Central Hawke's Bay selected for safer streets funding

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been selected by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as one of thirteen Councils across Aotearoa New Zealand to receive funding to improve the safety and connectivity of local streets. 
 
The Streets for People programme 2021-24 aims to make it easier for Councils to create safer, healthier and more people-friendly streets, so everyone can get where they are going safely. 
 
In Central Hawke’s Bay the focus of the programme will be on the main street of Waipawa, part of State Highway 2, and will include plans to reduce traffic speeds through town and give safe and easy access to both east and west sides of the main street. 
 
“Safety concerns on Waipawa main street have been a growing issue over a number of years. We know that in many ways the state highway is a "hero" for Waipawa as it brings people, visitors, customers and opportunities. But it has become a real barrier to people trying to enjoy our town safely,” says Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker.

“We’re really pleased that the hard work our Council team and the community put into the initial scoping and engagement phase has resulted in this funding. With Waka Kotahi we can now start turning our community’s vision into reality.” 
 
Roading is a central focus for Council as it directs significant effort and funds into repairing its own rain-damaged network, and the funding secured through the Streets for People Programme is a timely contribution to resolve speed and safety issues that have plagued the main street of Waipawa for years. 
 
“The Streets for People programme complements our ongoing work on the local network and advocacy for the Waka Kotahi-managed State Highway 2,” says Mayor Walker. 
 
Council will now start work on five Streets for People traffic projects along Waipawa main street, building on what they have heard from the community, and will continue to engage with local business owners and residents as the work proceeds over the next two to three years. The five projects are: 

• Traffic calming interventions into Waipawa 
• Improved walking and cycling connections across State Highway 2 
• Improved walking and cycling connections at key intersections 
• Improved access to Madge Hunter Park and Centennial Memorial Swimming Pool 
• Testing cycling options on State Highway 2. 

Waka Kotahi Urban Mobility Manager Kathryn King says she is very excited Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is on board to participate in the Streets for People programme.  
 
“Streets for People enables councils to partner with their communities more easily, to create more welcoming spaces for people quickly. Letting towns and cities across Aotearoa see the difference, and enjoy the advantages of low-cost improvements now, while working towards more permanent solutions. 
 
“It’s becoming clear that our communities across Aotearoa New Zealand want safer and healthier streets that cater for everyone, and Streets for People is a step in the right direction to help achieve that.” 
 
Read more at: https://www.chbdc.govt.nz/our-district/projects/streets-for-people/

6 September 2022

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