South Wairarapa Council’s Plan To Fill Roading Budget Hole

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 6:25 am
Article: Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

South Wairarapa District Council is looking to plug a $5.3 million hole in its three-year roading budget with a loan.

It followed the Government’s policy review on roading last year where the council received no funding for “low cost, low risk” projects.

Low-cost low-risk projects is a work category that included small road and intersection improvements, traffic calming measures, lighting improvements, guard railing, walking and cycling facilities, mesh installation, drainage improvements, and culvert upgrades.

Projects approved by NZTA would have received a 51% Government subsidy.

In its Long-Term Plan consultation document, South Wairarapa District Council said it was important to continue to fund the full programme of works, despite not receiving a subsidy for low cost low risk projects.

“Investing in the road network for resilience, safety, and coastal protection enhances the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure, protects communities, and ensures better recovery from weather events,” it said.

“It fosters economic growth, protects the environment, and provides a foundation for climate change adaptation.

“This work is crucial in our rapidly changing environment.

“Given the diverse geographical landscape and varying road conditions across our district, we must make consistent improvements across the network to strike a balance between minimising costs and risks while addressing road safety and functionality.”

The council proposed funding the three-year low cost, low risk programme, valued at $7.58m, by taking out a loan.

This would result in a total proposed rates increase for the 2025-26 year at 4.3%, which the council had modelled for.

Alternatively, the council could fund 49% of the low cost low risk programme, reducing the total rates increase to 3.8%

The consultation document said failure to invest in safety, resilience, and protection for roads, particularly in coastal areas, created a cycle of vulnerability and potential failures in the network.

“The immediate risks to public safety, the environment, and the economy grow significantly, and the costs of recovery and repairs escalate.

“Proactive measures are essential to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of the road network, especially with climate change and increasing extreme weather events.”

The council said funding the full programme would improve the resilience of the roading network.

Projects in the council’s low cost, low risk programme included carriageway widening on Western Lake Rd, guard rail installation, vineyard walking and cycle path construction in Martinborough, bridge strengthening studies, and Ecoreef extensions for coast erosion protection.

To read the council’s Long-Term Plan consultation document and complete an online submission form, visit: haveyoursay.swdc.govt.nz/long-term-plan

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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