Economic development chairman says incomplete motorway hurting Northland

25 February, 2003

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND : MEDIA RELEASES 2003

The chairman of Northland's two lead economic development agencies says Transit Zealand owes Northland and Auckland a detailed explanation about why a planned second stage extension to Auckland 's northern motorway "has disappeared off the roading radar."

Summer traffic jams have clogged the northern end of Auckland 's northern motorway daily - adding hours to the travelling time between Northland and Auckland .

The delays have focused attention on Transit New Zealand's decision to defer stage two of a planned motorway extension, leaving the motorway to start and end in a suburban Orewa street.

The second stage - by-passing Orewa and extending the motorway to Puhoi - was originally planned to be completed by the end of this year.

Destination Northland and Enterprise Northland chairman Mike Simm says the extension was only logical if both stages were completed within quick succession of each other.

"It is now suggested that the second stage may not be built for up to ten years because of environmental issues. It seems to be commonsense that you don't start a multimillion roading project like this before you have - or are prepared to fight for - all the appropriate consents."

Mr Simm says the traffic bottleneck is damaging Northland's efforts to improve its economic performance.

"Tourism income obviously stands to be hurt if people are put off coming into the region, and perceptions of inadequate access to Northland will also damage Northland's drive to attract new businesses and industry."

Mr Simm says completion of the motorway is also in Auckland 's interest .

"Northland is ideally positioned to take some of the pressure off Auckland 's creaking infrastructure. It is already able to offer many Auckland businesses a far cheaper, more enjoyable and less stressful business environment. Northland also provides Aucklander's with their most obvious holiday escape."

"Destination Northland [the regional tourism promotion body] and Enterprise Northland [the lead economic development agency] are working hard to unlock Northland's economic development opportunities. We are collaborating effectively with all other government departments to achieve this. Transit New Zealand and those who influence its spending decisions need to join the club."

Mr Simm says the motorway must be completed according to the original plan as soon as possible and he will be asking central and local government politicians to support reinstating it as a priority project.

For further information contact:
Mike Simm
Chairman
Tel: 027 492 4911