Waikato District Council has revealed the final plan for the new permanent alcohol ban zone in the Raglan CBD which now extends from Puriri Park, running though the CBD and out to to the area school. It also has a special clause to control alcohol consumption on James St where holidaymakers in mobile homes have been causing problems for locals.
As well as extending the summer ban that covers much of Whaingaroa to include the Waitangi day holiday period the all-year ban will now include the waterfront from Puriri Park along Cliff St, past the jetty and the museum and up to the Wainui Rd Bridge, including those roads. It includes Papahua and the sports fields, the CBD, Bow St up to the Norrie Ave intersection and all of Norrie Ave.
The original plan included side roads such as Stewart St but the Community Board requested they reduce the scope of the permanent ban.
Alcohol consumption is allowed inside self contained vehicles within the ban area but following problems with the behaviour of travellers parked on James St a special clause in the by-law bans it for the length of that street.
Following the loss of another life at Papanui Point last week the skipper of a recreational boat that capsized trying to cross the Raglan bar last December has been convicted and fined $3000 in the Hamilton District Court by Judge Philip Crayton.
Jaswant Chand, had attempted to cross a sandspit at the southern end of the Raglan bar to go fishing, with his wife and son on board, despite hazardous sea conditions at the time.
Mr Chand managed to push his wife out from underneath the boat but became trapped himself and required rescuing by surf lifesaving staff. Raglan Coastguard later recovered the vessel and towed it into Raglan Harbour.
Acting Waikato Regional Harbourmaster Hayden Coburn pointed out that: “Operating a vessel in a dangerous manner carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000 for an individual,” before adding: “This incident shows just how real the risks of bar crossings are and the case serves as a warning for all boaties to be well prepared, properly equipped and ready to change their plans if conditions are unsafe. There will always be a better day to get out on the water.”
A Meet the Candidates Event has been planned for Raglan on Sunday 14th September at 2:30pm in the Town Hall. The event is being run by Raglan Community Radio who have invited the candidates running for Waikato Mayor, Whaingaroa Council Ward, Raglan Community Board and the Waikato Constituency of the Waikato Regional Council.
All 16 candidates except for Satnam Bains who is running for the community board have responded to requests to participate.
The event will have a number of short Q&A sections and quick fire rounds plus there will be an opportunity for questions from the floor in the second half of the event.