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Report on Community Issues survey into the proposed Motueka town bypass

Term 4 2010

From our initial brainstorm of over 30 local issues the class selected the Motueka bypass. Chris Auchinvole was invited to speak about his concerns for a new bypass and from this initiative the class researched the issue. This was the third time the need for a Motueka bypass has been surveyed by a Community Issues class. It seems that NZ Transport Agency do not see the bypass as a priority despite the concerns of the local community.

We designed a survey that included: reference to the impact of the Ruby Bay bypass on Motueka, the proposed roundabouts and traffic lights intended to relieve High Street congestion, and the need for a bypass around Motueka.

We interviewed 452 people over four days in mid November. On this occasion we interviewed slightly more males than females but covered all age groups. 85% of the people interviewed were locals.

Less than 22% believed that the proposed roundabouts and traffic lights would solve the High Street congestion problems. Just on half believed that Motueka would benefit economically from the new Ruby Bay bypass. About 41% currently shop in Nelson or Richmond occasionally but Motueka retailers will be relieved that nearly two thirds have no intention of shopping there more often now that the Ruby bay bypass has opened.

70% believe that the Motueka bridge is a traffic hazard and a somewhat surprising 33% have witnessed or experienced an accident at the bridge. Although 22% believe a widened bridge could solve the problem that scenario is most unlikely due to the age of the bridge. In fact 54% backed a bypass and new bridge as the only viable solution to remove heavy traffic from High Street.

61% do not believe that NZ Transport Agency is setting fair priorities when they state that a bypass is not even being considered for the next 20 years. 44% believe that the bypass is needed immediately while another 40% believe it can wait 5 years. Only 5% think that a bypass can wait more than 5 years.

The results were not unexpected but they reinforce the need for some concerted action from all our decision-makers to lobby hard together to get the NZTA to put the bypass project into an urgent timeframe. We look forward to some strong and concerted action from our decision-makers.

Click here to view the survey questions »
Click here to view the survey results »

 
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