Whakatāne Council Pauses Chipseal Plan After Resident Pushback
Ōhope, New Zealand – Residents of the Waterways subdivision in Ōhope are celebrating a temporary victory after the Whakatāne District Council agreed to postpone plans to reseal their streets with chipseal. The decision comes after a petition and open letter from residents who argued that chipseal would be a downgrade from the existing asphalt surface.
Asphalt vs. Chipseal: A Community Concern
Developed in the late 1990s, the Waterways subdivision was originally constructed with a smooth asphalt surface. Residents praise asphalt for its durability, quietness, and suitability for cycling and scootering. When residents received notice of planned chipseal work on Waterways Drive and Harbour Road, concerns quickly arose.
Deb Woolett, a resident who spearheaded the opposition, expressed her belief that chipseal would negatively impact the quality of life in the neighborhood. She cited concerns about increased road noise, a rougher texture, chip migration, and tar bleed. Woolett quickly mobilized the community, speaking to approximately 90% of residents, with 95% voicing opposition to the chipseal plan.
A Petition and Council Response
Woolett sent an open letter to local officials, including the mayor, councillors, and roading staff, along with a petition signed by around 17 residents. The petition requested a delay in the works to allow for consultation with residents. The council responded positively, agreeing to postpone the resealing and consult further with the community.
Residents argue that the existing asphalt, laid approximately 30 years ago by the developer, remains in good condition, while chipseal requires more frequent resurfacing.
Broader Implications and Alternative Solutions
Resident Chris Stone, with experience in landscaping, believes the issue extends beyond the Waterways subdivision. He argues that councils throughout New Zealand are replacing durable asphalt roads with the less expensive chipseal option after taking over maintenance from developers. Stone characterized this as replacing a “high-grade surface with an inferior surface.”
Stone has advocated for the council to consider EnviroShield, a surface treatment designed to extend the life of existing roads. He believes EnviroShield is superior to chipseal, cost-effective, safer to apply, and creates fewer emissions and toxic risks to the nearby Ohiwa Harbour. He urged the council to investigate the product as an innovative solution.
Council Weighs Options
Whakatāne District Council’s transport manager, Ann Elise Reynolds, confirmed that the resealing work on Waterways Drive is currently on hold while the council considers the residents’ request. Reynolds explained that EnviroShield is a relatively new product in New Zealand, requiring further due diligence regarding costs and long-term impacts.
The council will directly engage with residents and seek guidance from elected members before making a final decision. Reynolds indicated that resurfacing of Waterways Drive is unlikely to occur during the current summer roading season due to the time required for evaluation.