Highway access fears

DELWYN DICKEY

FRIDAY'S face-to-face airing of Puhoi residents' concerns about Puhoi-Wellsford highway access was surprisingly restrained.

Though under control, emotions were close to the surface as residents explained concerns to NZ Transport Agency northern regional director Wayne Macdonald.

Outlining the project, Mr Macdonald said it was still in the "stringline on a map" stage, and reiterated the proposal was a starting point.

"You have to have a starting point. These projects always evolve and the outcome is often different to the start."

The NZTA was mindful, he said, of pressure for development that came from people prepared to commute within an hour radius of the city.

Growth pressure was also raised by Auckland Regional Council Rodney representative Christine Rose.

She said the regional council supported the concept of an improved northern route but was still to be convinced that it should be any more than an improvement to the existing SH1 route. However, they "were not foreclosing on any option at this stage".

She also had some reservations that "the current plan was taking away access rather than simply not supplying it".

One resident pointed out that while some did commute and had moved into the area since the opening of the Northern Gateway Toll Rd, they also opposed urban style development, with the area's rural character its drawcard and money earned by commuting to the city being spent in the local area.

Rodney mayor Penny Webster said her council supported the community's view that access was essential for the entire district's economic future and for the safety of road users.

Dennis Richards from Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa agreed.

He said the business was now drawing in 350,000 people annually and employing 30 people from the local community.

Taking that access away would see their business suffer, particularly with any loss of campervan traffic, he said.

Mrs Webster suggested forming a community reference group so Puhoi would continue to have a voice in the planning process.

Mr Macdonald felt that was unnecessary but suggested extending the consultation period for a further fortnight.

The most impassioned call came from Rodney MP Lockwood Smith, who said he had fought for the roading project to be a road of national significance.

He said further consultation was unnecessary because access for Puhoi and Mahurangi West communities simply must happen.

"I take full responsibility on this – it will happen," he said.

"You can shoot me if I'm wrong on this."

Dr Smith said the transport agency should be working to shave at least three years off the 2022 completion date.

"This is a government project and the government wants it completed."

- © Fairfax NZ News