Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Affordable Excellence 69 Haven Road, Nelson 7010 24 Hour Service - 7 Days Ph 03 539 0066 nelson.simplicity.co.nz
Wednesday 7 December 2022
NELSON SPORTS AWARD WINNERS REVEALED PAGE 26 - 27
‘Embarrassing’: Waka Kotahi defends weed problem
Maria José from Nelson Sambassadors gets into the festive spirit at the Nelson Santa Parade on Sunday. More on page 6. Photo: Kate Russell.
KATE RUSSELL More ‘out-of-control’ weed growth on some of Nelson’s most prominent roundabouts has seen Waka Kotahi come under fire once again for their handling of the issue - but it’s not an easy fix, the traffic agency says. Waka Kotahi manages maintenance along State Highway 6 in and out of the city, while Nelson City Council is responsible for their respective city streets. The weed growth on the Annesbrook Dr roundabout and surrounding traffic islands was first brought to light at the beginning of this year, and then again in April when the former mayor and deputy mayor slammed Waka Kotahi on the lack of maintenance. But regulation changes made last year for the safety of workers have affected their ability to control weeds in high-speed and high-exposure traffic environments - including these 70kmh zones. Nelson drivers vented their frustration on Facebook last week, with one person labelling the weeds “embarrassing” while another has compared them to “a scene from ‘I am Legend’” - the post-apocalyptic thriller starring Will Smith. “Looks terrible and not safe for drivers of small cars, you cannot see the other side,” says one commenter. “I struggled to see over the overgrown weeds and I’m a fairly tall person,” agreed another. “I thought I saw a stag living in there the other day,” joked one driver.
SEE PAGE 2
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
nelsonapp.co.nz