Further recognition for Hastings iWay project

Hastings iWay project came out ahead of a strong field to win the SOLGM-GHD Management Award in the Better Local Services for Less category.

The award presentation was made during this week’s SOLGM (New Zealand Society for Local Government Managers) Conference in Auckland. The Better Local Services for Less category attracted the largest number of entries, with 13 councils from around the country putting their projects in front of the judges.

The category is open to projects that are innovative and try a new approach to doing things in response to the pressures of the current environment.  The entries can relate to any area of council activity that aims to improve the value for money delivered to ratepayers.

Hastings Deputy Mayor and cycling advocate Cynthia Bowers says “This award is recognition of the hard work, drive and energy which has allowed the project to achieve an enormous amount in a short space of time. Council recognised that the development of sustainable transport options was the way of the future, and the iWay project has delivered that vision.”

Cynthia Bowers says “The economic struggles which we are all facing at this time have forced Council to think carefully about the way we deliver projects to the community. This award recognises that the iWay project has created quality walking and cycling options for the future while being fiscally prudent.”

Features of the iWay project which are highlighted in the entry are the concrete boardwalk which was recently completed along Havelock Road and the suspension bridge that carries the Hastings to Clive pathway across the Karamu Stream.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “From the initial pitch to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) where Council won the funding to allow the development of the iWay project, through to the construction of the arterials and the creation of the cycle lanes, the project has been handled in a most professional manner. The award is recognition of the dedication of the people who have made the project come to life and the resulting pathways will be a huge asset for Hastings and our people well into the future.”

The iWay project was developed after Hastings District Council won $4.1 funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Model Communities project in 2010. The aim of the project was to increase the number of people who walk or cycle by making it easier and safer to ride or walk throughout Hastings. To date the initiative has resulted in the construction of four arterials and a combined 108 kilometres of on and off road pathways. The project also includes a promotion programme which encourages people to enjoy the great outdoors.