Pedestrian lighting upgrades are “dark sky” compliant

South Wairarapa district can be relatively dark in the evening and the community will benefit

significantly from the pedestrian crossing lighting upgrade under way, SWDC said mid-July.

The project will “brighten the way for walkers with the installation of new lights at the 16 pedestrian crossings across the district,” it said in a statement.

The half-million dollar lighting revamp includes 10 Martinborough crossings, with two in Featherston and four in Greytown.

“We are very pleased to be undertaking this work, which will benefit pedestrian safety at night

throughout the district,” said Tim Langley, principal advisor, roading.

“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.

“This project will involve digging trenches to allow for cabling and the installation of the lights … (with) some disruption for the duration of the work … to be fully complete across the district by the end of September.”

The contract has been awarded to MMS Group, whose Bid Manager, Jessica Hemi, said 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.”

The budget is in the SWDC’s Enhanced Annual Plan, and subsidised by NZTA/Waka Kotahi.