Local views needed on expressway design

BY RACHAEL FERGUSSON

Local voices need to be in the room when design decisions on the proposed Kapiti expressway are being made, Labour MP Darren Hughes says.

The comment comes after the Kapiti Coast District Council's five-to-four decision last week to enter into discussions with the New Zealand Transport Agency about becoming a member of an alliance for the expressway proposal, which was announced by the Government in December.

Mr Hughes said there needed to be local voices in the room when design decisions were being made to try to "alleviate the worst aspects of the road".

"I think it is possible to still be opposed to the expressway, but participate in the proposed alliance," he said.

There was "such little information about the true extent of this proposed road that really the council needs to be pragmatic so it can be in there fighting for the best interests of Kapiti".

Otaki MP Nathan Guy agreed the council needed to be involved, to help plan for local roading requirements.

However, the Alliance for Sustainable Kapiti, a group that launched a petition opposing the expressway, said it was "extremely disappointed" by the decision.

Group spokesman Nick Fisher said ASK was "particularly disappointed" with Mayor Jenny Rowan.

"She has kicked her supporters in the face, having just heard our pleas for council to stand firm against the bullying of the Government's roading agency."

Mr Fisher said the only design issue council would be able to influence would be the colour of the concrete.

Ms Rowan said she understood the decision was "very upsetting to a number of groups and green voters who have supported me over the years - but I am still of the opinion that it is better to be 'in the tent' than out of it.

"If we don't position ourselves to be part of the decision-making team - we effectively walk away from our community and fail to represent them," Ms Rowan said.

Council was joining the alliance "knowingly and cautiously."

- Kapiti Observer