Tribunal rules in favour of runners

A battle over signs has seen the North Shore disputes tribunal rule in favour of an Orewa fitness group which runs the Monday Nighta fun run.

Group co-ordinator Laraine Chase represented the group run by Orewa Events, seeking compensation from roading contractors Transfield Service NZ.

The dispute related to the cost of a two-metre- square road sign that had to be bought so the group could cross the Orewa South bridge.

Orewa Events were also trying to recover the cost to attend traffic management courses for qualifications allowing them to place the sign.

Before the 2009 season, Ms Chase was told by the Rodney District Council she needed to have a traffic management plan, and a meeting was held on August 24 with Wiki Waru from Transfield Services and two council members.

At this meeting Mr Waru suggested a level one sign was to be purchased, but followed up with an email the next day suggesting a level two sign.

"I've been thinking that you would be better off getting the level two signage for your events then you would be compliant. Extra cost but hopefully a one-off," she said in the email.

After buying the sign Ms Chase was informed training was needed.

She paid $331.87 to attend, but at the training was told further courses as well as practical experience were required.

"The traffic management course was later found to be only one of many needed for someone to become certified to place signs on roads, along with three months of practical experience," says Ms Chase.

"It is simply impossible and impractical for Transfield to have expected us to complete this."

The judge found Transfield neglected to provide Ms Chase with specific directions and information relating to traffic management and failed to inform her adequately of her responsibilities.

Since the claim was lodged, Orewa Events gained special dispensation to place the sign without qualifications.

Finding in favour of Orewa Events, the judge ruled Transfield liable to pay back 65 percent of the traffic controllers course fees and 80 percent of the road sign - a total $591.01.

"It's all been rather stressful, not only for me but for the group," says Ms Chase.

"The Monday Nighta is meant to be for fun, fitness and community spirit but these bureaucrats are simply wasting our time and mucking us around."

She says they are now in the position where they have been compensated by Transfield and have had to give back the sign they were allowed to put up.

"We are looking for a sponsor to help us pay for another sign so that we can run over the bridge and up to Red Beach."

Ms Chase says the situation is unlikely to have any impact on the Orewa Beach Half Marathon in April.

"I have employed a traffic management company to do it all for me, so that hopefully I will have to have as little contact with the council and Transfield as I can."

She says last year it cost $6000 to barrier the bridge up to the Red Beach lights.

You can enter The Orewa Beach Half Marathon at www.orewabeachhalfmarathon.com, visit www.enteron
line.co.nz or pick up an entry form from Rodney Engraving at 25 Centreway Rd, Orewa.

Contact Laraine Chase on (09) 427-9321 or email orewaevents@slingshot.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News