Minutes of the Thames-Coromandel Transportation Forum

Date: 3 December 2012 Venue: Council Chambers 515 Mackay Street Thames Time: 10 am

Chairperson: Matt Busch - Roading Manager Secretary: Natasha Bekker - Infrastructure Co-ordinator

In Attendance: Alan Young Valley Bin Services Anne Ward Coromandel Community Board Gary Blake Colunda Farm Helen McCabe Whangamata Community Board Member Ingrid Le Fevre Road Safety Co-ordinator Jim Corbett NZ Police John Bowers Opus Consultants Peter French Deputy Mayor Peter Wood Thames Coast Protection Society Ross Bayer Opus Consultants Thames-Coromandel Transportation Forum Minutes 3 December 2012

1. Apologies Apologies were received from: Alan Burkett NZTA Andrew McKillop NZTA Chris Cooper - Community Board Debbie Petersen Te Korowai Hauora O Hauaraki Gary Masters Regional Transport Association Glenn Leach District Mayor Greg Hampton Area Manager Thames Jo Carling Regional Council John Whittle Group Manager Infrastructure Keith Stephenson Coromandel-Colville Community Board MaryAnn Kerr NZ Police Sue Wright

2. Receipt of • The minutes of the Thames-Coromandel Transportation Forum meeting Minutes - held on 25 June 2012 were received. 25 June 2012

3. Matters Arising Te Mata Speed Limit - Action  The 50km/h speed limit from Tapu has been extended north to link with Schedule the currently posted 50km/h speed limit at Te Mata.  This essentially removes the 400m long section of open road between the Tapu and Te Mata.  Local feedback received indicated that the community wanted the gazetted speed limit changed to 50km/h as it is posted and NZTA has supported this view when making its decision.  The forum expressed its disappointment with NZTA's decision to reduce the gazetted speed limit from Tapu through Te Mata to 50km/h despite stakeholder feedback to the contrary. Further NZTA did not advise TCDC that this decision had been made, prior to the public release of the speed limit.  Matt will draft a letter from this forum to NZTA advising them of the safety concerns associated with this decision and to express disappointment that feedback from adjoining property owners was given more weight than that of TCDC, NZ Police and the Road Transport Association.  SH25 from the north end of Te Mata to beyond the Te Mata Creek Road intersection remains a 70km/h speed limit.  NZTA was requested to install a mirror at the intersection of Bennett Road and SH25 (Te Mata).

Kopu to Thames Speed Limit  The speed limit has now been gazetted and is programmed to be in place prior to Xmas this year. 2 of 5 Thames-Coromandel Transportation Forum Minutes 3 December 2012

 The speed limit will be 70km/h through Kopu, 80km/h between Kopu and Totara, 70km/h through Totara and onto Rhodes Park where it will become 50km/h into and through Thames.

Kopu  Grit and metal is used on icy roads to slow travel speeds. The grit/metal does not remove/breakdown the ice or increase friction.  Motorists need to drive to the conditions.

Safety Issues at Kopu  The roundabout site has been monitored for parked trailers causing a hazard. None have been noted to date.  The new roundabout leg will be constructed next year and may address this issue.  In the interim monitoring will continue.

Te Kouma Turnoff  Warning signs will be erected by the end of January 2013.

4. Road Safety  A copy of the Road Safety Co-ordinator's report (Attachment A) was Co-ordinator's distributed. Report Alcohol Expo  This expo was targeted at year 11 students.  A mock vehicle crash was staged to present the students with the consequences of drink driving.  Robust discussion followed and 75% of students in attendance said that they would change their behaviour as a result of this expo.  Strong emphasis was placed on zero alcohol for under 20 year old drivers.

5. Police  A copy of the Police report (Attachment B) was distributed. Programme/ Update K2  No major incidents were reported.  Incidents were reported of some cyclists riding in big groups blocking the road.

Burnouts  Police have apprehended perpetrators in Parawai Road.

6. NZTA Update  There is a current focus on maintenance works (resurfacing and Area Wide Treatments).  Two AWT sites on the Tairua Hill are programmed for construction prior 3 of 5 Thames-Coromandel Transportation Forum Minutes 3 December 2012

to Christmas.  A footbridge is being clipped onto the SH25 Manaia Bridge to provide a safer crossing for the local community.  The fourth leg of the new Kopu roundabout is to be constructed next year.  A number of speed limit changes have been recently implemented. These include: o Extending the Tapu 50km/h to Te Mata. o Installing an 80km/h through . o Formalising the 50km/h at Kuaotunu and installing 70km/h on both approaches. o Installing an 80km/h between Wharekaho and . o Extending the 70km/h north of Whangamata.  NZTA are investigating active (electronic) signs on state highways outside and schools.  There is a motorcycle trial project underway to determine safety improvements that would benefit motorcyclists riding the bottom Coromandel loop (Waihi – Hikuai – Kopu – ).  The following maintenance issues were raised: o Potholes north of Ruamahanga slip area. o The trimming of Pohutukawa trees. These trees need to be cared for as they are ionic to this area. o Overhanging trees at Kopu. o SH25A Tairua Bridge abutment scour. o Roadside spraying does not address higher positioned wilding pines on embankments. o The poor road surface condition north of Waiomu.  The west approach to Kopu Bridge dips, which confuses night time drivers as they can see lights at the roundabout ahead but find it relatively dark in foreground

7. Council  Ross Bayer gave a verbal update report to the Forum. Roading  A hardcopy of this report (Attachment C) was provided after this Update meeting.  See attachment C for details of the report.

Storm Damage Reinstatement  The storm events in July and August 2012 resulted in $600k worth of damage.

8. Update on  This service is now overseen by St John's. Hospital  An analysis on why patients miss hospital appointments was done and Transport revealed that transport was not the major factor for non-arrivals. Coordination  The toll free number for this service is still operational.

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9. Impact of  Gary Blake presented a report (Attachment D) on the effects of climate Rising Sea change on transportation. Levels on Transportation

10. General Agricultural Vehicles  The Road Transport Association has made a submission to NZTA on the Land Transport Rule: Agricultural Vehicles.  Concern was raised about agricultural vehicles on roads and bridges and the risk this poses to other road users.

Draft District Plan  Changes have been made to transport in the Code of Practice regarding lighting and development. These changes are being consulted on.  Roading designations will be shown in the district plan. This will include areas where there is an intention to acquire the land for road.

Walking and Cycling Strategy  The Walking and Cycling Strategy is being reviewed.  The review will include consultation with Community Boards.  If communities identify the need for footpaths along State Highways as part of the review of the Walking and Cycling Strategy, any work undertaken will need to be locally funded.

General  A request was made for street lights to be considered on the far end of the Kopu Bridge.

Meeting Closed at:12:06

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