ISSUE
1/5

Pirongia - Ngaroto - Te Awamutu Cycleway

We are working to create a recreational cycling route between Te Awamutu and Pirongia, via Lake Ngāroto. A decision needs to be made about which route to take!

Waipā already has an amazing network of purpose-built cycleways. These much-loved assets provide safe areas for families, recreational cyclists and walkers to use while promoting physical health. 

Cycleways also support the local economy by bringing more visitors to our district to explore for longer periods of time.

We have fantastic opportunity to expand the current network to showcase other parts of the district to residents and visitors. 

A cycling route between Te Awamutu and Pirongia, via Lake Ngā Roto has the potential to showcase some of the district's most significant natural and cultural sites, encouraging visitors to stay longer.

What’s happening now?

We’ve been working closely with landowners along our preferred route asking for public access on their properties so cyclists can pass through.   

We’ve also worked with iwi to identify opportunities beyond Te Ara Wai Journeys to share stories of cultural and historical significance that cyclists could access on their ride.

The cycleway will be constructed in two stages:

  1. Section one from Te Awamutu to Lake Ngā Roto will cost $4.517,000. We put aside $3,117,000 in the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan. We are fundraising an extra $1.4M while we secure agreements with all landowners. This work is already underway. Section one has previously been approved and we're not seeking feedback on this.
  2. Section two is from Lake Ngā Roto to Pirongia.

 

You told us...

You supported our preferred option to develop section two of the cycleway between Lake Ngā Roto and Pirongia via Macky Access.

Two issues were highlighted during consultation; the safety of users and allowing access to horses.

The option via Macky Access is the safest option for cyclists, with the majority of the track being off-road. The proposed route will also go through a safety audit before construction begins. Access for horses was considered, but will not be included in this section of cycleway.

The project will include a two metre wide path, mostly off road and will require additional funding of $3,275,832.

The 2021-31 Long Term Plan will be adopted by Council in June 2021.

 

THE OPTIONS

Our proposal for the next 10 years - let’s look at the options

 

OPTION 1

Construct an on-road alignment, via Pirongia Road.

 

OPTION 2

Construct an off-road alignment, via Macky Access

  

OPTION 3

Construct an on-road alignment, via Paterangi Road

This option:

  • Connects communities
  • Offers health and social benefits to people using the cycleway

But:

  • Is riskier than option 2 as it requires cyclists to ride on the road at times
  • Limits opportunities to enjoy nature
  • Provides limited access to significant cultural and heritage sites

 

 

 

  

This option:

  • Connects communities
  • Provides health and social wellbeing benefits to people using the cycleway
  • Provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nature
  • Showcases cultural and heritage sites on-route
  • Is safer as it is mostly off-road on a 2m wide path

But:

  • Requires extra fundraising of $3,275,832 to lessen the burden on ratepayers

 

  

This option:

  • Connects communities
    Provides health and social wellbeing benefits to people using the cycleway

But:

  • Is riskier than option 2 as it requires cyclists to ride on the road at times
    Provides limited opportunities to enjoy nature
    Provides limited access to significant cultural and heritage sites

 

What does Option 1 look like?

 

  

What does Option 2 look like?

 

  

What does Option 3 look like?

 

COST:

 

COST:

 

COST:

$3,456,750 with $2,608,650 external funding

 

 

$4,363,456 with $3,275,832 external funding

 

 

$3,666,250 with $2,766,750 external funding

 

impact on rates:

 

impact on rates:

 

Impact on rates:

$34,518 per annum from year 4 onwards

 

 

$44,267 per annum from year 4 onwards

 

 

$36,610 per annum from year 4 onwards

 

Impact on debt:

 

Impact on debt:

 

Impact on debt:

$848,100

 

 

$1,087,624

 

 

$899,500

 

In summary:

  

In summary:

  

In summary:
To sum up, while this options provides wellbeing benefits, the community would be
compromising on safety. Cyclists wouldn’t be able to enjoy as many environmental
features that are unique to Waipā, and it diverts away from some cultural and
heritage sites.		  

This option ticks most of the boxes. The downside is that a large number of
landowners would have to consent to providing public access on their properties.

 

 

  

Like Option 1, this option benefits health and social wellbeing, but the community would be compromising on safety. Cyclists wouldn’t be able to enjoy as many environmental features that are unique to Waipā, and it diverts away from some cultural and heritage sites.

 

 

PREFERRED OPTION

We prefer OPTION 2.

We’d need more landowners to grant public access across their properties and it would
require more external fundraising, but the wellbeing aspects of option two far outweigh
options one and three.

We also think it’s important that cyclists can enjoy the environment and experience cultural and heritage sites.

 

MORE INFORMATION

Take a look at our Integrated Transport Strategy

 

WE'VE HEARD

Waipā is the place to be. It's an easy commute and an easy place to live. There is everything we need here.
I love taking the dogs out for a walk to the cycling track, I always see someone to talk to. There’s always something going on and happening down there, it is so great to live so close.
We already have so many great tracks throughout the district, any new area should be able to connect to those.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you support our proposal for the Pirongia - Ngaroto - Te Awamutu cycleway?

(please drag the arrow to indicate your selection)

Hate it

(Strongly disagree)

Could be worse

(Disagree)

On the fence

(Neutral)

I like it

(Agree)

Love it

(Strongly agree)

We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed options! Select your preference from the options below:

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Waipa District Council
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