Media release - for immediate use
11 May 2009
 

National confirms preference for above ground motorway

Today National’s candidate for Mt Albert Melissa Lee confirmed her preference for an above ground motorway to link SH20 to the Northwestern Motorway.

During an interview on 95bfm Melissa Lee said she preferred the surface option over a tunnel and indicated she would not be advocating for a tunnel option within the government.

“The people of Mt Albert are deeply opposed to an above ground motorway that will split their community in two,” says Labour candidate for Mt Albert David Shearer.

“It was disappointing to learn that National’s candidate for Mt Albert doesn’t support the wishes of the constituents she wants to represent and she will not even advocate the tunnel option on their behalf.

“Approximately 400-500 family homes as well as many businesses, a school and local parks are now in line to be demolished.

“I have made my position clear on this issue: we need to get on with it and build a tunnel to finish linking up Auckland’s roads.

“I do not believe in splitting up local communities and bulldozing over local concerns when it comes to development.

“Mt Albert is a unique community in the heart of Auckland City, we need to promote and encourage the area’s special characteristics not build a six-lane motorway through the middle of this beautiful suburb.

ENDS

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