Re: Ngatai Rd to Seaway Terrace Rd. It has come to our attention that Tauranga City Council is considering permanently closing the above accessway. We wish to object to the proposed closure for the following reasons;
1. The walkway is popular with residents, both in the Ngatai Road vicinity and streets around Seaway Terrace Rd. The former use the walkway to access Beach Rd foreshore and pedestrian routes east to Kulim Park, and west to Fergusson Park. The latter undertake a circular route of this area of Otumoetai.
2.Tauranga residents are being encouraged to get out and walk for health and well-being. Recently, Mayor Stuart Crosby set a good example by pledging to walk the streets of Tauranga. Closure of this walkway is an impediment to easy access to the foreshore, and seems in contradiction to the expressed encouragement.
3. During summer months, on full tide, residents use the walkway to enable enjoyment of swimming and/or kayaking in the harbour off Beach Rd. Some families include children, one of whom is handicapped. If the closure occurs, their pedestrian access to the foreshore and to Kulim Park play area will be largely curtailed.
We understand that the rationale for the proposed closure is safety. It appears the drop-off from the walkway to number 141 Ngatai Rd may be of concern. We understand that the current building plans for that property to include a contract to construct a high retaining wall with handrails. If this is so, it would appear safety has been attended to.
As residents of many years, who have enjoyed and appreciated the walkway, we ask you to give due consideration to the above points and withdraw the proposal.

Marlene and Gary Ware, Otumoetai.