Kaipātiki Local Board calls for an end to chip seal
Today the Kaipatiki Local Board officially called on Auckland Transport to immediately stop resealing suburban roads in chip seal, and for Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to prioritise spending in the 2021–2031 Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) to ensure that all of Auckland’s suburban roads are sealed to a safe, usable and quality standard, such as asphaltic concrete (or equivalent). The motion passed the vote 5:3.
Now our formal request is heading to the board of Auckland Transport, the Mayor and Councillors for a response.
We have heard you loud and clear. The modern methodology of laying small, loose chips on the road is not working and causing many issues and concerns. In many instances, the chips are continuing to shed from the road for months or years after being laid.
Please read the full request below.
To read the background of this issue, comments from the public and supporting documents from the meeting agenda, download the PDF from here (3MB):
www.johngillon.co.nz...
Moved: Chair John Gillon; Seconded: Deputy Chair Danielle Grant
That the Kaipātiki Local Board:
a) note that according to the Auckland Transport Reseal Guidelines that were adopted in 2014, the chip seal method “must” be used to reseal all roads unless specific criteria apply (as listed in section 5.1 of the guidelines), meaning that most suburban roads across Auckland will be resealed in chip seal, or be partially resealed in chip seal, under this policy, even where they were previously sealed in asphaltic concrete.
b) note the considerable concern and anxiety from Kaipātiki residents over the effects that chip sealed roads are currently having on the community and environment, including (but not limited to):
· vehicles having windscreens cracked, brake discs damaged, brake pad sensors and ABS sensors damaged, and paint scratched by loose chips flicked up when driven over (even at slow speeds)
· cars, motorbikes and bicycles skidding on loose chips
· children having difficulty skating, scootering, trike-riding and bike-riding on footpaths covered in loose chips
· damage caused to carpets, wooden floors and decks after loose stones are tracked into houses
· loose chips on the berm grass flicked up by lawn mowers at pedestrians, cyclists and passing vehicles
· loose chips accumulating in the gutter and stormwater network
· increase in noise to neighbouring residents from vehicles driving over loose chip seal
· bare patches on roads where chips have shed.
c) express concern at the numerous safety issues that the Auckland Transport Reseal Guidelines are having on the users of suburban roads that have been resealed with chip seal in the last few years, including pedestrians, school children, cyclists, motorists, skaters, scooters, prams and dogs.
d) express concern that for many chip-sealed roads, loose chips continue to travel onto footpaths and grass berms, down driveways, into houses, and onto neighbouring asphalt-sealed roads for weeks, months - and in some cases years – after they are laid, and after multiple sweeps of the road.
e) express concern that the grade of stone used in chip seal surfaces appears to be a smaller chip than used in the past, and that the current method used is resulting in much more loose chip shedding from the road than in the past, acknowledging that some roads have always been chip-sealed but that the extent of shedding (and resulting problems) has never been at the level per road that we are now seeing.
f) considers that a change from asphaltic concrete to a loose chip seal surface is effectively a downgrade to an inferior quality of road seal and a drop in standard of a core council responsibility, even where it complies with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s "M6 Chip Sealing Standards".
g) request that Auckland Transport immediately stop resealing suburban roads in chip seal, and update the Auckland Transport Reseal Guidelines with a revision that endorses asphaltic concrete (or equivalent) road surfaces as the default surface, rather than chip seal.
h) request that Auckland Transport and Auckland Council prioritise spending in the 2021– 2031 Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) to ensure that all of Auckland’s suburban roads are sealed to a safe, usable and quality standard, such as asphaltic concrete (or equivalent), acknowledging that this will require a considerable increase in budget allocation and may not qualify for subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
i) note that while Auckland Transport is empowered with governance, management and decision-making of Auckland’s road corridors, it does not own the roads (Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, Section 46, Clause 4), and it is the duty of elected members to raise concerns about Auckland Transport’s decisions and management on behalf of the people of Auckland who do own the roads via the Auckland Council.
j) request that this resolution and the associated Notice of Motion report and attachments are circulated to the Auckland Transport Board, the Mayor and Auckland Council Governing Body members, the Independent Māori Statutory Board, and all Local Board members for their information and action.
- CARRIED 5:3
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Real Estate
Thinking about moving but wondering what your current home is worth? Click the link to request your home’s Sale Price Estimate, No Obligation!
Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! homeasap.com...
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Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.
You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.
Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.
Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.
Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:
1. Personal Preferences.
Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.
Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?
Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?
Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.
2. Bedroom Size.
Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.
A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.
3. Sleeping Partners.
If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.
A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.
What Size Should You Get?
Let's break it down size by size:
Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.
Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.
Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.
King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.
Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs
Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.
However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.
Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.
By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.
At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.