Submissions presented at Gisborne District Council's three-year plan hearings saw residents clash with the council over pothole repairs and cycle paths. "It's a balancing Act," said Mayor Rehette Stoltz over the diverging views for Gisborne's recovery.

A “no-frills” budget, a plea to “fix our potholes” and “the Grey St fiasco” were all among submissions made at Gisborne District Council’s Three-Year Plan hearings. Some residents said they object to plans to spend money on new cycle paths and walkways when potholes and recovery work need more funding.

The comments came as construction started last week on the “Streets for People” project on Grey St — a scheme designed to incentivise people to drive less and walk or cycle more.

Katherine Utting presented for submitter Linda Francis, who has called it the “Grey St fiasco”. 

“Ratepayers are screaming for the council to fix our potholes,” she said. “Where are your priorities?” she asked. “[We’re] living on a no-frills budget ... council needs to do the same.”

Under the Three-Year Plan, the council’s proposed spending for cycleways and footpaths aims to encourage different travel choices. This includes the Streets for People project, reducing speeds around schools and townships, and road safety campaigns.

At the end of submissions, Mayor Rehette Stoltz said: “We have 50,000 people in our region with 50,000 different opinions. Some people want us to spend more in certain areas. Some people absolutely don’t want us to spend more. It’s a balancing act.”