14 September 2016

Look out for each other during Kaiti Hill Challenge

The Sean Shivnan, Kaiti Hill Challenge is offiically underway!

The event which runs until 30 October, challenges participants to summit Titirangi (Kaiti Hill) as many times as they can, while checking off milestones along the way, with an end goal of Mount Everest being achieved after 68 successful climbs.

The event had over 860 registered participants last year, and with this in mind the teams from Council, Tairawhiti Roads, Sean Shivnan Pharmacy and Sport Gisborne encourage everyone to be extra careful over the next seven weeks.

The road is open in both directions from Te Poho O Rawiri to the top, we are asking motorists to consider going over the top and exit at Endcliffe Road. The road is narrow and with many blind corners we need both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of the increased activity in the area, drive and walk with care.

Council Group Manager for Planning and Development, Nedine Thatcher-Swann says "This is such a positive event for the community, so we want to make sure that everyone is safe and aware of each other."

Council, Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti and Tairawhiti Roads have some key messages for participants and anyone intending on using Titirangi during the event.

Queens Drive and Titirangi Drive are open, which means:
· Pedestrians keep to the right and be alert for oncoming traffic
· Wear appropriate clothing, hi-vis or reflective clothing is advised especially for in the evenings.
· If you’re wearing headphones, please leave at least one ear clear so you can hear traffic and people behind you.

There will be more people and more traffic:
· There will be more people and more dogs than usual, Titirangi is lead only reserve, if you're walking your dog, make sure it's on a leash and pick up any dog poo your dog leaves behind.
· Peak traffic times will be between 6:30 - 8:00am and 4:30 - 6:30pm, parking at the bottom of Queens Drive may be limited. Be aware that you can park on Endcliffe Road, and walk to the top from that side of the Maunga.
· If you're using Fitness tracks from the portside entrance, please keep to the tracks and avoid contact with any new tree plantings, as they are young and haven't fully established themselves.
· Motorists please consider driving one way only during this period exiting at Endcliffe Road

For more information on how to participate in the event or health and safety requirements for the event, please check Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti's event page http://www.sportgisborne.org.nz/Kaiti_Hill_Challenge

Ends