The security fence on Mauao's base track is moved back towards Mount Maunganui Main Beach – shortening the open section of track.

This change occurred last Wednesday and is due to contractors working on the Oruahine track above the base track.

Slips on Mauao earlier this year have caused access restrictions as workers seek to clear the tracks and make the reserve safe again for recreation.

A section of the base track harbour side to sandy beach has been opened up to compensate for the loss of track.

This information from Tauranga City Council weekly bulletin for the week beginning Monday, March 28, published below.

City Waters

Water Supply

• The water main upgrade in the Matua area has works currently underway in Clivedene Street and Strathmore Street.
• Valves in the Matua area have been inspected and remedial work currently being undertaken, as part of a city wide project.
• Remedial works are being carried out on pipe bridges over the Waiorahi stream, as a result of damage during the recent storms.
• Watermain construction has started in Papamoa Beach Road from Domain Road to Palm Springs Boulevard.

Drainage

• No blockages reported this week.
• A number of open drains around the city are being cleaned of aquatic weed. In some instances the drain banks and sides are being mulched of noxious and general grass growth to maximize the channel space.
• Rock work to stabilise some localized bank slumping around the Maleme Street drain is also underway.

Stormwater Pollution:

• Final week to enter the Pollution Prevention Competition. Enter at the Papamoa Library this weekend, the Greerton Library from Monday, or enter on our website (type ‘pollution prevention competition' into the search box). Go into the draw to win a marine prize pack worth $850 sponsored by Rutherford Marine Electrical.
• No pollution incidents were reported to council this week.
• Pollution prevention audits of around 170 Auto Workshops have begun. These will take several months to complete.

Southern Pipeline:

• Pipe laying in Oropi Road has reached Greerton Park.
• Directional drilling of Oropi Road Hill between Greerton Park and Chadwick Road and Fraser Street between Esk St and Baycroft Ave has started.
• Pipe laying is continuing down Fraser Street north of Chadwick Road.
• Work is stopping in some areas that require materials manufactured in Christchurch where the factory has been closed due to earthquake damage. As existing supplies are exhausted the sites will be tidied, made safe and decamped until materials are available again, currently expected to be not before May.

Parks and Leisure

• Beach Road walkway repairs are progressing well. Completion is anticipated by the end of April, weather permitting.
• Revegetation planting will commence at Gordon Carmichael Reserve and also Matapihi in April. Topaz vegetation enhancement project is also progressing well.
• Annual gardens throughout the city had planted starting this week.
• Sport field renovations are almost completed, with the few remaining sites receiving fertiliser and seed over the next week. Projected weather patterns are ideal for the renovations to take full effect moving into winter.

City Projects

• Baypark Arena Construction Open Day this Sunday 10am-4pm. The Business After Five event earlier this week was very successful too with rave reviews from those who attended.

Transportation

• Annual Resealing Programme: Resealing work is continuing on various streets around the city.
• Arundel Street/ Devonport Road: Work to construct and alter a number of traffic islands will start this week. This is to improve safety at this intersection. Please take care when driving through the area.
• Devonport Road: Southern Pipeline work continues on Devonport Road. Vehicle access to Devonport Road at the intersection of 15 Avenue is restricted. Drivers should use an alternative route if possible. The progress of work along Devonport Road and at 18th Avenue is being affected by pipe supply from Christchurch. Some reinstatement work will be continuing.
• Domain Road / Tara Road intersection: Clearing work continues in preparation for work associated with the Tauranga Eastern Link. Motorists are advised to please take care when driving through the area and to follow directions at all times.
• Esmeralda Street: Work to modify the existing two speed thresholds continues. Please take care when driving through the area.
• Hairini Link Advanced Works: Work has begun on a new hand rail for the south side of the Turret Road Bridge. This work will have little impact on the traffic and pedestrian movements and will take about three weeks to complete.
• Kairua Road: Work on the next stage of the reconstruction of Kairua Road is progressing well. Minor delays are possible.
• Maunganui Road: A new pedestrian crossing is being installed on Maunganui Road outside the Mount Library this week. Please take care when driving through the area.
• Oropi Road/Fraser Street: Southern Pipeline pipe laying work continues along Oropi Road. Drilling equipment is operating between Glenlyon Avenue and Chadwick Road. Work is progressing along Fraser Street north of the Chadwick Road roundabout and some detours are in place. Drilling equipment is now in place on Fraser Street near Esk Street. Please use caution when driving in these areas.
• Pyes Pa Bypass: Traffic is now running on the new roundabout under traffic control while the original southbound lane of the existing highway is excavated. At times, traffic is reduced to stop/go one-way traffic. Please take care and allow extra time for your travel. The roundabout is expected to be fully functional in April.
• Tara Road: Work on reconstructing the next stage of Tara Road continues. The work site is adjacent to Gordon Spratt Reserve. Please take care and expect delays.
• Thirteenth Avenue / Christopher Street: Work to construct a new roundabout at this intersection is expected to start this week. This is to improve safely and traffic flow. Please be aware of the new intersection layout.
• Welcome Bay Road: Work to construct a new bus stop near the intersection of Welcome Bay Road and Greenwood Park Lane continues. The east bound shoulder is closed. Please take care when driving through the area.
• Welcome Bay Road near Kaitemako Road: Work to install a pedestrian refuge in the centre of Welcome Bay Road continues. Changes will also be made to roadmarking. Please take care when driving through the area.

Venues & Events

Baycourt Community and Arts Centre

• Saturday 26 March – Sunday 3 April (10am - 4pm daily) - National Art Exhibition 'Purely Pastel' – Presented by the Pastel Artists of NZ at Baycourt Centennial Theatre.
• Thursday 21 April– Monday, 25 April – Tauranga Jazz Festival

Democracy

Projects & Monitoring Committee - Monday, 28 March at 1pm

• Tauranga Citizens Advice Bureau Update – an update on the activities of the Tauranga Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Stewart and Carruthers Trust Funds Monitoring – an update on progress with implementation of funds received from the Fund in 2009.
• Treasury Activity Report - an update of Treasury activities for the period ending 28 February 2011.
• Mini Monitoring Report - To present the financial and performance overview of Council for the eight months ended 28 February 2011.
• Tauranga City Venues Limited (TCVL) - To receive the six monthly financial reports to 31 December 2010 for Tauranga City Venues Limited (TCVL).

Wastewater Management Review Committee - Wednesday 30 March at 9am

• Wastewater Monitoring Upgrade and Technology Review Report (DC 106)
• Wastewater Consents Annual Report 2010 (DC 107)
• Wikitoria Street Pump Station Environmental Risk Monitoring Report March 2011 (DC 109))
• Wastewater Ocean Outfall Diffuser Annual Inspection Report 2011 (DC 108)
• Annual Te Maunga Seepages Report, Consent 62881 March 2011 (DC 115)