One Mahurangi – The fight goes on

At first glance, the phrase, “The fight goes on!” might strike you as overly dramatic. However, the reality is that ongoing discussions, meetings, and yes, even battles, are a daily occurrence to ensure that the infrastructure in Warkworth and its surrounding area meets our community’s needs.

Consider the Hill Street intersection. Many have remarked to me, “It’s all sorted now; we no longer face traffic issues there, so why consider spending approximately $18 million on it?” The situation might seem resolved now, but let’s project into the future – five, 10, 15 or 20 years ahead. With all the planned and proposed developments, such as the 600 homes at Warkworth Ridge, and the retirement village alongside potentially 3000 homes on the former Paddison Farm on Matakana Road, funnelling traffic into the Te Honohono ki Tai link road, the necessity for Hill Street to function optimally will be undeniable.

The current redesign of the Hill Street intersection did not come about by chance. It is the result of persistent efforts from a dedicated group from One Mahurangi, who worked within the design group to ensure the community’s needs were considered. Co-chair Dave Stott, Roger Williams from the Warkworth Liaison Group and I have spent countless hours negotiating and advocating to secure the best outcome for our town.

Our advocacy extends beyond traffic solutions. We’ve been instrumental in discussions about the potential location for a new school and successfully persuaded Auckland Transport (AT) to address the raised crossing issue on Woodcocks Road. This achievement was made possible through strategic engagement with key individuals at AT, and we continue to collaborate on resolving traffic issues in the Warkworth industrial area.

Another significant challenge we are confronting is with Watercare regarding the proposed route for the wastewater pipeline from northern developments. We believe winning this battle is crucial for the survival of our town. A pipeline through the town’s centre would drastically affect local retail businesses, and we are committed to opposing this plan with unwavering determination.

While Warkworth may appear serene and unchanged, beneath the surface there is a dynamic struggle to address the challenges that come with change. These efforts are driven by a simple belief embodied in our motto: “We are stronger together.” One Mahurangi is dedicated to advocating on behalf of our community, ensuring that our collective voice is heard and that the future of Warkworth reflects the needs and wishes of its residents and business community.