Kerikeri Heritage Bypass "Walk-over" opportunity next Sunday

Pedestrians will have an opportunity to preview the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass before it opens to vehicle traffic next week.

An informal public "walk-over" is planned for next Sunday (22 June 2008).

General Manager for Roads & Stormwater Richard Green said today arrangements had been made to open the gates to the public from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on this day to allow people to walk the 1.6 kilometre bypass and check out the links with walkways along the Kerikeri River.

It will also be the first opportunity the public to see the poupou at each end of the bypass erected last month by Ngati Rehia. The two carved poupou have been covered but will be unveiled at a traditional ceremony at 6.30 a.m. the same day. (Sunday 222nd June). Ngati Rehia spokesperson Nora Rameka said today the public was most welcome to attend the dawn ceremony.

"This will also be a chance for people to become familiar with the proposed temporary walking link via Edkins Road to the bypass," Mr Green said.

"Access for pedestrians will be at the northern (Waipapa Road) end of the bypass. Cars can park at the sealed carpark for the new sports fields off Waipapa Road and then people can walk the bypass route at their leisure," he said.

However vehicles would not be allowed on the bypass until 1 a.m. the following morning.