What’s In A Name

What’s it to be?

The new $95 million road linking Waitakere and North Shore cities is well underway, but it still has no name.

So Transit New Zealand is asking both Councils for suggestions.

The 15km stretch of road between Hobsonville and Greenhithe is an extension of State Highway 18. Up until now the working title for the project has been “Upper Harbour Highway”.

But Transit New Zealand wants local input before it makes a final decision.

The Massey Community Board is meeting in early May to consider its preferences. But before then it wants to hear from residents and has set up an on-line poll through the City’s website ( http://www.waitakere.govt.nz).

Names suggested by Transit so far include:

North-Eastern Motorway Altoma (Albany to Massey) Sunderland Motorway (reference to a local bay and the old flying boats used by the RNZAF) Upper Harbour Motorway Whenuapai Motorway Waipareira Motorway (the original Maori name for the area)

North Shore City Council is also being asked its views.

Massey Community Board chairperson Bob Jessop says any name needs to be relatively simple and clear. “For example, anything long-winded may not fit on signage,” he says.

“Ultimately transit NZ will make the decision, but this is a great opportunity for residents to put in their ideas.”

To vote for a particular preference, or to suggest an alternative, go to http://www.waitakere.govt.nz

The four-lane motorway extension is due for completion in 2007.

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