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- By Waikato Mayor Jacqui Church
As a long-time resident and business owner in the Franklin area, I have seen firsthand the
challenges and triumphs of our local roading infrastructure.
challenges and triumphs of our local roading infrastructure.
The roads we travel daily are the veins that keep our communities thriving, especially here in the beating heart of New Zealand’s economic golden triangle.
But maintaining and improving these roads is no small feat.
Affordability is a constant concern. With rising costs and limited New Zealand Transport
Agency (NZTA) funding, we must be prudent in our financial management. Rates, which make up about 4 percent of the average person’s weekly budget, fund essential services, including roading. Yet, we all often wonder why potholes aren’t fixed immediately or why roadworks seem endless. The reality is, like an iceberg, much of the complexity lies beneath the surface.
Growth in our region brings both opportunities and challenges. Increased traffic and the need for more maintained roads are signs of a thriving community, but they also mean more wear and tear. Meeting public expectations while managing these demands requires a delicate balance. We must realign expectations and celebrate the progress that growth signifies, even if it brings temporary disruptions.
Inter-generational investment in our roads has lagged, and it’s time to address this. Roads must be fit for purpose, supporting not just current needs but also future growth.
Many of our roads were created in a different time for a rural environment that, now, with growth, are busy urban throughfares with ever-increasing larger and heavier traffic loads on what is fundamentally an old network. This requires a strategic asset assessment approach, referencing our long-term plans (LTP) to ensure every dollar spent is maximised for public benefit.
Myth-busting is essential. Fixing potholes isn’t just about filling holes; it’s about addressing
underlying issues, like the substrate of the road, to help prevent future problems. We are
committed to getting on with these repairs despite the challenges, ensuring our roads are safe and reliable.
In our complex society, council services are more than just basic amenities. They are the
backbone of our daily lives, enabling us to live, work, and thrive. As we navigate these
challenges together, let’s remember that we are in the right place, in the beating heart of the golden triangle, working towards a better future for all.
All the best, Jacqui
