Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

NZTA deferral of decision on Manawatu Gorge welcomed

12 December 2017

NZTA deferral of decision on Manawatu Gorge replacement welcomed

Local Government and businesses across central and eastern North Island welcome the New Zealand Transport Agency Board’s deferral of its decision on the preferred option for replacing the Manawatu Gorge route, pending further detailed work to understand the relative benefits of the options.

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith says while it’s important to confirm an alternative route as fast as possible, given the immediate economic impacts of the Gorge road closure, the decision on an alternative route presents a unique opportunity to deliver more than just a traditional roading solution.

“We fully support the conclusion they have reached that further work is needed to assess the four shortlisted options, including the extent to which they would respectively contribute to unlocking the economic potential of the whole central and eastern North Island region,” says Mayor Smith.

Representatives of the eight local authorities that have an interest in the option that is ultimately selected, in terms of its role as strategic infrastructure to support regional economic development, will continue to work with NZTA as it undertakes further assessment.

Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis says significant investment will be required for any of the options to replace the Manawatu Gorge route, so it is important for central and local government to work together to optimise the investment for the long term.

“It’s also consistent with the recent change to the Government Policy Statement, which emphasises the need to take account of regional economic development,” says Mayor Collis.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.