Residents of Ōhope’s Waterways subdivision have secured a temporary halt to planned road resealing perform after voicing strong opposition to the Whakatāne District Council’s intention to replace their existing asphalt surface with chipseal.
The council agreed to postpone the work on Waterways Drive and Harbour Road after receiving a petition and an open letter from residents concerned about the potential negative impacts of chipseal, including increased noise, a rougher road surface, and the migration of loose chips. Deb Woolett, a resident who spearheaded the opposition, said she was alerted to the planned work last week when she received a notice from council contractors.
Woolett quickly mobilized her neighbours, speaking to approximately 90% of the residents, and found that 95% were against the proposed chipseal. “I found the notice and thought, ‘ah, this is happening really quickly, we need to gain onto this’,” she said.
Residents argue that the original asphalt surface, laid around 30 years ago by the developer, remains in good condition and provides a smoother, quieter ride for drivers, cyclists, and scooter users. They also contend that chipseal requires more frequent resealing, representing a long-term cost increase.
Woolett sent an open letter to the mayor, councillors, community board members, roading staff, and news organizations, along with a petition signed by about 17 residents, requesting a delay in the work to allow for consultation. The council responded positively, stating they would consult further with residents before proceeding.
“I contacted all the right people and [the council] have been incredibly responsive and said, ‘we understand, we will consult you further’,” Woolett said, describing the outcome as “an excellent example of democracy in action.”
Resident Chris Stone, with extensive experience in landscaping, believes the issue extends beyond the Waterways subdivision. He argues that councils throughout New Zealand are opting for chipseal as a cheaper alternative to asphalt, despite its inferior qualities. “What they’re doing is taking an expensive, high-grade surface and replacing it with an inferior surface,” Stone stated.
Stone has proposed the council investigate EnviroShield, a surface treatment he claims offers a superior alternative to chipseal, being cost-effective, safer to apply, and generating fewer emissions and toxic risks to the nearby Ohiwa Harbour. He urged council staff and councillors to consider EnviroShield as an innovative solution.
Whakatāne District Council transport manager Ann‑Elise Reynolds confirmed the planned resealing work on Waterways Drive is currently on hold whereas the council considers the residents’ request. Reynolds explained that EnviroShield is designed to extend the life of existing roads, rather than providing a full resurfacing, and requires further evaluation due to its relative newness to the New Zealand market.
“It is relatively new to the New Zealand market, which means the council needs to carry out further due diligence and consider options, costs and longer‑term impacts before making any decisions,” Reynolds said.
The council will continue to liaise with residents and seek guidance from elected members as they evaluate their options. Reynolds indicated that it is unlikely Waterways Drive will be resurfaced during the current roading season, given the time required for a thorough review.