The urgent need for a reduction in the speed limit for vehicles passing Purakaunui School, progress on the State Highway 88 shared path and safety project, board responsibilities, and funding applications were all discussed during a busy West Harbour Community Board meeting last week.
The meeting was the first time in the chair for long-standing board member Ange McErlane, who welcomed new and existing board members, and new council representative Cr Mandy Mayhem-Bullock, along with governance support officer Clare Sullivan, and Three Waters group manager Dave Ward.
Speaking at the public forum, Purakaunui School teacher Rachel Brown told the board the school had submitted to Waka Kotahi’s review of speed limits, and was keen to raise the issue of vehicles travelling 80kmh downhill past the school gates.
"The road is narrow, and there is no attempt at a shoulder, so it is too unsafe for our children to walk or cycle to school," Ms Brown said.
In its submission, Purakaunui School requested a 30kmh speed limit in its area, and Ms Brown urged the board to lend its support to this request.
As it would take time to roll out statutory signage for speed limits, possibly as long as 2027, the school community felt the installation of a flashing advisory sign would be good interim measure.
Later in the meeting, the board discussed the issue and agreed to make a submission in support of traffic-calming measures, a flashing sign, and to call for a blanket 30kmh speed limit within coastal communities.
Ms Brown also spoke to Purakaunui School’s funding application for $550 towards line markings on its playground and tennis court, which are used as a community play space. The board later agreed to round up the application and grant the school $600 towards the project.
- Board members were impressed by a presentation from Melanie Button, in support of her application for a $500 scholarship towards competing in the Get2Go adventure race on Great Barrier island as part of a combined team from Columba College and John McGlashan College.
The board also received a scholarship application for $500 from Billie Allan towards attending the International Aerobics competition in the Czech Republic, and a scholarship application for $500 from Hannah O’Neill towards attending an Outward Bound Course. All three $500 scholarships were granted.
- The board also agreed to continue to present programmes on Otago Access Radio in 2023, at a cost of $240 for the year.
