Wairarapa roading partnership opens new depot

A public-private roading enterprise between civil contractors Fulton Hogan and two Wairarapa districts opened in Carterton on Wednesday.

Vic Maggs (Wellington Water), Daren Courtnage, Cos Bruyn (Fulton Hogan), South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen, Carterton Mayor Greg Lang, Rangitāne o Wairarapa cultural advisor Mike Kawana, and Rīhi and Te Rangikaiwhiria Reiri, of Hurunui o Rangi Marae, at the Ruamāhanga Roads [RR] depot in Carterton. Photo: LDR / Supplied

The Ruamāhanga Roads [RR] depot at Dalefield Road is the latest facility in a joint venture between the two councils, aimed at cutting roading costs throughout the lower Ruamāhanga valley.

The trans-Tasman engineering company shouldered most of the financial burden for the facility as part of its contract with the districts.

The deal was finalised in May last year.

The councils decided to merge their roading functions a roading costs review. A pan-Wairarapa approach was mooted, but Masterton District Council opted not to join.

Expenditure on road maintenance was the largest part of the annual budget for both South Wairarapa and Carterton.

The joint depot sits at the southern end of Carterton, close to its border with its southern neighbour.

It will give space to staff from Fulton Hogan, Wellington Water, and both councils.

Wellington Water provides infrastructure services for the southern district.

Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said he was "really pleased with the way our two councils have been working together on our joint roading venture over the past year.

"The opening of the depot is a sign of the progress our two councils have already made and will continue to make for the benefit of our two districts."

Councillors and council officials from Carterton and South Wairarapa districts join workers at the new Ruamāhanga Roads [RR] depot at Dalefield Rd, Carterton. Photo: LDR / Supplied

His South Wairarapa counterpart Alex Beijen said he was also pleased with the collaborative approach.

"Wherever possible, sharing of resources with other councils makes sense where they bring greater efficiency and consistency.

"In this case, our capability has increased, and will be maximised now that the teams will be co-located."

RR reports to each council's relevant committees.

Local Democracy Reporting is a public interest news service supported by RNZ, the News Publishers' Association and NZ On Air.

- Additional reporting by Arthur Hawkes.