Bob Peck, mayoral candidate:

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 603, 12 September 1995, Page 10

Bob Peck, mayoral candidate:

"The fact that Transit New Zealand has been unable to guarantee free and open access through the Desert Road and State Highway 49 during a significant snowy portion of this past winter has more than irritated local Waiouru residents and business persons," stated Bob Peck Ruapehu District Mayoral candidate last week. "It would be understood that there will be times when it is absolutely necessary forsuchclosures. However, with modern equipment available and the experience of northern hemisphere snow-bound nations which maintain roads open roads except in the most extreme weather conditions, one would expect a better record of access for both the Desert Road and State Highway 49." Waimarino residents have clearly pointed out the fact that the idea of Taihape Health Centre serving as a hospital for Raetihi and Ohakune patients, lacks reality on the basis of distance and time. The continuous winter closure of State Highway 49 makes that proposition by Good Health Wanganui ludicrous. As well, if it were taken seriously, Transit New Zealand' s moral responsibility to keep this artery open at all times would be done.