EPA Board of Enquiry
Hon Sir John Hanley
David Bunting, Environment Commissioner
Glenice Paine
Mark Appledoorn
Intro
My name is Ruben Blok and I live at 79 Belvedere Ave, Waikanae.
I am a Business Intelligence consultant with a private local firm and I create analytic reporting solutions for major private and public sector organisations throughout the Australasia.
I am usually not too worried about government decisions but given my field of expertise and what I have witnessed with this project something very wrong is happening here and the information does simply not add up.
I oppose the NZTA Makays to Peka Peka proposal and would like to tell you my experience and explain my findings.
Lead Up
We moved from Auckland to Kapiti (originally to Raumati South) in 2007 to start a family and fell in love with the community and surroundings. The combination of bush, beach, and lifestyle was an easy decision.
We heard about KCDCs initial proposal to create a new alternate road and bridge to Waikanae I quite liked the idea. It seems a little crazy that you can almost walk to Waikanae from Paraparaumu Beach faster than you can drive (we tested it the other day).
A year or two later we received the notification from NZTA that as part of the Roads of National Significance project they were planning to upgrade the existing SH1 to future proof the national grid.
We again quite optimistic when we saw the proposals (WO and EO only) and chose option EO, upgrade the existing SH1, as it had minimal impact on the existing community leaving SH1 as close to its original location as possible.
I remember speaking to a lot of local community members and colleagues about these options and was surprised at the lack of interest with the common response being “they have been talking about it for long, they should just chose the best option and start building already”.
The Meeting
On9th of September 2009 I attended, what I thought was just going to be a final decision announcement for WO or EO, at the Southward Car Museum. What happened here was unbelievable.
There were about 1000 people present and the initial presenter was Manager of Highways from NZTA. He started talking about the two options and the means of compensations but kept getting interrupted by the crowd, with angry comments I could not hear.
He then started to talk about the Western Link Road designation where he made clear that this was not being presented as a solution due to the massive impact and social severance of the community this would create. This proceeded with a mass booing of this gentleman by the croud!
At this stage I was still unsure what was going here until Hon Steve Joyce took the stand, saving poor guy from NZTA who never even really got a chance to speak, and announced due to overwhelming response he would perform a revote and include the WLR (Sand Hills) option in the proposal. This was met by thunderous applause.
I was a little in shock and it took a moment for me to come to grips with what was happening, these people were clapping that they were planning to build a 4-lane, 100km/h highway straight through not one but all of their towns, Raumati South, Raumati, Paraparaumu Beach, Waikanae, and Peka Peka.
Why would these people want this barrier in their community when the NZTA was not even proposing it as an option?
Then I got it, these were the people that were directly affect by the WO and EO options.
I left thinking, that was a great show, but oh well these are just a few people trying to save their homes, when the next vote comes out again they will lose miserably anyway as who would want this highway here.
So this is how the WLR proposal was put forward as an option, and it is my belief that this was a premeditated plan by the government and Steve Joyce to utilise the KCDCs WLR plan, use their designation, making this seem like cheapest option, and seemingly giving the people wanted.
Imagine the response if they had had only proposed the WLR solution in the first place.
The Vote
Now with the WLR option on the table it still had to be voted in for the government to be able to capitalise on their scheme.
This was not too difficult as the interest in this road was already very low, a revote was bound to not get much or a response, apart from those people who attended that Southward Car Museum meeting of course. According to the official results in the Engagement Report (mackays-pekapeka-engagement- report.pdf) they were as follows:
A. Eastern Option 1041 B. Western Option 619 C. WLR Expressway Option 1609
Alternate submissions 1177
Total 4446/46,000 population = < 10 % uptake
Hardly an impressive result for a government to make a half billion dollar decision on.
Of these there were 394 anonymous votes, identified as did not state names and/or addresses, which were counted. The detail of how these voted was not provided.
Of those 1177 alternate submissions most were made encompassed multiple points, total 6108, and they were grouped by NZTA.
The summation of these results was as follows:
• Negative impacts/concerns 3747 • Positive comments 542 • Mixed results 1819
(Reading the groups most of the mixed results would also have been negative. For example 679 submissions made positive and/or negative comments on the effects of the expressway options on the character, amenity and local economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres).
Either way a much more overwhelming response not to build the WLR Sand Hills highway than there were was for it.
I could not find the official results of the first vote anywhere.
Also as part of the Engagement Report (mackays-pekapeka-engagement-report.pdf) there were 21 stake holders listed and interviewed for their opinion. These were parties with vested interest like the local MP, KCDC, DOC, etc.
These parties preference were as follows:
A. Eastern Option 4 B. Western Option 0 C. WLR Expressway Option 3 D. Other 7 E. Not stated 7
So 18 against 3 for. The ones that voted for the WLR were:
• AA, they just presented before us today so their point is clear. • Waikanae Community Board, preference: was either Western or WLR Expressway Options due to not wanting a 100km/h zone through their main street. • Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce, the cheapest option of course.
So given the above haven’t changed their minds, that leaves 18 parties with vested interest against the idea.
Telephone Interview
The next piece of evidence the NZTA used to justify that this is what the community wanted was the Telephone Survey Report (colmar-brunton-phone-report-dec09.pdf).
This was performed by Colmar Brunton of 1000 residents and had a 62% response rate.
The result was nearly half (49%) of residents preferred the Western Link Road option, key word was “road”.
The question was not “do you want a 100km/h impassable barrier that you will not be able to use for local traffic through the middle of your community?”
To prove this point, the main reason given by these people for choosing this option was the least community impact!
And a final interesting fact on this report was that 91% of the people interviewed did not have the NZTA documentation available to them.
All other evidence that only supported the WLR Sand Hills motorway over the other options was financial benefit.
However as I am sure you have heard from numerous other by now, it is only the cheapest option because the land was already purchased by KCDC for the Western link Road road.
Time check
The time taken by the NZTA to reach the WLR Sand Hills Expressway decision was also another point of concern.
The project has been in the making for about 30 years. Now there was a proposal on the table that was not even up for consideration a few months earlier. And it was selected within a couple of months!
Submission
So back to my submission, the main reasons I am opposed to the Sand Hills Motorway is as follows:
• Creates a massive social divide through the heart of the Kapiti community. NZTA knew this but were forced into the cheap option by the government. • The negative health impact of living too close to major roads, especially motorways (Sabiens field). • KCDC did not want this but it was taken over by the government. • Developed counties do not do this anymore, new motorways are either build under or around townships, not through the middle. • The visual impact of a 4 lane expressway thought the ‘Nature Coast’ will be horrendous. • There is a huge colony of birds, too many to count, that gathers every evening above the Firewood company on Kapiti Road making a spectacular visual show. • Fiscal responsibility: is it worth spending 600 million dollars to save a few minutes in traffic. Where 150 millions for a local road is much more affordable given the current economic condition. And if the figures are correct, 70% of the traffic will be relieved from the existing SH1, as it is local traffic.
Summary
I know I may sound like a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), but that is not the case at all. I fully support the improvement of this country and its transport system is a vital element.
However this plan is the cheap and nasty option. The Kapiti Coast towns are just a few of dozens of 50km/h and traffic light zones between Auckland and Wellington. And this one is not even close to the last one before you reach Wellington. All this proposal will do it shift the traffic to the next pain point, like Paekokariki, the coastal road, Pukerua Bay, or the Mana/Plimmerton traffic lights stretch.
The real reasons that this was the preferred option for the government was because it was the “cheapest”, and because it is less disruptive to traffic to just build a parallel road than it is to try and upgrade an existing one.
I believe that the government has played a dirty trick on the Kapiti Coast residents. Firstly tricking them into allowing the proposal of the Sand Hills motorway option to be put forward. And secondly using weak statistics to justify that this is the best option and what the community wanted.
NZTA did not want to even propose this as an option due to the social impact and community divide it will create.
This option has by far the most impact to the local community and will damage the reputation, aesthetics, and culture of the Nature Coast.
...
Normally, around the world, you would expand and improve the roads from then CBD outwards.
If they build a local road first and then re-evaluate the traffic density, the Western Link Road could always be upgraded to State Highway at a later stage, like when the rest of the route has been upgraded by Transmission Gully.
...
If this plan is allowed to proceed the Nature Coast will become the Expressway Coast, and I do not this I want to be living here. SUBMISSION ON NZTA APPLICATION FOR MACKAYS TO PEKA PEKA EXPRESSWAY PROPOSAL
Thursday 26 July 2012
SUBMITTERS DETAILS
Title: Mr
Name: Ruben Blok
Address: 10 Winton Street, Paraparaumu, 5032
Phone: 04 902 3020
Email: [email protected]
POSITION
I oppose the application in full
REASONS FOR SUBMISSION
The reasons for my / our submission are:
Social and Health reasons
• The building of this road creates a massive social divide through the heart of the Kapiti community. There is already a social split between either side of the railway track, this will create another. • NZTA recognised this and did not even recommend this option but it was overruled by the few persons directly affected and the government ‘cost saving’. • Numerous international studies are very clear on the negative health impact of living too close to road, especially motorways, and specifically with regards to lung damage and asthma. This confirmed by national studies like from Otago University (http://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/otago025414.pdf). • By adding this additional road these health impacts have been imposed on all persons living with 500 meters of this road, approximately another 10,000 persons.
Environmental and Aesthetic impacts
• The visual impact of a 4 lane expressway thought the ‘Nature Coast’ will be horrendous. • The KCDC did not agree with this project, but preferred the local road option, for this reason. There is nothing Nature about an Expressway. • The designated Expressway passes directly through residential housing, especially on the Raumati to Otaihanga stretch. • This is not done in developed counties anymore for a long time. New motorways are either build under or around townships, not through the middle. • There is a huge colony of birds, too many to count, that gathers every evening above the Firewood company on Kapiti Road making a spectacular visual show. The destruction of their trees and building process of the new road will surely drive them to leave. • The environmental impact with regards to climate change is another important factor. Building another massive road requires huge amounts of CO gases to be released during construction, but also promotes using more CO gases enforcing the use of motor vehicles. The new road also replaced mainly natural landscape capable of absorbing carbon gases.
Financial reasons
• With the government debt level in deficit, and the cost of Christchurch upon us, this is not the time to be spending over half a billion on another road. • To save a few minutes in traffic is not worth spending 630 million dollars. • The property value impact has not been taken into account for this project. • The ‘cheap option’ chosen for the Expressway did not take into account the time and money already spent buying and reserving the space for the local road, originally designated for this area. • 150 million for a local road is much more affordable given the current economic condition. • According to the NZTAs own report: “Waikanae river crossing approximately 70% of traffic is local traffic”. (page 337, Traffic and Transport report (no12), Assessment of Environmental Effects. • Is it not common practice when you build a road to relieve congestion, you start from the busiest area, the city, and build outwards. The real traffic congestion area is the 80kmh along the coast, followed by 50kmh through Pukerua Bay, followed by another 50kmh area and rows and rows of traffic lights. Transmission Gully should be a much higher priority.
The transport Minister, Steven Joyce, has played a clever bit of politics to get this solution proposed. Originally there were only two options available, both were around upgrading the existing SH1. These two options were carefully considered and approved by NZTA and the KCDC.
However they waited just long enough for the persons who were directly affected by these solutions to protest, and then the Minister came in like the hero and offered the current Expressway option.
The voting was redone for the 3 options and from my understanding the current proposed option was voted in by about 1/3. This would mean that either it was a draw, or one of the first two options won!
Our Minster, Nathan Guy, the Associate Minister for Transportation, was elected on the basis of a new local road. He has not stood up for his electorate and upheld the responsibilities of his portfolio.
The majority of people are just tied of this debate/facade, and just glad a decision has been made. I have not heard anyone say what a great idea.
I / we seek the following from the Board of Inquiry: I am not affected directly by the new Expressway, that is to say I live more than 500 meters from its designation, but am deeply concerned for the overall impact on the community.
It is going to split the community down the middle, destroy our last remaining green heart of Raumati, Paraparaumu , Otaihanga, and Waikanae. This road will only bring poverty and health issues, the very reason why most people move up the coast to get away from dense urban centres.
The current natural ecosystem living in the designated area and opportunity to develop this area will be lost forever.
All this for a road. A very expensive road. A road that will add very little benefit. Another road.
The Nature Coast will become the Expressway Coast, and I will not be living here.
I recommend that you decline the proposal based on the reasons outlined above.
I wish to be heard at the Board of Inquiry NZ Transport Agency Kapiti Coast Survey
A Colmar Brunton Report - December 2009
1 Background and objectives
Colmar Brunton was commissioned by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to find out what Kapiti residents think of potential routs for the extension of the State Highway 1 Expressway (from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka). There are three main potential routs for this expressway: the Western Link Road option, Eastern option and Western option.
This survey took place after initial consultation with Kapiti residents was complete due to the tremendous response received by NZTA (consultation formally closed on 30 October 2009). NZTA felt that to better serve the Kapiti community, another consultation was needed to allow for further feedback from residents on this important matter.
As such, this research was undertaken and findings will be considered (along with other consultation activities) by the NZTA Board in its deliberations on the proposed expressway. Other considerations include: economic development, safety, access, public health, and environmental sustainability, as well as relevant government and regional strategies.
2 Methodology
• 1000 interviews were conducted with residents from Kapiti Coast District aged 15 years and older using CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Household telephone numbers were randomly generated from public listings and fieldwork took place between 12 November and 23 November 2009.
• A final response rate of 62% was achieved.
• All results have been post-weighted by age and gender to accurately represent the Kapiti Coast District’s population (as per the 2006 New Zealand Census statistics).
• It should be noted that unweighted bases are presented under each question – this gives an indication of the number of respondents who were asked each questions. All percentages are weighted so they are representative.
• The maximum margin of error at the total sample size is +/-3.1% (at the 95% confidence level). Unless stated otherwise, all subgroup analysis in this report are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.
3 Executive Summary
During the survey, Kapiti residents were provided with a brief description of the three main potential routs for the proposed State Highway 1 expressway from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka. These three options included the Western Link Road option, Eastern option and Western option. Following this description, residents were asked which option they preferred. Each option was read out in a randomised order so as to avoid any bias and respondents were also given the opportunity to provide a further option in addition to the three stated. Nearly half (49%) of residents preferred the Western Link Road option, 20% preferred the Eastern option, 13% preferred the Western option and 7% said that they preferred a 2-Lane Western Link Road. A further 10% stated other preferences, while 6% said they had no preference and 1% were unsure.
4 Executive Summary (cont’d)
Least impact on the community featured as the main reason for choosing their preferred option.
Reasons for choosing preferred option
Respondents were then asked why they preferred the option that they had chosen and more than one reason was allowed. Respondents who provided more than one reason were then asked to state which one was their main reason. Below is a summary of the top three reasons for each option and in bold is the main reasons stated for each option.
Western Link Eastern Western 2-Lane Western Road Link Road (n=527) (n=183) (n=112) (n=81) Least impact on Least impact on Least impact on Least impact on properties (37%) community (38%) community (21%) community (38%) Least impact on Least impact on Least impact on Least impact on community (34%) properties (31%) properties (21%) properties (23%) There is already It follows the existing It will solve current Don’t particularly want an designated land and highway (18%) bottleneck issues (17%) expressway (19%) resources (25%)
5 Preferences of residents from Kapiti Coast District
6 Half (49%) of Kapiti Coast District residents prefer the Western Link Road option,1 in 5 (20%) prefer the Eastern option, and only 13% prefer the Western option
Which option do you prefer? Western Link Road Kapiti residents who are aged 70 years or older are more likely than average to Western Link Road 49% prefer this option (63% cf. 49%).
Eastern 20% Eastern option Kapiti who are aged 70 years or older are Western 13% less likely than average to prefer this option (12% cf. 20%). 2-Lane Western Link Road 7% Upgrade existing SH1 into 5% 2-Lane Western Link Road option expressway Kapiti residents who are aged between No need for expressway 3% 40 to 69 years old are more likely than average to prefer this option (10% cf. 7%). Improve train/public transport 2% Residents who live in Paraparaumu are less likely than average to prefer this Build bridge over Waikanae River 1% option (4% cf. 7%).
Least disruptive option 1% Improve train/public transportation Another preference 1% Paekakariki residents are more likely than average to prefer this option (14% cf. 2%). No preference at all 6%
Don’t know 1% Note: Responses do not add to 100% as some respondents may have 0% 20% 40% 60% mentioned a combination of options when answering ‘other’.
Source: QB2 Base: All respondents (n=1000) 7 Residents who prefer the Western Link Road option do so because it has the least impact on properties (37%) and the community (34%) and because there is already designated land and resources (25%)
Why do you prefer this option?
Least impact on properties 37% Residents who prefer the Western Link Least impact on communities 34% Road are more likely than average to say that they prefer this option for the Already designated land and following reasons: 25% resources • cost (22% cf. 18%) • Cost reasons 22% been in plan for many years (18% cf. 10%) • least impact on business (15% cf. 11%) Will solve current traffic bottleneck • issues 18% already designated land and resources (25% cf. 15%). Been in plan for many years 18% Provides better connections with local roading network 15%
Least impact on local business 15%
Takes traffic away from town Residents of Waikanae are more likely 13% centre than average to say this (20% cf. 13%). Can be built without affecting current state highway routs 12%
Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% list, see appendix.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the Western Link Road option (n=527) 8 However, respondents who prefer the Western Link Road option say their main reason for choosing this is because it has the least impact on the community (11%), on properties (7%) and because it will solve current traffic issues (7%)
Can you tell me which of these is your main reason for preferring that option?
Residents who prefer the Western Link Road Least impact on the community 11% are more likely than average to say that their main reason for choosing this option is Least impact on properties 7% because: • it can be built without affecting current Will solve current traffic bottleneck state highway routs (5% cf. 3%) issues 7% • there is already designated land and Provides better connections with resources (6% cf. 4%). local roading network 6%
Already designated land and 6% Respondents aged 70 years or older are less resources likely than average to say this (1% cf. 6%).
Cost reasons 6%
Can be built without affecting current state highway routs 5% Takes traffic away from town 4% centre
Been in plan for many years 3%
Makes better access/better 3% access between communities Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 5% 10% 15% list, see appendix.
Source: QB4 Base: All respondents who prefer the Western Link Road option (n=527) 9 Residents who prefer the Eastern option do so because it has the least impact on the community (38%) and properties (31%) and because it follows the existing highway (18%)
Why do you prefer this option?
Least impact on the community 38%
Least impact on properties Males are less likely than average 31% to say this (18% cf. 31%).
Follows existing highway 18% Residents who prefer the Eastern option are less likely than average to say that they Doesn’t split the community in half 13% prefer this option for the following reason: Provides better connects with • cost (8% cf. 18%). 13% local roading network
Least impact on the environment 10% Residents of Waikanae are more likely than average to say this (22% cf. 10%). Makes sense to keep road and rail together 9% Residents who prefer the Eastern option are more likely than average to say that they Cost reasons 8% prefer this option for the following reasons: • doesn’t split the community in half (13% Least impact on local business 7% cf. 6%) • follows the existing highway (18% cf. 7%) Can be built without affecting 7% • makes sense to keep road and rail current state highway routs together (9% cf. 3%). Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% list, see appendix.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the Eastern option (n=183) 10 Similarly, respondents who prefer the Eastern option say their main reason for choosing this is because it has the least impact on the community (21%), the least impact on properties (14%) and because it follows the existing highway (6%)
Can you tell me which of these is your main reason for preferring that option?
Least impact on the community 21%
Least impact on properties 14% Residents who prefer the Eastern option are Follows existing highway 6% more likely than average to say that their main reason for choosing this option is Takes traffic away from town because: 5% centre • it has the least impact on the community (21% cf. 13%) Provides better connections with 4% local roading network • it has the least impact on properties (14% cf. 9%) Causes the least disruption 3% • it follows existing highway (6% cf. 2%).
Cost reasons 2% Don’t want Western Link to become a highway 2% Will solve current traffic bottleneck issues 2%
Doesn’t split the community in half 2%
Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 10% 20% 30% Note: list,op see 10 appendix.results shown.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the Eastern option (n=183) 11 Residents who prefer the Western option do so because it has the least impact on the community (21%), the least impact on properties (21%) and because it will solve current traffic issues (17%)
Why do you prefer this option? Residents who prefer the Western option are more likely than average to say that their Least impact on the community 21% main reason for choosing this option is because: Residents of • Least impact on properties 21% Waikanae are the most logical/makes the more likely to most sense (14% cf. 7%) Will solve current traffic bottleneck say this (35% • 17% makes better access/better issues cf. 17%). access between communities The most logical/makes the most (13% cf. 6%) 14% sense • another bridge over the river Makes better access/better (12% cf. 5%). 13% Residents of access between communities Waikanae Another bridge over the are more 12% river/need new bridge likely to say this (32% cf. Takes traffic away from town 10% 12%). Residents who prefer the Western option centre are less likely than average to say that they Provides better connection with prefer this option for the following reason: 9% local roading network • least impact on the community (21% cf. 33%) Follows existing highway 8% • least impact on properties (21% cf. 32%) Cost reasons 7% •cost reasons (7% cf. 18%).
Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 10% 20% 30% list, see appendix.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the Western option (n=112) 12 However, respondents who prefer the Western option say that their main reason for choosing this is because it has the least impact on the community (9%), the least impact on properties (7%) and because there will be another bridge over the river (5%)
Can you tell me which of these is your main reason for preferring that option?
Least impact on the community 9%
Least impact on properties 7%
Another bridge over the 5% river/need new bridge Takes traffic away from town 4% Residents who prefer the Western option centre are more likely than average to say that Will solve current traffic bottleneck their main reason for choosing this option is 3% issues because: The most logical/makes the most • it will provide a new bridge/another sense 3% bridge over the river (5% cf. 1%). Makes better access/better 2% access between communities
Provides better connections with 2% local roading network
Follows existing highway 2%
Cost reasons 1%
Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 5% 10% list, see appendix.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the Western option (n=112) 13 Residents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Link Road option do so because it has the least impact on the community (38%) and properties (23%) and because they don’t want an expressway (19%)
Why do you prefer this option?
Least impact on the community 38%
Least impact on properties 23% Residents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Don’t particularly want an 19% Link Road option are more likely than expressway average to say that their main reason for choosing this option is because: Least impact on the environment 18% • they don’t particularly want an Will solve current traffic bottleneck expressway (19% cf. 4%) issues 18% • it has the least impact on the environment (18% cf. 9%) Doesn’t split the community in half 16% • it doesn’t split the community in half (16% cf. 6%) Cost reasons 15% • takes local traffic off highway (13% cf. 4%). Takes local traffic off highway 13%
Already designated land and 9% resources Provides better connections with local roading network 8% (Note that the 2-Lane Western Link Road option has been included here because enough respondents chose this option to Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% carry out further analysis.) Note: list,Top see 10results appendix. shown.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Link Road option (n=81) 14 However, respondents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Link Road option say that their main reason for choosing this is because it has the least impact on the community (15%), it will solve current traffic issues (8%) and because they don’t want an expressway (5%)
Can you tell me which of these is your main reason for preferring that option?
Least impact on the community 15%
Will solve current traffic bottleneck 8% issues Don’t particularly want an 5% expressway Residents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Link Road option are more likely than Takes local traffic off highway 3% average to say that their main reason for choosing this option is because: The most logical/makes the most 3% • sense they don’t particularly want an expressway (5% cf. 1%). Doesn’t split the community in two 3%
Already designated land and 3% resources
Least impact on properties 3% Takes traffic away from town centre 2%
Community support it 1%
Note: Top 10 results shown, for a full 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% list, see appendix.
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who prefer the 2-Lane Western Link Road option (n=81) 15 Appendix
16 Reference to the brochure
17 Three out of four respondents remember or vaguely remember seeing the 12-page NZTA brochure
Do you remember seeing a 12-page NZ Transport Agency colour brochure about consultation on the proposed State Highway 1 expressway from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka dated October 2009?
Not sure/cannot remember
3%
No 22%
Yes 10% (sounds 65% Yes vague) (sounds sure)
Source: QA1 Base: All respondents (n=1000) 18 Only 9% of respondents had the NZTA brochure close to hand during the survey
Do you have the brochure close to hand at the moment?
Yes
9%
91%
No
Source: QA2 Base: Those who recall seeing the NZTA brochure (n=811) 19 QB3 - Reasons for preferring the different options (top four options shown)
2-Lane Western Eastern Western Western Link Road Link Road (n=527) (n=183) (n=112) (n-81) Leas impact on properties 37% 31% 21% 23% Least impact on the community 34% 38% 21% 38% Already designated land and resources 25% 1% 4% 9% Cost reasons 22% 8% 7% 15% Will solve current traffic bottleneck issues 18% 6% 17% 18% Been in plan for many years 18% 1% 2% 6% Provides better connections with local raoding network 15% 13% 9% 8% Least impact on local business 15% 7% 5% 4% Takes traffic away from town centre 13% 6% 10% 8% Can be built without affecting current state highway routs 12% 7% 5% 8% The most logical/makes the most sense 8% 3% 14% 6% Causes the least disruption 8% 5% 7% 5% Need an alternative route 7% 2% 5% 3% Least impact on the environment 6% 10% 6% 18% Makes better access/better access between communities 6% 3% 13% 5% Faster to implement 6% 2% 1% 5% Another bridge over the river/need a new bridge 4% 2% 12% 4%
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who stated a preference at Qb2 (varies) 20 QB3 - Reasons for preferring the different options (top four options shown) (cont’d)
2-Lane Western Eastern Western Western Link Road Link Road (n=527) (n=183) (n=112) (n-81) Takes local traffic off Highway 4% 1% 5% 13% Don't particularly want an expressway 2% 4% 2% 19% Doesn't split the community in 2% 13% 3% 16% It will be a 4 lane highway 2% - 2% - Will make the road safer 2% 1% 2% 1% Follows existing highway 1% 18% 8% 7% More direct option/direct rout 1% 3% 4% - Better for the future 1% 2% - 3% It will pass my house 1% - 1% - Makes sense to keep road and rail together 1% 9% 2% 3% Community support it/what community accepts 1% - - 6% Like the bypass/needs to bypasss town 1% 1% 4% - Emphasis on rail/use the rail to get traffic off the roads 1% - 1% 2% Transmission Gulley also needs to be done 1% - - 1% Don’t want Western Link Road to become a highway - 3% 1% 2% Least noise/keep noise down - 2% 1% - Gets the trucks off the road - 1% - 3% Other reasons 6% 6% 6% 14% Refused - - 14% 2% Don’t know - 5% - -
Source: QB3 Base: All respondents who stated a preference at Qb2 (varies) 21 QB4 Main reasons for preferring the different options (top four options shown)
2-Lane Western Eastern Western Western Link Road Link Road (n=527) (n=183) (n=112) (n-81)
Least impact on the community 11% 21% 9% 15% Least impact on properties 7% 14% 7% 3% Will solve current traffic bottleneck issues 7% 2% 3% 8% Provides better connections with local roading network 6% 4% 2% 1% Already designated land and resources 6% - 1% 3% Cost reasons 6% 2% 1% 1% Can be built without affecting current state highway routs 5% - 1% - Takes traffic away from town centre 4% 5% 4% 2% Been in plan for many years 3% - - 1% Makes better access/better access between communities 3% 1% 2% 1% The most logical/makes the most sense 2% 1% 3% 3% Least impact on local business 1% - 1% - Need an alternative route 1% 1% 1% - Causes the least disruption 1% 3% 1% 1% Least impact on the environment 1% 2% - 1% It will pass my house 1% - - - Takes local traffic off Highway 1% - 1% 3% Faster to implement 1% - - -
Source: QB4 Base: All respondents who stated a preference at Qb2 (varies) 22 QB4 Main reasons for preferring the different options (top four options shown) (cont’d)
2-Lane Western Eastern Western Western Link Road Link Road (n=527) (n=183) (n=112) (n-81)
Don't particularly want an expressway 1% 2% 1% 5% More direct option - 1% - - Follows existing highway - 6% 2% 1% Another bridge over the river/nee a new bridge - 1% 5% - Don’t want Western Link Road to become a highway - 2% - - Like the bypass/needs to bypass towns - - 1% - Makes sense to keep road and rail together - 2% 1% - Doesn’t split the community in half - 2% - 3% Least noise/keep noise down - 1% - - Better for the future - - - 1% Community support it/what community accepts - - - 1% Other reasons 26% 15% 33% 39% Refused 6% 7% 18% 4% Don’t know - 5% - -
Source: QB4 Base: All respondents who stated a preference at Qb2 (varies) 23 Demographics
24 Age and gender distribution
Age group Gender
20%
18%
15% 16% Female 15% 54% 14% 13%
10% Male 46%
8% 8% 7% 5%
0% older 80 years or or years 80 60-69 years 60-69 years 70-79 20-29 years 20-29 years 40-49 years 50-59 15-19 years 15-19 30-39 years 30-39
Source: QD1 and QD2 Base: All respondents (n=1000) 25 Geographic distribution
Location
60%
50%
47% 40%
30% 29% 20% 19% 10% 4% 1% 0% Waikanae Peka Peka Peka Paekakariki Raumati and Paraparaumu Raumati Beach
Source: Sample Base: All respondents (n=1000) 26 27 MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report Table of contents
1. Executive summary ...... 3 2. Expressway options ...... 5 3. Consultation process ...... 6 3.1 Objectives...... 6 3.2 Consultation information ...... 6 4. Submission analysis methodology...... 9 5. Expressway option preferences...... 11 5.1 Preferred expressway option...... 11 5.2 The Eastern Option ...... 11 5.3 The Western Option ...... 12 5.4 The WLR Expressway Option ...... 13 5.5 Other options...... 14 5.6 Submitters’ preference by statistical area...... 15 6. Submission themes...... 16 6.1 Adverse effects on property ...... 16 6.2 Affordability...... 16 6.3 Effects on the character, amenity and economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres ...... 17 6.4 Interchanges ...... 17 6.5 Works to start as soon as possible ...... 17 6.6 Traffic disruption caused by construction ...... 18 6.7 Faster journey times and reduced congestion ...... 18 6.8 Environmental effects ...... 18 6.9 Community severance...... 18 6.10 Summary of common submission themes...... 19 7. Key stakeholders...... 20 7.1 Darren Hughes MP – Labour Spokesperson on Transport ...... 20 7.2 Department of Conservation ...... 21 7.3 Greater Wellington Regional Council ...... 21 7.4 Horowhenua District Council...... 22 7.5 Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce ...... 22 7.6 Kapiti Coast District Council ...... 23 7.7 Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council ...... 24 7.8 The Board of Muaüpoko Tribal Authority Inc...... 24 7.9 Nature Coast Enterprise ...... 25 7.10 New Zealand Automobile Association ...... 25 7.11 New Zealand Fire Service...... 25 7.12 New Zealand Historic Places Trust...... 26 7.13 Paekakariki Community Board...... 26 7.14 Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board ...... 26 7.15 Porirua City Council ...... 27 7.16 Road Transport Forum New Zealand ...... 27
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 1 7.17 Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc...... 27 7.18 Te Runanga o Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai Inc & the Takamore Trust ...... 28 7.19 Waikanae Community Board...... 28 7.20 Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce ...... 29 7.21 Wellington Regional Transport Committee ...... 30 8. Petition ...... 31 Appendix 1 – August consultation brochure ...... 32 Appendix 2 – October consultation brochure...... 33 Appendix 3 - Statistical area boundaries for Kapiti Coast ...... 34 Appendix 4 – Petition...... 35
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 2 1. Executive summary
In May 2009 the Government identified State Highway 1 (SH1) between Wellington International Airport and Levin as one of seven Roads of National Significance (RoNS). This section of highway is the major route in and out of the Capital and lower North Island, linking the centres of Palmerston North, Wanganui, Levin and Wellington. The Government signalled a need for further investment in SH1 to improve the movement of people and freight and to unlock economic growth potential in the Wellington region.
As part of investigations into improvements of this section of SH1, the Minister of Transport, the Hon Steven Joyce, announced on Thursday 20 August 2009 that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) would be consulting on four-lane expressway options from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka and from Peka Peka to Otaki. The options were based on recommendations made in the Kapiti Strategic SH1 Study prepared by Opus International Consultants Ltd (Opus) for the NZTA.
This report provides a summary of the feedback received on the NZTA’s expressway options for the section of SH1 from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka. It describes the consultation process, the methodology for analysing feedback and the key themes raised in the feedback. It provides a summary of feedback from key stakeholders.
The consultation period ran for 10 weeks from 24 August to 30 October 2009. It included mail drops to over 26500 postal addresses in the Kapiti Coast District, a number of open days and face-to-face meetings with stakeholders. These included potentially affected property owners and key stakeholders such as the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) and local iwi.
Feedback was provided via freepost forms attached to the consultation brochures, the project email address, the project website and the toll free 0800 project information phone number. Every endeavour was made to include late submissions in this report’s analysis prior to it being finalised.
Overall, 4688 submissions were received on all of the expressway options from MacKays Crossing to Otaki. This included 4446 submissions on the expressway options from MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka and 1720 on the expressway proposal for Peka Peka to Otaki.
Of the submissions on the expressway options for MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka:
1041 preferred the Eastern Option
619 preferred the Western Option
1609 preferred the WLR Expressway Option
There were also a number of submissions that referred to alternative transportation options (eg preferred the two-lane Western Link Road and upgrade of SH1 or improved public transport services). In total, 1177 submissions regarding alternative transportation options were received.
In most cases, submitters provided comments in support of their preferred option or explained why they considered other options to be inappropriate. This enabled nine common submission themes to be identified:
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 3 1072 submissions commented on the effects of constructing a new expressway on existing houses and property. In particular, many of these submitters sought that the NZTA minimise the need to remove houses and other buildings
931 submissions reflected on the cost of building the expressway. This theme captured those who indicated that the potential cost of a particular expressway option was of concern and those who felt cost should not be a factor in the final decision
679 submissions made positive and/or negative comments on the effects of the expressway options on the character, amenity and local economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres
665 submissions commented on the location of the proposed interchanges or the need for more or fewer interchanges to be constructed
603 submissions advised that they wanted roading works or other transportation solutions (eg improvements to public transport services) to start as soon as possible
548 submissions commented on the potential effects of traffic disruption during expressway construction. This theme mostly captured those who felt that expressway construction would cause traffic problems for the local community
542 submissions commented that faster journey times and reduced congestion was of interest to them or their organisation or simply agreed that congestion in Kapiti was a problem
537 submissions made either negative or positive comments on the environmental effects (eg noise) of one or more of the expressway options
531 submissions commented on the potential effects of community severance that might occur as a consequence of constructing an expressway option. This theme mostly captured those submitters who believed a particular expressway option would create community severance or was a better option compared to the other expressway options from this perspective.
The feedback received on the expressway proposal for Peka Peka to Otaki is provided separately in the Peka Peka to Otaki community engagement report.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 4 2. Expressway options
The three expressway options that were consulted on for the MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka section of SH1 were:
Eastern Option: SH1 Expressway following rail corridor with local supporting roads
Western Option: SH1 Expressway avoiding Waikanae Town Centre with local supporting roads
WLR Expressway Option: SH1 Expressway following the Western Link Road Corridor.
At the commencement of the engagement process, two options were identified for consultation, being the Western and Eastern Options, with consultation scheduled to close on 30 September 2009. However, in early September following debate on the expressway options, it was decided to formally consult on a third option, being the WLR Expressway Option, and to extend the close of consultation to 30 October.
More details on each of the expressway options can be found in the consultation brochures. The original August consultation brochure, which refers to the Eastern and Western Options, is attached as Appendix 1, and the October consultation brochure, which refers to all three expressway options, is attached as Appendix 2.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 5 3. Consultation process
3.1 Objectives
The NZTA objectives for consulting on the expressway options were to:
Inform affected communities, key stakeholders, iwi and other members of the general public about the expressway options
Provide an opportunity for these parties to provide feedback to the NZTA on the expressway options
Provide the NZTA Board with an understanding of the views of the affected community, key stakeholders, iwi and general public regarding the three expressway options
Provide a method of community, stakeholder and general public engagement on the preferred route for a four-lane expressway between MacKays Crossing and Peka Peka, which meets the requirements of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
3.2 Consultation information
The consultation information provided by the NZTA on the expressway options was designed to meet the objectives set out above. In particular, the NZTA sought to provide all interested parties with sufficient information to inform their submissions.
The type of consultation information provided and the ways it could be accessed are as follows:
3.2.1 Letters to potentially affected property owners
Two letters and consultation brochures were mailed to each property owner identified by the NZTA as being potentially affected by one or more of the expressway options. The first mail out was in late August and the second was at the beginning of October. The letters offered opportunities for further communication.
3.2.2 Consultation brochures
A consultation brochure was mailed to all potentially affected parties, organisations and to every postal address in the Kapiti Coast District at the commencement of consultation in late August. In total, 26500 August consultation brochures, which referred to just the Western and Eastern Options, were mailed out. A further 26500 consultation brochures were mailed out in early October following the decision to include the WLR Expressway Option in the consultation process.
The consultation brochures included information on how to make a submission and how to contact the NZTA. Copies of the brochure were available at the Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Otaki libraries, at the NZTA’s open days, at the KCDC office in Paraparaumu, at the NZTA offices in Wellington and at public meetings.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 6 A feedback form was included with each consultation brochure, which could also be downloaded from the project website (www.nzta.govt.nz/kapiticonsultation).
The feedback form attached to the August consultation brochure asked submitters:
Which expressway option they preferred or if they had ‘other views’
Whether they believed their property would be affected by the expressway options
Whether they believed they lived near a proposed expressway
Whether they represented an organisation that had an interest in the expressway options and to include contact details
If they did not live near the proposed route but were still interested in the proposals for other reasons.
Space was provided on the feedback form for the submitter to make further comments.
A feedback form was also included in the October consultation brochure. This form asked submitters to specify which of the three expressway options they preferred, the reasons for their preference and how well they thought the options met the NZTA Board’s decision-making criteria.
Return of the feedback forms was via freepost or the project email address.
Copies of both feedback forms are included in Appendices 1 and 2.
3.2.3 Media
Double page public notices were published in the Kapiti News and Kapiti Observer in late August advising on, and seeking feedback on, the Western and Eastern Options. Further, double page public notices were placed in these newspapers in early October, following the decision to include the WLR Expressway Option and to extend the consultation period to the end of October.
3.2.4 Project website
Project information was available from the NZTA’s dedicated project website. This included the consultation brochures, feedback forms, the Kapiti SH1 Strategy Study prepared by Opus and a project email address for enquiries and submissions.
3.2.5 0800 phone line
A toll free 0800 phone line was staffed by the NZTA during normal business hours. Staff answered questions and took notes for verbal submissions, although the public was encouraged to make written submissions. Over 300 phone calls were made to the 0800 phone line over the course of the consultation period.
3.2.6 Open days
Open days/information stands were staffed by the NZTA during the consultation period at:
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 7 Paraparaumu Library (3 September 2009)
Otaki Memorial Hall (4 September 2009)
Coastlands shopping centre, Paraparaumu (5 September 2009)
Waikanae Library (7 September 2009)
Waikanae Library (13 October 2009)
Valhalla Community Centre, Raumati South (14 October 2009)
Otaki Rotary Lounge (15 October 2009)
Coastlands Shopping Centre, Paraparaumu (17 October 2009).
Information provided at the September open days was based on the Western and Eastern Options. Information provided at the October open days included all three expressway options.
3.2.7 Public meetings
Public meetings, called by the Minister of Transport, were held on 9 September 2009 at the following locations:
Te Horo School Hall, School Road, Te Horo
El Rancho Christian Camp Hall, Kauri Road, Waikanae
Southward Car Museum, Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu.
These meetings were also attended by NZTA staff and Otaki MP Nathan Guy.
3.2.8 Individual meetings
The NZTA attended 731 meetings with interested parties during the consultation period, including potentially affected landowners who had requested meetings, iwi, KCDC, Greater Wellington Regional Council and various community and business groups.
1 This was the total number of meetings attended for all of the MacKays Crossing to Otaki expressway proposals.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 8 4. Submission analysis methodology
The submissions that informed this report’s analysis were received via email, post and the 0800 phone number (provided submitters confirmed that their phone call could be taken as a formal submission).
Every submission received was recorded in a consultation database, which noted:
Name and postal address of the submitter
Address of the property owned in Kapiti Coast if this was different to the postal address
The Statistics New Zealand area of Kapiti Coast where each submitter lived or owned property
The type of submission made
The preferred expressway option if stated
A summary of any comments provided
If the submission raised a common theme.
The data collected via the above methods has allowed submitter preferences and their issues to be identified. The analysis has enabled common submission themes to be identified, which are discussed in more detail in Section 6.
The following policies were applied to those submissions where the preference was conditional or where the submission was anonymous, pro-forma or late:
4.1.1 Expressway preference
When it was unclear whether the submitter had actually stated a preferred expressway option, the following policies were applied:
If a submitter had stated that an expressway option was only acceptable if the option was amended (eg another interchange was added) then the submitter’s expressway preference was recorded along with their requested amendment
If a submitter did not support any of the expressway options, but preferred an alternative roading or transportation solution, then the submitter’s preference was recorded in a category referred to as ‘Other’.
4.1.2 The inclusion of the WLR Expressway Option
Until the decision was made to include the WLR Expressway Option in the consultation process, submitters had been advised that they could specify alternative expressway options in their submission. Their alternative options included a preference for the two-lane Western Link Road to become a four- lane expressway (later known as the WLR Expressway Option).
The NZTA applied the following policies for those submitters who wanted to alter their original submission as a consequence of the decision to include the WLR Expressway Option:
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 9 The public was advised that submitters could change their original submission so they could indicate their support for the WLR Expressway Option
Submitters whose original submission preferred that the two-lane Western Link Road designation become a four-lane expressway rather than the supporting either of the Western or Eastern Options were advised that their original advice would be counted towards the WLR Expressway Option and a further submission would not be necessary.
4.1.3 Anonymous submissions
In total, 394 submissions received were anonymous (ie did not state names and/or addresses). These submissions have been included in this report’s analysis.
4.1.4 Pro-forma submissions
One pro-forma submission was received from members of the Takamore Trust. The Trust provided a submission that was accompanied by 150 identical pro-forma submissions. The Takamore Trust submission and each pro-forma submission were counted as one individual submission.
4.1.5 Late submissions
The consultation period closed on Friday 30 October 2009. However, every endeavour has been made to include late submissions in this report.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 10 5. Expressway option preferences
5.1 Preferred expressway option
A total of 4446 submissions were received on the expressway options proposed for the MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka section of SH1. Of these, 1041 supported the Eastern Option, 619 supported the Western Option, and 1609 supported the WLR Expressway Option.
A total of 1177 submissions referred to alternative transportation options (eg supported the two-lane Western Link Road and upgrade of SH1 or improved public transport services).
Graph 1 identifies submitters’ preferred expressway options.
Graph 1 – Submitters’ preferred expressway options
1800
1609 1600
1400
1177 1200
1041
1000
800
619 600 Number of submissions that preferred the option the preferred that submissions of Number 400
200
0 Eastern Option Western Option WLR Expressway Option Other
Options
5.2 The Eastern Option
The Eastern Option was preferred by 1041 submissions (23.5%).
Examples of common reasons used by submitters for supporting the Eastern Option included:
It would avoid community severance of Waikanae Town and Waikanae Beach (compared to the western options)
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 11 It would make the best use of the existing highway
It would be the best option for existing businesses while providing an alternate route for locals
It would make sense to keep rail and road together
It would keep traffic noise away from Waikanae Beach
It would have less impact on the urban environment
It would retain access to the Paraparaumu Town Centre
It would mean that redevelopment of Waikanae Town Centre was still possible.
Examples of common reasons used by submitters for not supporting the Eastern Option included:
It would be the most expensive expressway option
It would cause the greatest level of destruction of houses and businesses
It would adversely affect the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres
It would sever community links between Waikanae east and Waikanae west
It would result in more heavy vehicles on local roads
It would create major disruption for the local community during construction
It would adversely affect existing communities
It would adversely affect new subdivisions and the Waikanae community
It would adversely affect the Lindale Centre (as there would be no connectivity) and therefore deter tourists.
5.3 The Western Option
The Western Option was preferred by 619 submissions (14%).
Examples of common reasons used by submitters for supporting the Western Option included:
It would meet the NZTA Board’s decision-making criteria
It would use two sections of the proposed two-lane Western Link Road and would not interfere with as many private homes (compared to the Eastern Option)
It would take the traffic away from Waikanae Town Centre, relieve the congestion created by the closing of the Elizabeth Street rail barriers, and would provide another route if SH1 was closed
If could be built without affecting the use of SH1
It would be cost effective (compared to the Eastern Option)
It would allow Waikanae to build a new shopping centre.
It is noted that the number of submissions received in support of the Western Option tapered off following the decision to include the WLR Expressway Option for consultation on 1 October. By this date, 505 submissions had been received in
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 12 support of the Western Option. After this date, only a further 116 submissions were received in support of the Western Option by the close of the consultation period.
Examples of common reasons used by submitters for not supporting the Western Option included:
It would split both Paraparaumu and Waikanae communities in half and have noise effects on residential areas
Building a four-lane bridge across Waikanae River would destroy recreational areas
It would not improve local commuting patterns
It would be built on a poor geological foundation
It would cut off Coastlands
The proposed local road would not be adequate
No underpass would be provided at Waikanae Town Centre
It would be very expensive
A number of properties would be adversely affected.
5.4 The WLR Expressway Option
The WLR Expressway Option was preferred by 1609 submissions (36%).
Examples of common reasons used by submitters to support the WLR Expressway Option included:
It would result in less community disruption for businesses, homes and other properties (compared to the other options)
It would allow existing traffic to flow during construction
The local community has always known a road would be built on the existing Western Link Road designation and has planned accordingly
It would be the fastest to construct as “you do not have to reinvent the wheel”
It would create less community severance (compared to the other options)
It would not damage the environment as much (compared to the other options)
It would be the best solution for Paraparaumu Airport (including its future plans) and emergency services
It would be the most affordable option
It would not require other local roads to be constructed as existing SH1 could be used.
Examples of common themes used by submitters for not supporting the WLR Expressway Option included:
It would split the community
It would have adverse visual effects
It would increase journey distances
It would cut through the Paraparaumu and Raumati communities
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 13 It would have noise effects on schools and homes
It would have adverse affects on existing native vegetation, sand dunes and small coastal communities
It would adversely affect property prices
It would create further congestion through limited interchanges.
5.5 Other options
Alternative roading or transportation options were proposed by many submitters. In total, 1177 submitters or 26.5% of submissions stated that they preferred either different expressway alignments or that no new expressway should be built. Instead, it was commonly suggested that expressway funding should be redirected to improved public transport or to travel demand measures.
Examples of common feedback from submitters who supported different roading options or expressway alignments included:
Build a two-lane Western Link Road and upgrade SH1
Build the expressway on a different alignment than the ones proposed.
The category ‘Other’ also included submitters who said that they did not support any of the expressway options and would prefer that potential road funding be redirected to other transportation options. Examples of common themes raised in these submissions included:
Redirect funding to provide for improved public transport services
Redirect funding to shift freight to rail
The expressway options demonstrate that New Zealand is not planning for climate change or peak oil.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 14 5.6 Submitters’ preference by statistical area
Submitters’ preferred expressway options by statistical area (as defined by Statistics New Zealand) are set out in Table 12:
Table 1 – Expressway preference by statistical area3 WLR Eastern Western Statistical Area Expressway Other TOTAL Option Option Option Waikanae Beach 144 46 66 81 337 Pop: 2895 Waikanae East 16 49 112 33 210 Pop: 1986 Peka Peka 6 3 15 5 29 Pop: 252 Waikanae Park 72 29 79 67 247 Pop: 1899 Waikanae West 74 92 215 71 452 Pop: 3453 Kaitawa 4 8 12 11 35 Pop: 477 Otaki Forks 20 11 22 10 63 Pop: 1410 Te Horo 7 12 25 21 65 Pop: 675 Otaki 26 40 44 33 143 Pop: 5466 Paraparaumu Beach North 53 22 51 40 166 Pop: 3255 Otaihanga 27 12 67 40 146 Pop: 1110 Paraparaumu Beach South 78 36 85 65 264 Pop: 4674 Paraparaumu Central 133 61 310 164 668 Pop: 8205 Raumati Beach 84 43 94 86 307 Pop: 4470 Raumati South 61 24 59 138 282 Pop: 3546 Paekakariki 10 4 10 47 71 Pop: 1602 Maungakotukutuku 7 15 21 8 51 Pop: 816
Other4 111 64 75 71 321
2 A map of statistical areas is attached as Appendix 3. 3 It should be noted that a number of submissions did not include postal addresses. Accordingly, the number of submissions shown in Table 1 is less than the number of submissions received overall. 4 This category refers to submitters living outside of the Kapiti Coast District.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 15 6. Submission themes
Analysis of the submissions received enabled nine common submission themes to be identified. This was possible as, in most instances, submitters based their support for their preferred expressway option on one or more common issues or stated a common issue when commenting on why one of the other expressway options would be an inferior choice. There were enough common issues consistently raised by submitters for these issues to then be grouped together into submission themes, these being:
Adverse effects on property
Affordability
Effects on character, amenity and the economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres
Interchanges
Works to start as soon as possible
Traffic disruption caused by construction
Faster journey times and reduced congestion
Environmental effects
Community severance
6.1 Adverse effects on property
In total, 1072 submissions commented on the effects of constructing a new expressway on existing houses and property. In particular, many of these submitters sought that the NZTA minimise the need to remove houses and other buildings.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
64 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
38 submissions preferred the Western Option
790 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
180 submissions preferred other options.
6.2 Affordability
In total, 931 submissions reflected on the cost of building the expressway. This theme captured those who indicated that the potential cost of a particular expressway option was of concern and those who felt cost should not be a factor in the final decision.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
38 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
74 submissions preferred the Western Option
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 16 690 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
129 submissions preferred other options.
6.3 Effects on the character, amenity and economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres
In total, 679 submissions made positive and/or negative comments on the effects of the expressway options on the character, amenity and local economies of the Paraparaumu and Waikanae Town Centres.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
115 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
61 submissions preferred the Western Option
351 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
152 submissions preferred other options.
6.4 Interchanges
In total, 665 submissions commented on the location of the proposed interchanges or the need for more or fewer interchanges to be constructed.
The interchange locations that drew the most comment were central Paraparaumu and Te Moana Road. Other submissions sought that interchanges be located at 200 Main Road South, Mazengarb Road, Otaihanga and Waikanae North.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
142 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
91 submissions preferred the Western Option
314 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
118 submissions preferred other options.
6.5 Works to start as soon as possible
In total, 603 submissions advised that they wanted roading works or other transportation solutions (eg improvements to public transport services) to start as soon as possible.
Many of these submissions also noted that there was a need to build a second bridge across the Waikanae River as soon as possible.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
115 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
106 submissions preferred the Western Option
267 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
115 submissions preferred other options.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 17 6.6 Traffic disruption caused by construction
In total, 548 submissions commented on the potential effects of traffic disruption during expressway construction. This theme mostly captured those who felt that expressway construction would cause traffic problems for the local community.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
31 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
47 submissions preferred the Western Option
419 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
51 submissions preferred other options.
6.7 Faster journey times and reduced congestion
In total, 542 submissions commented that faster journey times and reduced congestion was of interest to them or their organisation or simply agreed that congestion in Kapiti was a problem.
Many of these submissions also noted that in order to reduce journey times more interchanges would be needed, and that lengthy journey times on local roads or “back tracking” on local roads to get to the expressway was not desirable.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
106 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
81 submissions preferred the Western Option
185 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
170 submissions preferred other options.
6.8 Environmental effects
In total, 537 submissions made either negative or positive comments on the environmental effects (eg noise) of one or more of the expressway options.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
129 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
25 submissions preferred the Western Option
176 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
207 submissions preferred other options.
6.9 Community severance
In total, 531 submissions commented on the potential effects of community severance that might occur as a consequence of constructing an expressway. This theme mostly captured those submitters who believed a particular expressway option would create
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 18 community severance or was a better option compared to the other expressway options from this perspective.
The number of submissions that referred to this theme when indicating a preferred expressway option is as follows:
194 submissions preferred the Eastern Option
26 submissions preferred the Western Option
148 submissions preferred the WLR Expressway Option
163 submissions preferred other options.
6.10 Summary of common submission themes Graph 2 provides a summary of the common submission themes.
Graph 2 - Common submission themes
1200
1072
1000 931
800
679 665
603 600 548 537 531 542 Number of submissions of Number
400
200
0 Affordability Interchanges construction Environmental effects congestion Community severance Community Adverse effects on property effects Adverse disruption caused by Traffic Waikanae Town Centres Work to start as soon as possible start to Work andjourney reduced times Faster Effects on character, amenity and amenity on character, Effects economies of the Paraparaumu and Paraparaumu the economies of Submission themes
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 19 7. Key stakeholders
The following key stakeholder submissions have been summarised below5:
Darren Hughes MP – Labour Spokesperson on Transport
Department of Conservation
Greater Wellington Regional Council
Horowhenua District Council
Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce
Kapiti Coast District Council
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council
The Board of Muaüpoko Tribal Authority Inc
Nature Coast Enterprise
New Zealand Automobile Association
NZ Fire Service
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Paekakariki Community Board
Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board
Porirua City Council
Road Transport Forum New Zealand
Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc
Te Runanga o Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai Inc and the Takamore Trust
Waikanae Community Board
Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wellington Regional Transport Committee.
7.1 Darren Hughes MP – Labour Spokesperson on Transport Preference: Other
The Hon Darren Hughes, Labour Party’s Spokesperson for Transport, agrees that action is needed to resolve the transport issues in Kapiti, but states that none of the expressway options would meet the needs of either the local community or the travelling public. His submission supports the two-lane Western Link Road as a local road (with the ability for it to become a four-lane road in the future if required) and improvements to SH1.
5 The above stakeholder list has been arranged in alphabetical order.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 20 7.2 Department of Conservation Preference: Eastern Option
The Department of Conservation (DoC) submission advises that it is interested in the potential effects of the expressway options on ecology and heritage values.
7.2.1 Ecological effects
The DoC submission comments:
The Western and WLR Expressway Options will result in a four-lane expressway crossing the lower Waikanae River and running through the relatively unmodified area north west of the Waikanae township that contains Nga Manu Wildlife Reserve, the Ngarara and Waimeha Streams complex and a large wetland area running parallel to the coast. This option would undoubtedly impact on the nationally significant, and in some cases threatened, plant communities that occur through this corridor, including the Te Harakeke Wetland.
The Eastern Option …… will be done in an area that is already similarly disturbed by previous highway and rail corridor construction.
The submission also comments on the potential adverse effects of new local roads on watercourses and waterbodies.
7.2.2 Heritage values
The DoC submission comments:
Recorded archaeological sites increase significantly in occurrence from the east towards the west (and the coast). It is considered that the Western and WLR [Expressway] Option will have a significantly greater impact on both recorded and unrecorded archaeological sites than the Eastern option.
7.3 Greater Wellington Regional Council Preference: Not stated
The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) submission expresses interest in how the potential expressway would support and/or contribute to the environmental outcomes of the region’s Operative and Proposed Regional Policy Statements.
7.3.1 Flood protection and river management
The GWRC submission notes that the expressway options would affect local rivers/streams, access to rivers, floodplains, flood flow paths and land that it manages.
7.3.2 Regional park management
The submission notes that the Eastern and Western Options could impact on the north-eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth II Park (QE Park). With regard to the WLR Expressway Option the GWRC advises:
… the proposal would dissect a considerable parcel of land within the north eastern part of the park. This would potentially undermine the integrated management and use of QE park…
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 21 7.3.3 Hazard risk and climate change
GWRC advises that, of the expressway options, the Eastern Option is the one at least risk from natural hazards and climate change. It notes that the Western and WLR Expressway Options pass over unconsolidated dune and swamp deposits whereas the Eastern Option site is predominately located on a mixture of older dune deposits and alluvial gravel, which is more stable. The submission also advises that the Peka Peka interchange is close to the Ohariu Fault.
The GWRC submission comments:
Large scale highways such as proposed four-lane expressway should be built in a location that is resilient to natural hazards. This is even more critical for Wellington because State Highway 1 is one of only two major routes in and out of the Capital for the lower North Island. It is vital that this link remains open or is able to be quickly re-opened during a civil defence emergency.
7.3.4 Historic heritage
GWRC recommends a survey of archaeological sites be undertaken for the preferred expressway option.
7.3.5 Ecological impacts
GWRC recommends that the impacts on ecological areas of the preferred expressway option be considered, in particular consideration needs to given to the potential effects of altering hydrology, the loss of threatened species, the fragmentation of native bush, potential changes to watercourses and modification to land forms.
7.4 Horowhenua District Council Preference: Not stated
Horowhenua District Council submission advises:
Our concern is the efficient movement of freight vehicles and other traffic from Horowhenua to the ports and other destinations in Wellington. Accordingly we express no preference to any specific option, but we do support whichever of these options will be completed soonest, or if there is little difference in the completion date, we support the lowest cost option.
7.5 Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Preference: Other
The Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce submission focuses on how the preferred expressway could assist regional and local economic development. Its submission states that the preferred expressway option must provide:
Local connectivity between residential and commercial areas
Good access between SH1, Paraparaumu Airport and Coastlands
Fair and prompt compensation and environmental mitigation for those adversely affected
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 22 Provision of a central Paraparaumu interchange
Planning certainty
Rapid completion timeframes
The chamber considers that a 70km/h two-lane Western Link Road is the most likely option to deliver long-term economic growth and health, but it should be future- proofed so that four lanes could be built one day. The submission notes that if Kapiti retail businesses suffer due to poor local road connectivity or access to SH1, then businesses will close forcing even more local shoppers and employees/commuters onto SH1 to go elsewhere.
The chamber seeks reconsideration of the need for an expressway and also states:
The Chamber notes that, as with the rest of the community, the opinion of its members is split as to which option is best. Some prefer the [WLR Expressway] option as they see it removes uncertainty and risk during construction, others still remain undecided. The Chamber's ultimate objective is to ensure that the implications of the final road design and its placement are clearly understood.
On balance, given the choices on offer, the Chamber sees an Eastern route complemented by a 2-lane, 70km/h WLR which has the capacity to be widened to 4- lanes in the future, should this be required, as offering the best long-term economic health and growth benefits to the region.
7.6 Kapiti Coast District Council Preference: Other
The Executive Summary of the KCDC submission states:
The Kapiti Coast District Council is committed to working constructively with the NZ Transport Agency to support the Minister of Transport’s goal of better road transport options between Wellington Airport and Levin with a design horizon of 50 years. Further, the Council will work with NZTA to meet its strategy and priorities set out in its Statement of Intent 2009-2012.
The KCDC believes the most appropriate package of transport options is:
1. two-lane Western Link Road (WLR)
To be built at the earliest possible stage to provide significant relief to State Highway 1 with maximum local connectivity (road and active transport modes), fully integrated with the surrounding centres and environment;
2. rail system
Support the efficiency of the road network through passenger and freight rail improvements to Otaki and Palmerston North;
3. improvements to State Highway 1
Generally along the current alignment, addressing safety issues and peak congestion including four lanes as and when necessary, median barriers, grade- separated or left in left out intersections, slip roads to manage direct property access, removal of traffic lights, and with operating speeds compatible with centres it passes through.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 23 KCDC advises that it does not support the Western and WLR Expressway Options as it considers they would both adversely affect the community and environment and its established long-term urban growth plans.
The submission considers that the Eastern Option is the least undesirable, as it would offer some improved connectivity through the construction of a local road more or less along the existing two-lane Western Link Road alignment. However, it notes that there could be long-term adverse effects associated with this option such as property removal. The submission also states that extensive design modifications to the Eastern Option would be necessary, including new interchanges at Paraparaumu central and at Waikanae North.
KCDC does not consider that an expressway is necessary in order for the NZTA Board criteria to be met nor will an expressway as proposed achieve more economic growth than the transport package it has proposed (as set out above).
7.7 Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council Preference: Not stated
The Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council (Horizons) and the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Transport Committee made a joint submission. Their submission advises:
The Horizons Regional Land Transport Strategy 2006-2015 identifies the standard and capacity of State Highway 1 between Levin and Otaki …… as one of the key transport issues for the Region… Improving the safety, capacity and reliability of State Highway 1 has a significant role in supporting the economies of both the Horizons and Greater Wellington regions… Otaki in particular is a major congestion point with frequent delays at peak times. From the region’s perspective, creation of a bypass of Otaki is critical to improve highway efficiency and allow the effective movement of people and freight.
Horizons notes that several of the options proposed have at least a ten year completion timeframe and would support an option that can be completed more quickly. Horizons also supports a solution that limits the access from local roads and interchanges to reduce the risk of crashes and allow more consistent travel times for people and freight.
The submission advises that the rail system needs to be improved in order to support the efficiency of the road network. The submission also notes that the expressway options do not provide for cyclists or pedestrians.
7.8 The Board of Muaüpoko Tribal Authority Inc Preference: Eastern Option
The Board of Muaüpoko Tribal Authority Inc submission advises:
We support the Eastern Option… We consider this option as the best option for iwi and mana whenua. The Kapiti and Horowhenua area contains a large proportion of the history of Muaüpoko and more recently Te Ati Awa ki Whararongotai and Ngäti Raukawa. The Kapiti/Horowhenua coastline contains a high proportion of significant sites and culturally important resources. Options along the coastline or western route will be strongly opposed by Muaüpoko.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 24 7.9 Nature Coast Enterprise Preference: Other
The Nature Coast Enterprise (NCE) submission is supportive of SH1 being identified as a RoNS. NCE supports the need to improve roading infrastructure for long-term economic benefits to be realised.
NCE takes a 30 to 50 year view. Its submission advises that NCE does not endorse any of the three expressway options. Its preferred solution is an expressway that follows the rail alignment that is supported by a 50-70km/h Western Link Road and improved electric rail links between Waikanae and Palmerston North. The submission also notes that interchanges are required at central Paraparaumu and Te Moana Road to ensure that businesses have efficient and effective access to the expressway.
NCE notes that an expressway that adversely affects tourist operators, such as the Southwards Car Museum, would not be supported.
7.10 New Zealand Automobile Association Preference: WLR Expressway Option
The Wellington office of the New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) considers that an expressway through the Kapiti Coast District is overdue and urgent.
The NZAA submission makes the following specific points:
Selection of the best route for Kapiti is crucial for the smooth and efficient operation of SH1
Busy highways with 10% heavy vehicle traffic are incompatible with residential low speed environments with older drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
Any attempt to widen the existing SH1 through Kapiti would be problematic, and would be exacerbated by the long construction time frames.
The NZAA supports the WLR Expressway Option as it would be less costly compared to the other expressway options, would affect fewer properties, is more likely to be consented within reasonable timeframes and would remove heavy vehicles from residential areas.
7.11 New Zealand Fire Service Preference: Not stated
The New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) submission is supportive of providing a quality expressway, but is concerned about its effects. The submission notes that it is critical that access, both on and off the preferred expressway, be considered.
The NZFS submission advises:
The Paraparaumu Fire Station was relocated to Te Roto Drive in early 2009 to be in close proximity to the two-lane Western Link Road
The expressway would need to improve response times and ensure safe and efficient access is available to the proposed local roads and to the expressway
If the Eastern Option is to be constructed, it needs to include:
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 25 A slip road at Te Moana Road and at Kapiti Road
A speed limit of 70km/h on the local access roads
Construction of the central section of the two-lane Western Link Road.
If the Western Option is to be constructed it needs to include:
A slip lane at Kapiti Road
A speed limit of 70km/h on the local access roads
Construction of the central section of the two-lane Western Link Road.
If the WLR Expressway Option is to be constructed, it should be designed as a local road with local access points provided at Raumati Road, Kapiti Road or Ihakara Street, Otaihanga Road and Te Moana Road.
7.12 New Zealand Historic Places Trust Preference: Eastern Option
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) submission advises it is interested in the potential effects that the expressway options might have on heritage values.
The submission supports the Eastern Option and opposes the Western and WLR Expressway Options based on the information provided. It recommends that a heritage survey be undertaken and once this is complete, it would be in a better position to determine if one of the options involves less risk to heritage. Accordingly, the NZHPT advises that it has reserved the right to change its opinion once more heritage information becomes available.
The submission notes that the Eastern Option would have less impact on the Takamore wahi tapu area, and advises that both the Western and WLR Expressway options traverse a high concentration of archaeological sites.
7.13 Paekakariki Community Board Preference: Other
The Paekakariki Community Board submission considers that the expressway proposals could have serious impacts on the Paekakariki community as the designation and resource consent processes would be lengthy and difficult, which would adversely affect local planning and development.
The board considers that the existing weekend and peak hour congestion on SH1 does not warrant its relocation from its existing alignment. Rather it supports building the two-lane Western Link Road and upgrading SH1 in line with the KCDC submission.
7.14 Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board Preference: Other
The Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board submission focuses on strategic issues relating to the Paraparaumu/Otaihanga/Raumati communities and area. The board supports the KCDC submission and questions why an expressway needs to be built at
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 26 all. It advises that the two-lane Western Link Road is the only option as it provides east-west and north-south connectivity.
The board advises that:
Access to railway stations needs to be convenient and efficient
The Raumati South railway station needs to be provided at an early date
Consideration should be given to the location of interchanges with regard to local connectivity, safety, network efficiency, social, environmental and economic objectives and the ability to create transit-orientated development close to railway stations
Planning for buses and emergency services is needed
Local shopping areas including Raumati South and Paraparaumu Beach need to have good road connections
Another bridge is needed across the Waikanae River.
7.15 Porirua City Council Preference: Other
The Porirua City Council submission supports the KCDC submission. It considers that implementation of KCDC’s transport proposal could possibly enable transport funding expenditure on the expressway to be deferred until later in the Wellington RoNS programme. This would allow other RoNS roading projects, such as the Transmission Gully project, to proceed in the interim.
7.16 Road Transport Forum New Zealand Preference: Not stated
The Road Transport Forum New Zealand submission states that it does not have enough information on costs, road user benefits, and social/environmental effects to form a preference. The submission notes that there are substantial differences between the costs of the various expressway options and so any improvements in social and environmental benefits would need to be substantial.
The forum advises that community concerns need to be offset against road user requirements and economics, and notes in particular that the expressway options presented seem to focus on through traffic rather than on local traffic (eg lack of an interchanges for Coastlands).
As an interim measure the forum submission advocates for a second bridge to be built across the Waikanae River as soon as possible.
7.17 Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc Preference: Not stated
The interests of Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc extend from southern Wanganui to the South Island, however its main area is Paraparaumu. Consultation with the iwi has highlighted two concerns:
It is undesirable for the expressway to go though QE2 Park
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 27 The historic importance of Whareroa Farm near MacKays Crossing should be taken into account.
7.18 Te Runanga o Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai Inc & the Takamore Trust Preference: Eastern Option
The Takamore Trust submission notes:
7.18.1 Western and WLR Expressway Options
The trust is concerned with the effects of the Western and WLR Expressway Options on the Takamore wahi tapu and Takamore urupa located near Otaihanga and Te Moana Road. It is also concerned with the potential effects on the punawai (spring) that is located close to the urupa, and on the burial grounds located outside of the Takamore reserve. To avoid adverse effects on the wahi tapu and surrounds, the trust suggests the only roading project that would potentially be acceptable to build in this area would be:
A two-lane local road and bridge across the Waikanae River to connect with local roads, pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes that link either of the following:
- King Arthur Drive, Otaihanga to Greenaway Road, Waikanae or
- Makora Road, Otaihanga to Weggery Drive, Waikanae.
7.18.2 Eastern Option
The trust advises that, as tangata whenua, access across the Waikanae railway line is required. It suggests providing access to the Ruakohatu urupa by:
Providing an underpass at Te Moana Road for vehicle and pedestrian access to Elizabeth Street
Enabling expressway traffic to be stopped so that tangi processions can walk from the Whakarongotai marae to Ruakohatu urupa.
The trust submission suggests other mitigation measures for issues, such as congestion, and sets out matters that need to be resolved if the Eastern Option is to be chosen. These matters include impacts on Marae Lane, increase in traffic on local roads and parking during tangi.
The submission was signed by 10 parties and was accompanied by 150 pro- forma submissions.
7.19 Waikanae Community Board Preference: Western and/or WLR Expressway Options
The Waikanae Community Board submission focuses on the area from Waikanae River to Peka Peka.
The board notes:
Whatever expressway option is chosen would have substantial detrimental effects on the Waikanae residents and the business community
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 28 It queries if there is a need for four-lanes through Waikanae and surrounding areas
Local access to the expressway is critical if the community is to realise any benefits
That it considers that the congestion issues in Waikanae Town Centre are caused mainly by the traffic signals at Elizabeth Street and Te Moana Road which could be removed by constructing an underpass at Te Moana Road, which is required regardless of which option is preferred
The Eastern Option threatens both businesses and the vitality of the Waikanae Town Centre. The business district would need to be entirely rebuilt
If the Eastern Option is preferred, it would need an interchange north of Waikanae, a slip road with parking in front of existing shops, a 70km/h speed limit through the town rather than 100km/h to mitigate noise and safety effects and access between the local marae and the cemetery
The Western and WLR Expressway Options would not disrupt traffic flows on SH1 during construction
The Western and WLR Expressway Options would be easier to construct rather than to retrofit existing SH1
It would be easier to mitigate the effects of a western alignment with bunds, walls, and plants to provide visual and sound screening
The Western and WLR Expressway Options remove fewer houses compared to the Eastern Option
The Western and WLR Expressway Options provide an alternate route in case of emergency. However, they could create additional severance and split Waikanae into three. The board is concerned that there will be major impacts on the social structure and character of Waikanae, particularly at Waikanae Beach. Travel times will be increased for residents who will have to loop around to access the expressway.
7.20 Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce Preference: WLR Expressway Option
The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce submission is supportive of the status of SH1 as being a RoNS.
The chamber notes that a detailed cost benefit analysis was not provided in the consultation information. It comments that it is important that over-capitalisation does not occur on the preferred expressway option to avoid compromising the development of the rest of the Wellington RoNS.
It notes that improving transport links would assist the economic growth of Kapiti and future-proof roads in Kapiti against its fast-growing population.
The submission supports the WLR Expressway Option as it appears to be the most cost effective, avoids Waikanae Town Centre, reduces journey times and affects less land, but notes that the alignment does not support local connectivity. It also notes
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 29 that the Eastern Option provides the greatest travel time saving and is good for local connectivity, but is the most expensive option.
7.21 Wellington Regional Transport Committee Preference: Not stated
The Wellington Regional Transport Committee submission advises:
The Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy (July 2007) recognises the need to provide for the efficient and safe movement of people and goods throughout the region. Over the years, previous Regional Transport Committees have given much consideration to solutions to the transport issues in the Western Corridor (Otaki to Ngauranga)…
Identifying and developing of a long-term plan for State Highway One to give effect to the Minister of Transport’s direction to develop the Wellington Roads of National Significance is consistent with the Wellington RLTS.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 30 8. Petition
One formal petition was received in support of the WLR Expressway Option. The petition signed by 2141 people and organisations.
As set out on the front page of the petition (see Appendix 4), people and organisations who signed the petition were also advised to make a submission.
Accordingly, it is likely that many of those who signed the petition also made a submission.
MacKays Crossing to Peka Peka community engagement report 31