New footpath steps up pedestrian safety

Pedestrians in Rāwene can now put their best foot forward as a long-awaited footpath project nears completion.

The work, which began in late March, added missing sections of footpath along Parnell Street between the village, Rāwene Hospital and Rāwene Primary School, creating a safer route for pedestrians and school children.

As well as gaps in the original footpath that forced pedestrians to cross the road to continue safely, stair sections and steep inclines made it particularly difficult for mobility-impaired users to navigate the walkway.

The new footpath creates a wider, level surface leading from the village to a crosswalk at the hospital entrance. One significant part of the project was turning Nimmo Street East into a cul-de-sac by closing its intersection with Parnell Street. This removed a particularly dangerous crossing area for school pupils.

The footpath is now 330m long and 1.5m-1.8m wide. There are two sections with retaining walls and a total length of 55m with safety handrails.

The footpath project, costing around $800,000, was a priority for the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board and championed by the Rāwene Ratepayers/Residents Association.

While Far North District Council contractor Ventia has now completed most of the project, some additional work is continuing to tidy up the area.