Ecoreef 2.0
A third Ecoreef installation has been completed on the south Wairarapa coast. Over four days last week, Ecoreef built a retaining wall with its specialist – aggregate-filled – hexagonal concrete modules under the Mangatoetoe Bridge. Ecoreef said the bridge, which has been hit hard by severe weather, would be protected by the newly built bridge abutment. “Erosion beneath one side of the bridge had removed boulders leaving the bridge’s structure susceptible to damage.” Ecoreef said the structure was built with no road closures and without the need for extensive foundation work. Ecoreef installations are already in place along the sea-battered Cape Palliser Rd at Whatarangi Bluff and Turner’s Bay.
Car versus pole
The hunt is on for the occupants of a vehicle who crashed into a power pole while fleeing from police. Police said officers sighted a vehicle “travelling at speed” on Oxford St in Masterton just before 4.30am on Saturday. “The patrol vehicle, which was travelling in the other direction, signalled the vehicle to stop,” a police spokesperson said.“However, before the officers were able to turn around, the vehicle crashed into a power pole. The occupants of the vehicle then fled the scene.” Police said inquiries to locate the occupants are ongoing. Masterton Fire Brigade responded to the crash providing scene protection until the power company isolated power. Powerco said a total of 949 customers lost power when the vehicle collided with the pole. “Power went out at 4.26am and, Powerco crews attended, and supply was progressively restored with all customers reconnected by 6am,” Powerco said.
Timberrrr
Safety concerns mean the days are numbered for a row of silver birch trees on Roberts Rd in Masterton. Masterton District Council said the trees would be felled this week, with contractors grinding the stumps and planting kōwhai trees in their place. “The trees are ageing and have begun to pose a potential hazard in windy conditions,” a council spokesperson said. The council said the work should be completed within the week but warned residents that it could result in minor disruptions and noise from equipment.
