Kokako petition fails

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 535, 10 May 1994, Page 5

Kokako petition fails

A call for the removal of fences on Kokako Road, Ruatiti, was declined by the Waimarino Community Board last week. A petition was presented to the board which cited a section of the Local Government Act which stated that the council may call for the removal of gates or cattle stops across a road which is considered redundant or an inconvenience, if more than 20 residents petition for it. Kokako Road is a paper road which has been at the centre of a controversy over recreational access for trampers and horse riders in the valley. The petition contained more than 20 names, though board member John Compton said there had been some comment on the validity of some of the signatures. The petition was not entirely unsuccessful, with the board calling for action to be taken to formalise the alternative access route which has been proposed by the land owner, Gary Rawnsley. Mr Rawnsley's lawyer, Gary Johnson,

told the board negotiations were already . under way over forming an easement for council over the alternative route. "If the road line (Kokako Road) is to be used it has to be surveyed and that has to be paid for by someone," he said. "If they (users of the road) stray from the legal road line legal action against trespassers will be taken," he added.