The resealing of two beachside Whakatāne streets just five years after being sealed is being dubbed a "waste of ratepayers' money" by a local resident.

However, the local council says it's important to reseal the road to ensure its waterproofed and lasts longer.

Piripai Rise resident Harry Austin said there were more important projects Whakatāne District Council could be spending money on.

These include the cycle path along Keepa Road, which is currently giving this keen cyclist a bumpy ride into town.

Mr Austin said Piripai Rise was sealed when he moved there 30 years ago. It was resealed, kerbed and channeled by the developer in 2019.

The stretch of Bunyan Road, east of Piripai Rise, was sealed only in the past five years and was resealed a couple of weeks ago.

He is puzzled by this as New Zealand Transport Agency recommends low-traffic roads, such as a residential street with no through access, can last 15 to 20 years before resealing.

“I think this is a complete waste of ratepayers’ money,” he said.

“It would be better to redo the path along Keepa Road. It is a designated cycle path full of potholes."

Council transportation manager Ann-Elise Reynolds said it was typical for roads to receive a second coat of seal a year after their first seal and this had already been delayed.

“Piripai Rise and Bunyan Road (east of Piripai Rise) have only their first seal coat from when they were built.

"Typically, roads receive a second seal the following year to ensure they’re fully weatherproofed - much like needing two coats of paint for the best finish,” she said.

“Since these roads don’t see much traffic, we’ve been able to delay the second seal for a few extra years. However, we can’t keep pushing it back any longer, as it risks damaging the road underneath from water ingress."

The second coat is crucial for protecting the pavement, especially with more housing development and heavier trucks expected in the area, Reynolds said.

"Once we apply that second seal, the seals on these roads are expected to last about 18 years.”

Regarding the Keepa Road cycle path, she said the council was aware it needed an upgrade.

“It’s been on our radar for some time.”

Harry Austin would prefer to see the cycleway along Keepa Road receive some improvements. 

A Keepa Road upgrade project was planned to tie in with Te Herenga Waka Whakatāne boat harbour project, which included cycle path improvements.

“Unfortunately, the Keepa Road upgrade project hasn’t received funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency due to significant funding cuts,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Additionally, Waka Kotahi has cut subsidy funding for footpath and cycle path maintenance by 70 percent, further limiting the ability to fully renew this cycle path in the near future.

"However, we remain committed to progressing the renewal when more information about development happening in the area, and funding opportunities become available.”

In the meantime, if residents notice any urgent maintenance issues, they can fill out a form at whakatane.govt.nz/fix-it.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.