Council Takes Pahiatua Track Message To Parliament

The council is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for ‘R’ (Regional) funding for the Pahiatua Track and has now taken its message to Parliament.

A deputation of five led by mayor Maureen Reynolds and supported by MP John Hayes met with Minister of Roading Hon. Annette King and Land Transport New Zealand a month ago to reinforce the benefit to the region of an upgraded Pahiatua Track.

‘R’ funding is funding allocated by Land Transport New Zealand to district roading projects of priority to a Territorial Local Authority and deemed to be of significance to the whole region.

Tararua lies in the region which includes Manawatu/Wanganui.

The council has consistently made a case for the Pahiatua Track over the last five years, spurred on by its significance as the superior alternative route to Manawatu in times of flood and closure of the Manawatu Gorge.

“The Pahiatua Track is a regionally significant link between Tararua and the Manawatu and will be a major connector to the proposed Palmerston North ring road,” the council’s chief executive Roger Twentyman said.

The council has been seeking ‘R’ funding to straighten two major bends at the top of the ‘Track’ and has budgeted for its share of the programme.

But applications have so far been unsuccessful despite the council believing it had met all the criteria and was therefore eligible to qualify for funding.

Mayor Maureen Reynolds believed that the council’s ministerial visit had been “well worthwhile”.

“The Minister had a personal knowledge of the area and was very receptive to the council’s case.”

Upgrading the Pahiatua Track to regional status was fundamental to the council’s district roading programme and its future, the mayor said.

Meanwhile the council has been asked to re apply and to make a case for the whole route and data on traffic numbers is already being collected.