Downer’s Willy Chester, left, shows Waipā mayor Mike Pettit, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger the Maungauika Road bridge taken out by the St Valentine Day’s Storm.
Barbara Kuriger inspected the St Valentine’s Day storm damage in Ōtorohanga and Waipā districts today as both districts swapped to recovery mode.
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, right, in deep conversation with Waipā District Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan on Maungauika Road. Photo: Chris Gardner
The Taranaki-King Country MP was given a short list by Waipā mayor Mike Pettit and chief executive Steph O’Sullivan when they met her at Pirongia Four Square.
The restoration of the State Highway 39 bridge south of Pirongia was at the top of the list.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is in the early stages of progressing a single-lane temporary bridge which will require design, consenting, and procurement. It is anticipated that this section of SH39 will remain closed for some time.
Pirongia businesses have seen business drop by two thirds since the state highway closed.
“We have definitely noticed it’s a lot quieter,” said Four Square duty manager Scott Miller.
“We are selling a lot less.”
“I will go up and down the corridors of the Beehive and keep knocking on doors,” Kuriger said.
Receiving $100,000 from the government for the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund was also a high priority, O’Sullivan said
“We need advocacy in Wellington,” she said.
“That should just happen,” Kuriger said of the aid.
“You have got nothing to prove.”
Kuriger also visited a bridge on Maungauika Road where Downer Group’s Willy Chester and his team were working on restoring a ridge that had been unpassable since being submerged in one metre of water in the storm. Photo: Chris Gsrdner
Kuriger also visited a bridge on Maungauika Road where Downer Group’s Willy Chester and his team were working on restoring a ridge that had been unpassable since being submerged in one metre of water in the storm.
Chester hoped the bridge would be open to milk tankers for a short time tomorrow morning.
O’Sullivan said the council hoped to establish a support hub in Pirongia allowing residents to access support from government agencies.
Kuriger said residents in need did not have to go it alone.
“Come to the council, come to the local MP. If you need something, just ask,” she said.
Four Square Pirongia duty manager Scott Miller, right, met Waipā District Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan, Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger and mayor Mike Pettit at his store on Wednesday. Photo: Chris Gardner
Downer’s Willy Chester, left, shows Waipā mayor Mike Pettit, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger the Maungauika Road bridge taken out by the St Valentine Day’s Storm. Photo: Chris Gardner
