A Papamoa resident is worried construction of a cycle track at a neighbouring primary school will compromise his privacy and security.
The school says the track is a great way for students to stay fit and healthy and to learn cycle safety. Consents and consultation are not required.
Peter Clark say Tahatai Coast School did not consult him before construction of the cycle track, which is on school grounds, near his boundary fence.
Even though he doesn't plan to live in the neighbouring house for long he was 'worried” about the lower boundary fence and the increased number of people outside of school hours.
'People on bikes will stop against the fence and look over. The school can't control the people here on the weekend. My privacy and security have gone,” he says.
Tahatai Coast School Board of Trustees chairperson Judith Barback says the school doesn't want to tarnish its relationships with neighbours.
'For this particular project, we sought all the necessary advice and guidance from council who have advised that consents and consultation were not required.
'We appreciate the work is disruptive to the school's neighbours and we thank them for their patience.
'The project will be finished within the next few weeks.”
Peter thinks the school should increase the size of the boundary fence to improve his "privacy and security".
Project Tauranga manager Michael Vujnovich says they are working to find a fit solution to resolve Peter's concerns.
The cycle track, initiated by Tahatai School, is being supported through Project Tauranga, run by the Tauranga City Council.
Michael says the cycle track is part of the Bikes in Schools programme, which enables regular access to biking as part of the school's daily physical activity programme.
'We strongly believe that programmes like these are key in helping kids become more confident on their bikes within the safe boundaries of the school, as well as upskilling them in cycle safety and motivating them to cycle as an attractive form of transport.”
'The track has been designed to avoid flooding and is exactly 500 metres long so children can easily measure their distance efforts.
Peter believes Tahatai Coast School should have engaged with residents who could be affected by the project.
'It would have been nice if they had sent a flyer around and given us a number to call if we are having any issues.
'It about sharing what they are doing with the people around them. It's called community.”
Peter has lived in Papamoa since February this year and plans on relocating elsewhere in Tauranga in the near future.
Judith says the track will provide a great way for students to stay fit and healthy and would not have been possible without the generous help of local contractors.