Risk Assessment Crucial at Papanui Point says RCB Chair
Tragedy has struck again at Papanui Point recently with two fishermen being swept off the rocks at the notoriously dangerous fishing spot. One life has been lost with the body recovered at the scene while another fisherman remains missing. Raglan Community Board Chair Dennis Amoore says, this incident underscores the importance of education and careful risk assessment regarding the hazards present in the area.
“It's a pretty rugged little bit of headland that sticks out into the ocean on that southern side of the mountain, so it's very exposed to any swell coming up from the south.”
Dennis emphasises that while local residents are more attuned to the potential dangers, those unfamiliar with the area might be tempted to fish in precarious conditions due to a lack of awareness regarding the unpredictable nature of the swells in that specific location.
He also points out that emergency services are risking their own well-being when they respond to such incidents and that it’s important to take these factors into account when making a decision about fishing at Papanui Point.
Water Fluoridation
The issue of water fluoridation has surfaced during recent community board meetings, where local advocates against fluoride have been urging the board to request the council to refrain from introducing fluoridation into the Raglan water supply.
Although there is presently no official directive from the Director General of Health mandating the fluoridation of Raglan's water, anti-fluoride campaigners are actively pursuing a legal case to prevent the Government from adding fluoride to the NZ’s water supply.
“Council has advised us that they won't be doing anything. They won't be putting fluoride into any water that presently doesn't have fluoride until they get a letter from the director general of health.”
Internal Raglan Bus
Plans for the internal Raglan bus are progressing with the current trial period to run for around nine months - the start date of which is still to be announced. The service would run on-demand so community members can call to book a ride within the route boundary which is expected to run from Greenslade Rd in the east to Upper Wainui in the west.
“By doing it on demand, that gives us a feel going forward - where in the community people want the bus service to go and who's going to use it.”
Dennis says that there could be potential for students that live within the 2-3 km boundary of the school to catch the bus as well.
Wi Neera Walkway
Upgrades are in store for the century-old Wi Neera Walkway, an essential link between the jetty, fire station, and footbridge. The planned improvements will encompass multiple phases, including the replacement of water pipes, expansion of the footpath, installation of new lighting fixtures, widening of the path, and the addition of a handrail for enhanced safety and accessibility.
Civil Defence Planning
With work progressing for a local Civil Defence plan, Dennis hopes to have a public meeting with interested parties in September.
Raglan Wharf Update
A recent blessing marked the commencement of activities for the Western Walkway at the Wharf. This walkway is intended to extend from the current pathway along the western perimeter of the silos, stretching all the way to Tony Slys pottery shop. With contractors set to begin works in the upcoming week, Dennis hopes that the construction can be concluded by Christmas.
Freedom Camping Bylaw
Submissions have now closed for the Freedom Camping Bylaw with the RCB making a submission on behalf of the community. Given the various revisions introduced in the recent updates, Dennis highlights that one of his main priorities was to encourage campers to stay in areas already equipped with public restrooms, like Joyce Petchell Memorial Park.
Raglan Local Energy have relaunched as Community Energy Whāingaroa with the aim to use locally produced energy to alleviate energy poverty. While discussions have begun around potentially putting solar panels on the community building Dennis expects further talks around who will be the beneficiaries of the project.
Waikato District Council Mayoral Awards have been launched for 2023 and the RCB and Whāingaroa Ward Councillor have submitted nominations for people that have showcased exceptional service within the community. The winners are expected to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
The RCB are expecting a feedback report from council staff around changes to Soundsplash following transport issues from this year’s event.
Manu Bay Breakwall
An ongoing issue since the construction of the new breakwall in 2016, the Manu Bay Breakwall is still causing problems for boaties with rocks frequently needing to be cleared from the boat ramp so it can be used safely.
The RCB has been waiting for a report from consultants outlining the next actions. However, the influence of Cyclone Gabrielle has placed additional strain on these consultants, resulting in delays in the delivery of the report.
While Waikato District Council are experiencing staff shortages in their roading team, CFO Allison Diaz is asking the district to refrain from submitting non-urgent roading issues. Despite staff shortages, regular grading of roads still appears to be happening as these updates are managed by the contracted roading company.
Erosion concerns at Papahua persist, compounded by its foreshore location and proximity to a culturally significant burial site. Complex factors are at play, and Dennis expects council staff to get together in the next few weeks to look at the issue.
There is apprehension that erosion could encroach upon the road near the soccer fields. Proposed solutions such as dune plantings have been suggested, but the shifting dynamics following the removal of the old bridge (which created a groyne effect) creates a more complex landscape.
Dennis also mentions the little break water that's built in front of the changing sheds (that is now covered) seems to have worked well in retaining sand in that area.
The next Raglan Community Board meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th September at 1.30pm at the Raglan Town Hall Supper Room.