Community boards contemplate community feedback on renaming SH1

Kāpiti Coast community boards are in the process of weighing up the diverse views of their respective communities as they prepare to make a recommendation to the Council on renaming State Highway 1 (SH1).

In March and April this year, the Kāpiti Coast District Council invited the Kāpiti Coast community to have their say on renaming SH1 in preparation for when it becomes a local road. Funding has been allocated by the NZ Transport Agency to rename the section of SH1 between Paekākāriki and Peka Peka, as it forms a fundamental part of the wider revocation process.

Mayor Gurunathan says renaming SH1 provoked a strong response from the Kāpiti Coast community and the Council is now working through a process with community boards to digest what the community has to say before it makes any decision.

“Renaming SH1 is complex. Approximately 227 properties along SH1 would potentially be affected by any road name or numbering change so it is important that we take the time to consider the views of those that live or operate a business on the road, the wider community and our local iwi as treaty partners before making a decision,” said the Mayor. “This is not an easy task.”

The Council says community feedback is mixed, with many preferring to have one name for the road, some preferring the status quo while others are open to alternatives. More than 580 people took the time to provide feedback.

“The feedback we received shows that for many people existing names such as Main Road South and Main Road already hold historical value and for some these names already define and identify their community. This feedback won’t be ignored,” says Mayor Gurunathan.

Community boards will be discussing the feedback received at their meetings in August and September and the Council is encouraging people who want to speak to their submissions to attend.

Councillors will make the final decision once they’ve fully explored and considered the views of everyone involved.