New Pedestrian Crossing Opens At Manurewa Gurdwara

A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been inaugurated on Great South Road, Manurewa, providing a safer and more convenient passage to the Nanaksar Sikh Temple. 

The inauguration on July 27, 2024, saw the presence of Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, Minister of Ethnic Affairs Melissa Lee and local MP Rima Nakhle, along with other community leaders.

More than 100 attendees joined the inauguration, marking the end of a two-year struggle for a safer crossing. National leader Siva Kilari thanked the local board for helping build the crossing, describing the walkway as a “long-standing demand”.  

“Thousands of devotees visit the gurdwara every week and this crossing means a lot for their safety. I thank the community members who have helped make this possible,” said Kilari. 

Local leader Marshal Walia explained the difficulties faced by devotees due to the absence of a crossing. 

“It used to take 30-40 minutes for people to reach the temple entrance. The elderly and women with children were particularly affected,” said Walia.

Previously, devotees had to navigate a median strip, leading to confusion and safety concerns. 

“This not only created a safety hazard but also confusion on the median, where cars entering the gurdwara also used the same route. This led to honking, crowding, and sometimes even cars bumping into each other,” said Manpreet Singh, another community member.

Marshal Walia, who has advocated for this crossing, said the project faced financial challenges. 

“Due to financial constraints, the local board was unable to raise funds. I attended eight meetings before deciding to push for it myself,” Walia said. 

Eventually, the local board secured the necessary funding, and work on the crossing began.

Now operational, the signalised crossing allows pedestrians to stop traffic and cross Great South Road safely. Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata highlighted its importance, especially when Great South Road serves as an alternative route during motorway closures, Auckland Council mentioned in a release.