With the most recent Raglan Community Board meeting held last week on Wednesday, RCB Chair, Dennis Amoore, joined us in the studio to chat about local issues brought up during the meeting - including details about the internal bus service for Raglan which could potentially launch later this year.
Raglan Internal Bus
The proposed internal bus service for Raglan is set to launch in the near future with a trial period to gauge community demand. During this initial phase, the service will be on-demand, allowing residents to call and book a ride as needed or to catch a fixed time route - for example, a school bus route would run on demand every day at the same time but outside these routes, residents would have to book their ride.
The route's focus will be on serving the main township area, with Upper Wainui and Greenslade Rd marking the outer boundary of the planned service zone. This approach aims to assess the level of interest within the community.
The Waikato District and Regional Councils are collaborating to establish this new bus service. As part of the process, both councils will undertake their respective procedures to identify a suitable service provider. Dennis says that because it's an on-demand service, the councils are not obliged to use their main provider and could even use a local Raglan based company.
Wi Neera Walkway upgrades
The Raglan Jetty's Wi Neera walkway is scheduled for an upgrade as certain sections of the 100-year-old wall are showing signs of deterioration. Originally, only minor repairs were planned; however, Dennis says the council has now opted for a more extensive renovation. The comprehensive fix-up will involve installing handrails and lights, in addition to widening the walkway to enhance its overall functionality and safety.
Wharf Update
Local watchdog John Lawson recently pointed out some subpar contractor work at the Wharf. However, Dennis reassures everyone that such issues are common on construction projects and that the council will not approve or sign off on any jobs until they are completed to their satisfaction.
Fluoride and Raglan’s Water Supply
While anti-fluoride groups attempt to take the Director General of Health to court over their directive to fluoridate the country’s water supply, Dennis assures residents that the Government has not ordered the council to fluoridate Raglan’s water supply so no current plans are in place. Some naturally occurring traces of fluoride may, however, already be present.
Freedom Camping
The council is inviting feedback on their Freedom Camping Bylaw, which includes modifications to local regulations for campers. Dennis clarifies that national legislation prohibits an outright ban on Freedom Camping in Raglan, but it allows us to impose restrictions on specific areas.
In response to this, the Raglan Community Board (RCB) has submitted a pre-submission to the council, proposing designated areas for campers and recommending locations that have public toilets nearby such as Joyce Petchell Memorial Park, Ciff St and Stewart St.
These specific areas would have time restrictions, such as campers not being allowed to stay past 8 am the following morning. These measures aim to strike a balance between accommodating campers and maintaining the integrity and convenience of the local community.
Civil Defence Planning is still ongoing and Dennis hopes to have a draft plan to present to the community in the next few months. A local emergency response would identify community groups and individuals who would be well-placed to provide certain emergency services. Whether it’s Police, volunteers for control centres, logistics or communications, Dennis says that plans are in place for these positions to be filled and training will be provided by the council.
Erosion issues at Papahua are still being discussed, however, being part of the foreshore and having a culturally significant burial site nearby, there are a number of complex issues at play including a need to address it in the next year or two.
While historical maps from 1944 show that the Papahua shoreline was closer to where it is now (prior to the old walking bridge creating a groyne-like effect, causing a build up of sand), there are concerns that the erosion would eventually start to approach the road near the soccer fields. Solutions like dune plantings have been suggested but planting is not thought to be a good idea because the removal of the groyne has altered the dynamics in a way that planting wouldn't be effective.
The Community Facilities Strategy Early Engagement covers council-owned facilities such as community halls, pools, public toilets, community hubs and libraries or sports facilities and pavilions. Council staff recently held a drop-in session in Raglan and the RCB are also planning to make a submission. More info here.
The Waikato District Connectivity Strategy is a plan that will guide trail development for the next 5 years, replacing the previous Trails Strategy 2016. It will offer direction for decision-making, development, management, and investment in various trail categories, including walking paths, off-road trails, multi-use tracks, cycle and mountain biking trails, and bridle/horse riding trails. More info here.
Lastly, Dennis mentions that the Surf Life Saving Club’s 50 year anniversary is coming up in October this year and those who are interested in being part of the celebrations should head to the Raglan Surf Life Saving Club website.