People living on dusty unsealed roads in Northland say the Government's funding boost for regional roads has by passed them.
Alex Wright said the roading package gave no relief to families on unsealed roads who had to breathe dust all summer. Photo: RNZ / Lois Williams
Whangarei's National Party candidate Shane Reti is applauding the plan to spend about $30 million fixing two dangerous sections of State Highway One in the north.
But Residents of Pipiwai and other places with unsealed roads say the roads are not fit for purpose and they want them sealed.
Whangarei dairy farmer Alex Wright said the roading package gave no relief to families such as hers on council roads, who breathe dust all summer, then face a new peril when roads turn to mud.
Mrs Wright said with winter, the truck drivers stuck to the middle of the narrow gravel roads to avoid the mud - posing another hazard on blind corners.
She said the roads being hammered by the forestry industry were not fit for purpose, but the Government was deaf to the pleas of rural dwellers.
Mrs Wright said Pipiwai residents would blockade the road on Thursday in protest at the lack of action.
