Survey gathers pathway feedback

JO RICHARDS

A group of Pōhara-based locals have conducted an online survey to gather public feedback on Tasman District Council’s plans for a shared path to be established in the township.

The initiative follows a community meeting held earlier this month to discuss the controversial scheme (GBW, 9/6).

At that meeting, attended by more than 70 people, concern was expressed about the loss of car parking and numerous safety issues, but the dominant theme was a perception of Tasman District Council’s (TDC) lack of community engagement.

Survey coordinator Bernie Kelly, who facilitated the public meeting, believes the root cause of local discontent stems from a wider issue. “It highlights a disconnect between TDC consultation methods and the community.”

He is disappointed that neither council nor Golden Bay Community Board (GBCB) sent representatives to the meeting. “They missed an opportunity; there was an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom in the room, so much good sense. Why wouldn’t you use it? It’s a great free resource.”

And he suggested that local advocate body GBCB should adopt a more supportive role. “They should go and listen to the community and represent their interests.”

In the meantime, the Pōhara group’s questionnaire has measured public attitudes towards: shared paths (general and specific); alternative options for Pōhara; the council’s consultation process; and the quality of representation. The widespread use of multiple-choice responses meant that the survey was easily completed within a few minutes.

The original intention was to run the survey from Monday this week through to Sunday but within 48 hours the target of 500 returns had already been exceeded. Consequently

Bernie decided to close the survey on Wednesday evening. “The results are very telling,” said Bernie adding that the data will be analysed before being shared with the community and council. “We’d like to call another meeting and invite the mayor, CEO, local councillors and the community board.”

Bernie’s hope that the survey findings will persuade TDC to reconsider its plans, has a precedent: following intervention by the Motueka Community Board, TDC recently carried out further consultation on a proposal to install cycleways along a stretch of Motueka High Street. Council announced last Thursday that, as a result of “an impressive volume of feedback from the community” the scheme has been deferred and is no longer part of the current Transport Choices Motueka project.

Referring to the feedback received from the Motueka exercise, TDC transportation manager Jamie McPherson is quoted as saying, “Such a diverse range of opinions means ultimately not everyone will be satisfied with the final results, but it is important that we stay focussed on what the overall best outcomes are for the community”.

In order to support a similar process on this side of the Tākaka Hill, Bernie urges council representatives to attend the upcoming meeting. “I see it as an opportunity to make it a bridge-building exercise.”

These are Network Tasman’s ‘underground boxes’. They have fuses inside of them that connect the power cables under the footpath or verge to the service cables that carry electricity to your house or business. We have about 12,000 underground boxes on our network. Most of them are in built-up areas and in public spaces.

These boxes have live electrical components inside of them, so it’s important for everyone’s safety that they are left alone and their covers stay securely fitted.

Boxes can get damaged by: z Vehicles accidentally bumping into them, causing the cover to loosen or crack. If a box gets repeatedly damaged by vehicles, we will look at putting protective bollards around it. z People drilling holes or inserting screws into them – this is extremely dangerous! z Unauthorised people removing the hold down screws. Only Network Tasman approved contractors are permitted to remove the covers.

All of these things can expose the live electrical parts inside the box and put you at risk of electrocution.

If you accidentally damage an underground box, or if you see one that has been damaged, let us know straight away by phoning our fault line 0800 508 100.

If you have any questions about this article, send us an email: info@networktasman.co.nz