Final decision on Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway

14 February 2014

The Board of Inquiry has today released its Final Report and Decision on the Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway Proposal. The Board’s unanimous decision is to confirm the Notices of Requirement and grant the 49 Resource Consents on the conditions provided.

A joint application was made to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) by the NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail Holdings Ltd for this section of the Wellington Northern Corridor.

As a proposal of national significance the application was directed to an independent Board of Inquiry by the Minister for the Environment, Amy Adams.

The EPA’s Chair Ms Kerry Prendergast says the ability of parties to reach agreements greatly assisted the Board in its consideration of, and decision on the Project. Ms Prendergast thanked the Chair of the Board, the Hon Sir Hugh Williams, QC and the other Board members - Mark Apeldoorn, Jeffrey Jones, Professor Roger Maaka and Pamela Peters for their work with this proposal.

The decision followed the Board’s consideration of the application, submissions, evidence and a two week hearing, and was made within the nine month timeframe for a proposal of national significance.

The final report and decision has been sent to all the parties involved in the application. It is also available on the EPA website here:

Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway Final Report and Decision

Background
This proposal was directed to an independent board of inquiry in April 2013.

The Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Board of Inquiry is chaired by the retired High Court Judge, the Honourable Sir Hugh Williams. The other four members are Pamela Peters, Mark Apeldoorn, Professor Roger Maaka and Jeffrey Jones.

The Board makes its decisions independently of the EPA and of Ministers. Its decision can be appealed to the High Court on points of law only, and it cannot be overturned by Ministers.

You can read more about this proposal and the process followed on the EPA website here:

Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway Proposal

ENDS

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