ngāi Tūhoe and with input from other iwi and councils, is developing the business case to support the investment for the SH38 Wairoa to Murupara project."
Downs said possible safety upgrades for the road were encapsulated in this business case, so were yet to be confirmed.
"We recognise the importance of this route to the community and iwi, and through the business case process, we are seeking the best solution to improve accessibility and safety for the rural communities balanced with the commitment to protect the landscape and environment. "
Once the business case has Waka Kotahi Board support, funding will need to be sought, she said.
