Editorial: Don't rest on your laurels just yet

Bruno Gilmour, senior landscape architect and reporting officer for the Hatea Loop projects, standing in an area where one of six new exercise stations is to be built. Photo / Michael Cunningham

It is heartening to be reminded about the ongoing development of the Hatea Loop walkways.

Because at the moment, it is a footpath. Albeit, a magnificent, wider than usual footpath in a unique setting. But it's basically a footpath that has enhanced the existing Town Basin walkways, bridges and attractions.

Since it opened, the loop's popularity has grown. And the more we use it, the more we wonder "what else is coming?"

Well, "what else" includes exercise stations, new seating and a safer pathway.

Excellent. The loop on the far side of the Hatea River (adjacent to Pohe Island) will benefit hugely.

I have used exercise stations in Australia in a Brisbane park. If you are that way inclined, they are great. For those who don't want to sweat their way around the loop though, I am still curious - what else?

Where is the terracing to enhance the view of the rally night stages we recently hosted, and when the rally isn't here, perhaps we can watch a performance on a stage. Or a movie in summer?

Where are the coffee carts, the ice cream sellers, the water bottle hawkers, the buskers. Maybe even a cafe, or a playground. There are kids galore streaming around the loop in summer - parents would love an incentive to motivate those little legs forward.

Sometimes development in Whangarei moves slower than usual because we don't have money to throw at things.

Sometimes development moves slowly because of people. The wrong people. I understand that.

I would challenge our decision makers, movers and shakers, to congratulate yourselves on the loop achievement so far, but challenge yourselves to move progress along at more than a sedentary clip. Cast your eye around other regional towns for inspiration, we have a blank canvas that could be world class. There's an opportunity to not only say "what else" but "wow".