My Account
Six years after the idea was first mooted, Matakana is finally getting an all-weather metalled carpark in the paddock next to the school.
After delays caused by an exceptionally wet winter, the heavy machinery moved in to level the surface and lay a water-resistant base and metal in the first week of December.
Already a popular parking spot in dry weather, the new all-weather surface will allow year-round parking for parents dropping off children at the school during the week and for locals and visitors to Matakana at weekends.
The carpark is a wholly community-led and funded project, involving collaboration between and contributions from landowner Logan Campbell, the Matakana Community Group (MCG), Matakana Primary School Board of Trustees, Wharehine managing director Rob Gibson and Matakana Village founder Richard Didsbury. NX2 and Fletchers have also provided support with specialist materials.
MCG chair Simon Barclay says it is terrific to see the surfacing work start at last, and thanked the Matakana community for its fundraising support – much of the $56,000 cost came from money raised at the MataCarnival event in March.
We’re incredibly excited to get underway,” he says. “It just shows what the community is able to do when they do things themselves.”
The school’s PTA says it is good to see the project progressing at last.
“This carpark, with its direct access for students onto school grounds, will help keep more children off the footpath adjoining Matakana Road and make the drop-off and pick-up experience for parents and children safer.”
