State Highway 23 is targeted to reopen at the end of the month, says Waka Kotahi who have been working hard to build a temporary diversion road around the now infamous slip.
The slip significantly worsened during the Cyclone Gabrielle storm event that devastated much of the North Island; a section of the highway nearly 30m long has now dropped around 2.5m, and has crossed over the centreline.
Earthworks on the temporary diversion road through private property were halted on the morning of Sunday 12 February due to a serious incident on a nearby worksite.
After the cyclone had passed, geotechnical engineers were able to return to the site to assess additional damage, before work could safely resume on the temporary diversion road.
Waka Kotahi can’t give a firm opening date at this stage, but are going full steam ahead to try to get the work done by March 1st - so long as there are no more cyclones.
Last week the harbour was declared unsafe for swimming because of a positive E Coli test. Ngaranui Beach received a negative test and was given the all clear at that time but this week it received a not safe for swimming warning from LAWA - Land Air Water Aotearoa - the national body charged with letting us know how dirty everything is getting.
(Listen to the news bulletin below:)
Despite the warning the lure of the surf has been too strong for locals with good waves attracting many to the water yesterday and today .
And a story that has slipped under the radar with the cyclone dominating events, The Regional Council is increasing its rate take by 5.8% which is three times higher than they planned but still less than inflation.
For the majority of ratepayers it will mean an increase in rates this year of between $50 and $95. But the remaining five per cent of ratepayers could see higher increases based on their property value and whether they pay targeted rates.
Chair Pamela Storey cited inflation, a drum-tight labour market, and central government reforms as being the main drivers for the increase.
Kieran Powell arrived back in Raglan yesterday after leaving on December 1 to cycle the circumference of NZ to raise funds for Hospice Waikato.
Kieran said “We’re at $9595 raised for Hospice so we’re not far off our target! before adding Thankyou to everyone who has donated and supported me along the way. If you are able to donate and get us to our goal that would be much appreciated."
In local sport the Piha Grom surf comp which was due next weekend starting on the 25th, has been relocated to Mt Maunganui because of the damage caused by the cyclone.
And that is the raglan news for Friday 17th February 2023.