LOWER SPEED LIMITS FOR MAPUA?

TDC Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson addressed the MDCA’s March meeting about some of the community’s roads and pathways concerns and the possibility of lowering the speed limit on Aranui Road to 40 kph. Jamie indicated road speed limits need to have a start and end point and posed the question: “In Mapua, if we were to support lowering the speed to 40 kph, where should it start and end? You can’t just make Aranui Road 40 kph and the rest 50 kph. Should we make the whole of Mapua 40 kph?” Many residents believe all of Mapua should be 40 kph, posted at the beginning of both Higgs and Aranui Roads. And Jamie mentioned that recent development projects have officials questioning whether 50 rather than 60 kph might be a better limit on Mapua Drive.

Jamie acknowledged that setting and changing speed limits is a long and arduous process, guided by the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2017 legislation. These rules prevent local authorities changing speed limits at random. NZTA publish maps where they have assessed the safety of each road and determined “appropriate speeds.” All potential changes must be measured against this NZTA recommended speeds. That said, the focus of NZTA is to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

To change speed limits requires the TDC to provide technical evidence, demonstrate public and community support, then get political support. The process requires multiple steps: first listing potential roads up for speed changes, then the shortlist goes to council for approval, then to public consultation, then a subcommittee hearing, then a full council vote. Even then, the NZTA has power to veto the proposed changes if they disagree.

NZTA has recommended Mapua speed limits as 50 kph for Aranui Rd and all side roads at 40 kph. But their system only provides indications. What we need to look at is what we as a community want, what makes sense. Jamie pointed out that Aranui Rd is not designed for a 40 kph speed limit. In February 2018, speed testing indicated cars traveled at an average 45 kph and in August 2018 at an average 47 kph. In summer, there’s obviously more activity happening compared to winter and people drive slower. So currently cars are not travelling at excessive speeds. If we were to target a lower speed (40 kph) for a part of Aranui Road, Jamie does not think a sign will cause a drop in speed. Research shows it will only drop 2-3 kph. To drop speeds significantly, other things need to be done such as street narrowing, speed bumps etc.

Jamie also mentioned we don’t know how people will react to a speed change. A lot of people want speed limits dropped in front of their house but on their daily travel routes they want to travel at their preferred speeds. We all want to have our towns be safe and people friendly. The TDC plans to engage with people via a survey to see how people want their roads to function. The stronger the community support, the stronger the case for change. Jamie reinforced he is here to support what the MDCA and community want to do but changing speed limits is a lengthy process.

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE

Rob O’Grady, the TDC’s Project Manager, then spoke about the Mapua/Ruby Bay water infrastructure upgrade project scheduled for 2019, including: an upgrade to the wastewater pump station in Ruby Bay, a new underground emergency storage tank and odour control; a new wastewater pump station at 69 Stafford Drive, which will replace the existing pump station at 72 Stafford Drive (the new pump station will include underground emergency storage and odour control); a new water main running from Mapua Wharf to Pine Hill Road; a new wastewater pipe running from Mapua Wharf to Ruby Bay.

As Mapua residents know, the existing water main running along Aranui Road and Stafford Drive is in very poor condition. There are frequent pipe bursts at many locations. To reduce the risk of pipe breaks, the water is at a lower pressure than desirable. And the Mapua wastewater network is inefficient. There are five pump stations between Ruby Bay and Mapua Wharf, which pump wastewater from one section of pipe to another. Parts of the system are often at capacity during high rain events. Overflows have occurred at Mapua School and tankers are often required to prevent overflows in other locations. There is no odour control and little or no emergency storage at the existing pump stations to store wastewater during power outages, mains breaks or high rainfall events. The project will address these problems and provide more capacity to allow for growth in the area.

Tenders went out in December and Rob hopes the contractor will be able to start in April or the beginning of May at the latest. The contractor would like to start at the Mapua school and work towards the wharf and hopes to finish around November.  The bulk of the work around the school is planned to be done during winter school holidays.

Residents and visitors can expect some disruption to traffic. Aranui Road will not close but there will be signs suggesting cars travel Higgs Road as an alternate. The bulk of the work outside of individual properties is expected to take a week but total disruption could be about a month. Rob expects the water main section running from Ruby Bay shops to Pine Hill Road to be replaced later in order to meet current budget constraints.

Contractors will give home owners a daily update on interruptions. During construction, a project liaison person will be available on a 24-hour phone number to discuss any concerns. They will manage any specific access requirements and be responsible for daily communication with affected parties. Rob is also open to feedback from the community to make sure all are on-board and can be contacted at: 03-543 8634 / 027-579 3146 or email rob.o’grady@tasman.govt.nz

For more detail on Jamie and Rob’s presentation, please see their live stream video on the MDCA’s Facebook page.

MAPUA WATERFRONT & WHARF

A new design for upgrading the Ngaio Tree reserve area (green space between the Golden Bear and waterfront with the Ngaio Tree) will be put to public consultation the first 2 weeks of April. At the April 8^th MDCA meeting, the TDC will present its latest concept design and engage in a 30 min brainstorming at the end of the meeting. The results will be reported to the Mapua Waterfront Working Group meeting 15^th April.

TRANSPORTATION

Elena Meredith, working with the Nelson/Tasman Community Transportation Trust and volunteers from Hills Community Church, has been focusing on developing transportation infrastructure for our area. Recent social media posts brought in offers from 8 people who want to be drivers for our area. Seven of them want to be part of the organisation committee. The trust is working on a survey to establish the exact transportation needs for our area to demonstrate to the TDC that such a transport system would be worthy of NZTA funding. Elena will be doing a presentation in April and May to other associations in the area. Marion asked Elena to come back at the MDCA’s next meeting with the cost involved in conducting a letterbox drop in order to see if the drop is a project the MDCA should support.

ROADS & PATHWAYS

The pathway from the school to sea has been widened.

RELATIONSHIPS

The MDCA is aiming to improve communication with other local community groups. Chairperson Marion Satherly attended a recent Tasman Area Community Association meeting and found it worthwhile to continue maintaining contact.

APRIL MEETING HOT TOPIC SPEAKERS

• Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy presentation and feedback
• New playground by tennis courts design presentation
• Ngaio tree reserve design presentation

IN OTHER BUSINESS

An MDCA attendee pointed out the grass verge areas on Mapua Drive have not been maintained properly. Jamie McPherson responded by saying he would follow up with the developer to see if they complied with consent conditions.

Be sure to attend our next monthly meeting:  Monday, 8 April at 7 PM, Bill Marris Room, Mapua Hall.

MDCA works closely with TDC to ensure our community functions in a way that suits the majority of our residents. To have a vote that counts, become a financial member of MDCA by simply paying a $10 membership fee to our NBS account 03-1354-0356471-00 with your name & phone number as a reference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Community Transportation —

A new organization has formed seeking to solve the growing issues of isolation and lack of transport in the Mapua and Districts area. The Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust (NTCTT) recently registered as a charitable trust.  Its goal is to provide much needed transport inside Mapua and from Mapua and surrounds to Richmond/Nelson for people of all ages with transport needs. MDCA Exec Committee member Elena Meredith, who is also a NTCTT trustee, will be speaking at both the Tasman and Moutere Hills community association meetings about the transport issues affecting us all.

The group is actively recruiting volunteer drivers and is seeking a 10-12 seat van that someone might share during daytime hours. If you know of an available vehicle and/or want to volunteer drive, please contact info@ourmapua.org right away. Let’s all pitch in and create this much needed community transportation!

Age Concern Nelson Tasman

Caroline Budge and Breffni O’Rourke of “Age Concern Nelson Tasman” addressed the February 11 MDCA monthly meeting regarding their important work. Age Concern is dedicated to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older people across the Nelson region and strives to create a New Zealand in which everyone is valued, supported and empowered no matter how old they are. They believe older people should always be respected and never abused. They provide valuable senior services including:

• Visitations: Providing visitors who make regular visits to socially isolated older people in their homes via Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service.
• Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service:Providing confidential support, advocacy and information for people facing elder abuse and neglect. (Majority of elder abuse is financial.)
• Educational Workshops:Running workshops on Staying Safe Driving, Car Fit, Healthy Eating and Writing Life Stories.
• Seminars: Arranging talks from specialists in fields such as dementia, frauds and scams, and power of attorney.
• Celebratory Events:Recognising and celebrating older people on days such as International Day of Older Persons.
• Taxi Vouchers: Providing assessment and provision of Total Mobility taxi vouchers that enable entitled people to half-price taxi fares.
• Support Services, Information, Advice and Personal Advocacy: Responding in person/phone to a range of queries from older people and their carers, eg. advising on services available and how to contact them. Providing confidential support and empowerment to older people.

The Charity raises about $350,000 per year to operate with funds coming from local and national government, PHO’s, DHB’s, corporate and individual donations and $25 per year memberships. The Nelson Tasman Age Concern is located in Richmond, has a staff of 7 and over 100 volunteers who all work to encourage positive active ageing. Referrals are made by hospital social workers, police, in home support services (home helps), family members and self-referrals.

Age Concern visiting services in private homes and rest homes might include entertainment, interaction with pets, visiting school children and teens who help with electronic devices, and outings to local museums and cafes. It is important to make people feel as though they still belong and are important in a community.

The majority of volunteers are over sixty, police checked and given training before starting. Many volunteers and their clients become firm friends through the process of visiting.

A new program started right here in Nelson Tasman is called “Age Connect” – helping build friendships and community connections for over 65’s. It offers friendship and company via outings, shopping buddies, group gatherings, volunteering opportunities. The program has been so successful, other Age Concerns from all over New Zealand are taking note and now following suit.

 

Dominion Flats

The area is very dry as the team continues with weeding. A local contractor has completed the lower end of the new back track which now makes another interesting loop for users. There is no using mechanical devises there at present due to fire hazards.

March Meeting Special Speakers

TDC Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson has been invited to the MDCA’s March 11 meeting to address many of the community’s roads and pathways concerns: completing the Mapua Drive footpath, safe Aranui Road pedestrian crossings, Mapua Drive-to-bypass walkway and possibly lowering speed limits on village streets.

In addition, Glenn Thorn, the TDC Reserves and Assets Projects Officer, has been invited to present his initial plans on the redesigned $153,000 budget Mapua playground by the tennis courts.

Be sure to attend our next monthly meeting:  Monday, 11 March at 7 PM, Mapua Hall.

MDCA works closely with TDC to ensure our community functions in a way that suits the majority of our residents. To have a vote that counts, become a financial member of MDCA by simply paying a $10 membership fee to our NBS account 03-1354-0356471-00  with your name & phone number as a reference.