Residents of Whatatutu Demand Action Against Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Noise Pollution
Residents of Whatatutu Demand Action Against Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Noise Pollution
Residents of the Whatatutu community in Mangatū, approximately 45 kilometers from Gisborne, have submitted a petition to the Gisborne District Council. The petition calls for immediate action to address the growing concerns over heavy vehicle traffic, noise pollution, and damage to local roads. The community's main complaints include nighttime noise from idling trucks, speeding vehicles, and the deterioration of provincial roads.
Niria Wainui-Teepa, a trustee and Chairperson of Te Wainui Marae Charitable Trust, expressed frustration over the constant disturbances caused by trucks idling and using exhaust brakes late at night. "Enough is enough," he said. "No way do our grandkids not get to sleep." The petition, signed by 155 residents, highlights the impact of the noise and traffic on families, students, and elderly residents.
Corrie Brooking, another resident, noted that the issues have persisted for decades. "All the logging traffic coming out of our forestry has to come in and out of our little town," she said. The petition describes Whatatutu as a "high-use industrial corridor" for logging, metal, and stock trucks, with heavy vehicles passing through daily. "We're left with the deep potholes to deal with... it's just neglect... Out of sight, out of mind," Brooking lamented.
The petition outlines several proposed solutions, including a ban on engine/exhaust brakes near the township and a restriction on idling heavy vehicles in residential areas. It also calls for urgent road maintenance and a safety audit involving community consultation to ensure pedestrian infrastructure is safe and compliant.
Residents also requested the council to conduct an engineering report on the stability of the Mangatū bridge and to establish a chain-checking layby zone to allow trucks to slow down and check their chains before entering the town. "So that they can check chains and slow down peacefully and quietly through our town," Brooking explained.
The community emphasized the importance of their voices being heard and their rights as residents, ratepayers, and local Māori being respected. An anonymous resident noted that participating in the petition felt empowering. "It feels like we have a say in our area that we live in on a 24-hour basis. They just use it. We live here," they said.
The Gisborne District Council acknowledged receipt of the petition and stated that it is "working through" the concerns raised. A council spokesperson said, "We'll engage residents on how we can respond to the issues before we respond through the media."
The petition also extends an invitation to the council to meet with representatives of Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi to discuss environmental concerns. "We expect our voices to be heard, our concerns to be addressed and our rights as residents, ratepayers and Mana Whenua to be upheld," the petition states.
The Whatatutu community's efforts highlight the growing tension between local residents and industrial activities, underscoring the need for sustainable and community-sensitive infrastructure planning. As the council deliberates on the petition, the residents remain hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes their well-being and the integrity of their community.
