The community might be tired of seeing streets lined with cones – but Mary Anne Gill reports that a teenager’s bright nature has provided some light relief.
Tamati Katipa of Specialized TM of Piopio in action on the Cambridge Pathway project. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Motorists might have entered orange cone capital in Wilson and Duke streets in Cambridge unhappy at the weekend, but they left with smiles on their faces thanks to Tamati Katipa of Kawhia.
The 17-year-old’s version of the Mana Wave while guiding cars through the cones was a welcome respite for drivers as workers continued construction on the Cambridge Pathway.
Waipā council should consider recruiting Katipa full time as community outrage continued unabated last week.
Tamati Katipa in action on the Cambridge Pathway project. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Hamilton Road from Grey to Bryce St path is complete and work is now progressing in Bryce, Wilson and Duke streets.
The west-bound lane of Duke Street (travelling towards Victoria Street), between Dick and Wilson streets was closed for two days while workers completed the roadside kerb and channelling.
Another contractor will soon start building the raised boardwalk along the narrow section of Duke Street.
This will mean restricting traffic and creating detours for some traffic during the boardwalk build until mid-May.
Meanwhile results of an online survey which ended on Saturday run by the Waipā Ratepayers and Renters group has found dissatisfaction with the Cambridge Pathway project.
Sources say the scientific validity of the survey has been called into question by the council. Mayor Susan O’Regan, deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, some councillors and staff reportedly received emails saying they had completed it when they did not.
Organiser Brenda Stamp told group members everyone who submitted the survey would have their names kept private.
“Apart from myself only one other person will see the completed surveys as he is the person who will be collating the data,” she told the group.
Lack of consultation and usage are common themes running through the responses.
Contractors lay the cycling path along Wilson Street outside Cambridge Primary School. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Cambridge Pathway
