Road seal boosts potential

SEALING the remaining unsealed section of Main South Road in the northern reaches of the district was one of a number of major projects considered by the Manawatu District Council following submissions to the Draft Annual Plan 2011/12.

In adopting the Annual Plan at last week’s monthly meeting, council said the decision to seal Main South Road between Apiti and Rangiwahia was made in view of the economic potential of the area.

The road is an integral part of the “Country Road” project, which envisages a tourist and cycling route through northern Manawatu, taking in many of its attractions and beautiful scenic country.

Main South Road is the only part not currently sealed, and in deciding to seal it, council believes the route will be more accessible to tourists as well as locals and add economic benefits from tourism and farming perspectives to the region.

Rangiwahia Community Committee Chairman, Steve Bielski, welcomed the decision and applauded council for showing foresight and vision regarding the area’s potential.

“We have a tremendous asset in the back of the Manawatu and one that has the potential to bring in lots of people off State Highway 1 at Mangaweka,” he said. “We understand that most tourists coming to New Zealand want a really good walk within 30 minutes of a main highway, but won’t come on gravel roads.”

Mr Bielski said visitors, both international and national, enjoyed nature-based activities such as bush walks, scenic drives, hunting and tramping, and the Apiti-Rangiwahia area was able to provide a perfect fit for this criteria.

“At present our farming communities are struggling because of the tough economic climate and costs. Tourism development will add economic viability to our district and enhance the communities’ collective quality of life.”

In turn, he said, that added real wealth to the Manawatu.

Mr Bielski said an Argentinean film crew, in the region as part of the build-up to the Rugby World Cup later in the year, was “blown away” by the location and described it as the best they had seen in the world.

“We want to help change the negative thinking that some people have of Manawatu as a tourist destination,” he said, “and give visitors a chance to explore our big valleys, magnificent rivers, gorges and flatlands. And all this can be done against the wonderful backdrop of the Ruahine Ranges, which you can virtually touch as you come down the road.”

Mr Bielski also predicted an increase in home-stay accommodation in the area, and with the sealed road attracting more tourists into Manawatu, the chance for Palmerston North to regain international airport status.