Yesterday we had a very positive briefing with the Emergency Management agencies involved with Repco Beach Hop 23 including TCDC, NZ Police, Fire & Emergency, St John, Civil Defence, Traffic Management, Enterprise Whangamata and Emergency Management. Naturally there are concerns with the damage to State Highway 25 between Whangamata & Waihi plus the recent slip between Whangamata and Hikuai. We are pleased to announce that all agencies supported the decision for the Festival to be given the GREEN light to proceed.
The decision is based upon no further major weather events occurring between now and the Festival however we will be receiving high level weather forecasts in the build up to the Festival.
We genuinely acknowledge the excellent work done by Waka Kotahi and contractors for their expertise in getting the roads open as quickly and possible under very challenging conditions. Their engineers have geotech data which shows that the slip on the Whiritoa Hill is highly unlikely to cause any further major problems. Waka Kotahi have appointed a project leader to ensure that State Highway 25 receives the resources required to ensure repairs are done in a timely manner as well as usual cyclic maintenance.
Cara Lauder from Waka Kotahi NZTA says “Those traveling to the Festival may experience some congestion between Waihi & Whangamata at times as we work hard to keep the road open. We understand the importance of keeping SH25 open for everyone on the peninsula. To help people travel around the peninsula there will be VMS boards providing information as well as some speed restrictions in certain areas. We ask all attendees to travel safely, drive to the conditions and check our website before they leave.”
Let’s ROCK THIS TOWN!