Shaw calls for ban on Kokako Road traffic

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 513, 23 November 1993, Page 9

Shaw calls for ban on Kokako Road traffic

At last week' s meeting of the Ruapehu District Council Cr Shaw put forward a notice of motion that "the Ruapehu District Council make a bylaw under the Transport Act . 1962 prohibiting all forms of traffic and stock-droving movements, excepting foot traffic on that section of Kokako Road that passes through Ruatiti Wilderness". In support of his notice of motion, Cr Shaw said that the bylaw is necessary to prevent unsuitable types of use of the road and to legalise the "obstructions" (tramper's gates which are presently on the road). These tramper's gates, erected with the permission of the Council' s chief executive, present an obstruction to virtually all forms of traffic and stock-droving on the road except for foot traffic. He said a bylaw would achieve the following results: legalise the existing obstructions on the road; enable Council to take action against improper use of the road and; protect Council from claims of damage to the adjoining property. Cr Shaw concluded by saying he "did not feel that Council was in a 'legally safe' position at the moment." In speaking against the motion, chief executive Cliff Houston, urged caution against Council adopting any bylaw on a road-by-road basis instead of first appointing Turn to Page 13

Kokako Rd From Page 9 a working party to thoroughly investigate the whole question of backcountry roads leading to wilderness areas in the District. "Other organisations such as Federated Mountain Clubs and Public Access may be involved in this question of back-country roads and they should be consulted before we attempt to pass a bylaw in relation to this particular road", he said. "I have an underlying concem about such a bylaw and I would urge councillors to take time to find out all the legal ramifications and do it properly to avoid further expense down the track".

He recommended that the Notice of Motion by Cr Shaw be referred to a working party and advised against the adoption and promulgation of a bylaw at this stage so that a bylaw can be drafted on a districtwide rather than a road-by-road basis. Council adopted this recommendation.