Radio Silence from DOC Staff
Written by John Freer on April 4, 2024
Thirty four days have passed since the Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka, raised the hopes of Coromandel Peninsula locals with an announcement when he said he wanted to see the track reopen by next summer.
Up to that time Department of Conservation staff had been lowering expectations of an opening.
Since then, local MP Scott Simpson has been vocal about the need for more communication regarding a plan being prepared by DOC staff for the Minister by the end of June.
The expectations have been created and alas, DOC staff have maintained radio silence ever since. A behind closed door meeting was held with local business associations and other concerned locals with Ngati Hei. A meeting that CFM had asked to be part of but the request was declined by DOC staff saying they didn’t want media present.
DOC had indicated to CFM that a media release would be made after the closed door meeting, however follow up requests to DOC have drawn a “no further information is to be released at this time” response.
If you contrast this with the rebuild of SH25A, the New Zealand Transport Agency went above and beyond with their communication processes and this was very positively received by locals who were desperate for news and updates on the reopening of this section of the state highway.
Cathedral Cove is a key attraction for tourists to the Coromandel and it is essential that land based access is restored as soon as possible. It is a key to the livelihood of local business and the local economy.
Locals will be looking to DOC, Scott Simpson, as the local MP, and Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka, with much anticipation of improved communication surrounding the reopening of this must see jewel in the Coromandel crown.
