Waimea Weekly
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Wednesday 5 April 2023
School mums’ safety win JO KENT
Three local mums who shared their concerns with the Waimea Weekly last year over the safety of the crossing at the top of William Street are celebrating today after Tasman District Council approved funding for a raised pedestrian crossing to be installed. “It’s awesome that they have listened to us and are going to do something about it,” says school mum Kirsty Van Houtte. The current pedestrian refuge is right next to the intersection, so children have to check for traffic turning left from William Street into Hill Street, as well as the normal Hill Street traffic, coupled with cars turning out of Churchill Avenue which may go straight down William Street or along Hill Street. “It sounds complicated and it currently is,” says mum-of-two Chloe French. “So we are really happy with the outcome. Most days we are faced with navigating that road, so the upcoming changes with the crossing will take off pressure and our children will have more confidence walking to school.” Last week, Tasman District Council revealed their plans to install a raised pedestrian crossing on Hill Street to the side of William Street and Churchill Avenue as part of the government-funded Transport Choices programme which is about to launch. “Over the next 12 to 18 months, we are embarking on an extensive programme building 19 new pedestrian crossings, plus several intersection upgrades, including new and redesigned roundabouts,” says
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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Shield celebrates 100 years of history JACK MALCOLM A century of history added another chapter on Saturday as players and spectators celebrated 100 years of the Kaka Shield. Despite a poor weather forecast, the clouds part-
ed ways for the centenary celebrations which had a little bit of everything. From the success of the inaugural women’s game, to the streakers getting tackled by the players, and all of the special traditions that make the Kaka Shield
as unique as it is, the day was full of action. With fun and community at the centre of everything the Kaka Shield is about in the modern era, the day was a resounding success. Kicking off at 1pm with the 100-years game, the
match was played in the fun spirit that has become synonymous with the Kaka Shield. Players under 35 years old must wear gumboots and you can be given a card if
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Georgia Canning runs into the gap as Tapawera’s Debbie Harvie (left), comes across in cover defence during the inaugural women’s Kaka Shield match. Photo: Jack Malcolm.
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