New Footpath Provides Safe Walk To Ruawai Schools

Ruawai children can now walk to school without fear of passing traffic, thanks to a new footpath between town and the college and primary school.

It has solved a problem that has been growing for about 30 years, where children were forced to walk along a marked road edge with no physical barrier between them and oncoming traffic.

The footpath on the western side of State Highway 12 is the result of Kaipara District Council and Transit New Zealand working in partnership alongside the Ruawai community. It was built during the summer holidays and made ready for the current school year, although some finishing touches are still needed including the marking of cycle lanes along both sides of the road.

Kaipara District Council’s Roading portfolio holder, Councillor Richard Alspach, says it solves a long-standing problem.

“It has taken a long time but we are very pleased with the outcome. The contractor, McBreen Jenkins, worked to a very tight schedule and has done a fantastic job.”


Councillor Alspach says Transit New Zealand has advised that it is reconsidering the present Limited Speed Zone between Ruawai and the schools and plans to install automatic electronic warning signs, warning of children during school hours.

The new footpath has been hailed by the schools, with Ruawai Primary School principal Todd Warmington saying, “I feel a lot more comfortable now that it’s finally been built. It’s a huge improvement.”

“You feel safe and it’s a nice surface to walk on,” commented Year 11 Ruawai College student Chelsea Williams.