Kris Croft: A road less travelled…

Pictured: The Marlborough Roads team building a cattle stop up the Awatere Valley. There are more than 50 cattle stops on the road network.

Marlborough Roads is the new Fulton Hogan/HEB JV, responsible for 1,800 km of roads. More than a third of these are unsealed, mainly in the Marlborough Sounds and in alpine areas like the Awatere Valley and Molesworth.

Marlborough Roads’ road inspector Ken Eggers says he’s been blessed for nearly three decades, caring for some of New Zealand’s most remote and beautiful roads.

“Sometimes I think I’ll wake up tomorrow and …. poof ….it wasn’t real. If ever there was a job made for me, this is it.”

Ken says in these isolated places it’s as important to know the people as it is the roads. For locals, Marlborough Roads can be a lifeline.

“They call me any time of the day or night,” Ken says.”I like that, it gives me real-time feedback – I know what’s going on and what’s happening.”

The locals are also quick to roll up their sleeves.

“Sometimes a job includes the farmer, their tractor and home-made scones. The sense of community is fantastic and out here you’re part ambassador, listening, building relationships and partnerships.”

And Ken’s favourite spot? No hesitation. No question. D’Urville Island.

“It’s fabulous. If you took a crown and stuck a great big jewel in it, you’d have D’Urville Island.”

Ken looks after the Island’s 76km of unsealed roads and has been closely involved with the Moawhitu wetlands restoration in Greville Harbour, among the largest in New Zealand. He also never tires of watching wild deer from his bach accommodation.