South Wairarapa District Council is brightening the way for walkers with the installation of new lights at the 16 pedestrian crossings across the district.

The work will standardise lighting at all of the crossings in the district’s three towns. Work will begin this month in Martinborough, which has the highest number of pedestrian crossings with 10 in total. Work will follow in Featherston and Greytown where there are, respectively, two and four pedestrian crossings.

This project will involve digging trenches to allow for cabling and the installation of the lights. This will involve some disruption for the duration of the work, which is anticipated to be fully complete across the district by the end of September.

All lights will be compliant with the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve (WDSR), which has been consulted throughout the planning process to ensure the lighting meets the needs of pedestrians and adheres to Dark Sky criteria.

“We are very pleased to be undertaking this work, which will benefit pedestrian safety at night throughout the district,” says Tim Langley, Principal Advisor, Roading.

The contract for this work has been awarded to MMS Group, whose Bid Manager, Jessica Hemi, says the project holds special significance.

“Our grassroots are deeply connected to Kahungunu ki Wairarapa. As a proudly Maori owned and Amotai registered business, we are committed to uplifting and empowering the Maori community. This opportunity allows us to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our local communities while staying true to our cultural heritage.”

Hemi says the project enhances safety and represents a significant step to improve community infrastructure.

The budget has been allowed for in the South Wairarapa District Council Enhanced Annual Plan, and is subsidised by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

The South Wairarapa district can be relatively dark in the evening and the community will benefit significantly from the new lights.