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Friday 6 November 2020
Cycleway network expands
Pedal power: The first cyclists to ride the new Paines Ford to Takaka track approach the ceremonial ribbon at the Rec Park Centre entrance. Photo: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS
The new shared use path between Takaka and Paines Ford is a “game changer”, according to one of Golden Bay’s councillors. Celia Butler made the comment to a crowd gathered outside the Rec Park Centre entrance on Friday lunchtime, moments before she officially opened the cycle and walkway. Setting off from Paines Ford, several minutes before the low-key ceremony, around 40 cyclists and pedestrians walked and pedalled to the Rec Park Centre junction where a flax ribbon, stretched across the recentlyformed path, halted their progress. After her short speech, Celia cut the ribbon with help from nine-year-old Sam Mercer, a keen cyclist from Central Takaka School, who had turned out along with many of his fellow students. The new path represents another link in the Bay’s fast-growing network of dedicated cycleways, and was enthusiastically welcomed by one of its strongest proponents. “It’s awesome to have this,” said GB Cycle and Walkway Society (GBCWS) co-ordinator Debbie Pearson shortly after the ribboncutting. “It’s an amazing surface. And it will make it so much safer. Hats off to NZTA [New
Zealand Transport Agency]; they’ve been so proactive.” Debbie explained that the compacted aggregate surface will soon be improved further as NZTA contractors are due to seal the surface to make it smooth enough for mobility scooters to travel between town and hospital without venturing onto the main highway. GBCWS committee member Wouter de Maat was “absolutely rapt” with the cycleway and said it will provide an important link to the Paines Ford to East Takaka track, which is due to be completed shortly. “Two of the three sections are done; on the third section, the fence posts are in and we just have the boardwalk to finish.” Present at the opening, the team from NZTA included senior advisor engagement and communication Jacqui Sadler, project manager walking and cycling team Jonathan Kennett, plus Andrew James and Andy High from the agency’s Nelson office. Jonathan summarised his team’s purpose. “Our aim is to improve the network at national level to make it an easier transport choice.” He explained why the Takaka to Paines Ford cycleway was selected from a range of candidate projects. “Debbie came to see us
in Wellington and when we looked at the options, this was the highest priority. It’s one of the best because it connects a school a hospital, a recreation centre, a scenic reserve and a town – all within two-and-a-half kilometres.” Speaking after the opening, Central Takaka School principal Steve McLean said his school would benefit hugely from using the new path and would not need to organise motorised transport for short journeys. “Central Takaka School are very happy about the new bike track and wish to thank everyone involved in its creation. We will now be able to use the track to get kids to the Recreation Park for sports competitions and other events, and also to the Playhouse Theatre for shows. “It means our families in Park Avenue and in town have a safe way for students to commute to school by walking or biking. We are also looking forward to being able to bike all the way to East Takaka when the track through Paines Ford is completed.” Next on NZTA’s list is the addition of cycleway lanes to the carriageway at Bird’s Hill which will markedly reduce the danger for cyclists travelling between Takaka and the Rangihaeatea Road junction on SH60.
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THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2020
Peace kites
Tasman District Council’s increasing debt burden has prompted S&P Global to downgrade its rating from “AA with a stable outlook” to a “AA rating with a negative outlook’. In its Research Update report dated 29 October, S&P forecast that TDC’s elevated capital expenditure is likely to lead to a higher debt burden over the next few years, largely as a result of the blow-out of Waimea Dam construction costs. “We are revising our outlook to negative from stable, primarily reflecting downside risks to debt and liquidity from Tasman’s exposure to the dam project.” Despite concerns over spiralling debt, S&P maintained TDC’s AA rating after considering “Tasman’s solid financial management, exceptional liquidity coverage, and New Zealand’s excellent institutional settings...” The revised outlook is not wholly unexpected, said Tasman Mayor Tim King. “In taking advantage of the Government’s stimulus funding and our own increased investment post Covid we have taken on a larger capital programme which has to be paid for.” The S&P report also draws attention to the fact that, aside from the dam cost overruns, the council’s own capital spending and debt levels are elevated, pointing out there could be downward pressure on the ratings if debt rises substantially beyond forecasts. “Such developments could affect Tasman’s liquidity coverage and our view of financial management.” But an upside scenario is also considered in the report. “We could revise our outlook to stable during the next two years if Tasman’s budgetary performance were to progress broadly in line with, or better than, our forecasts. This could occur if its exposure to dam-related construction costs diminishes...” In assessing TDC’s liquidity, S&P highlight the secure income from ratepayers. “Its largest single source of revenue is property rates, which can be easily adjusted and are relatively stable through economic cycles.” According to TDC, the downgraded rating will not alter the ability to raise finance for its increased capital programme, nor should it increase finance costs to the ratepayer. “While the outlook has shifted, the confirmed rating and the confidence S&P Global have in the council’s financial controls should provide ratepayers with confidence,” says Tim King.
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