Horowhenua District Council acknowledges proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) announced by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi over the weekend.

Council recognises that this project significantly affects many residents, landowners, and communities across Horowhenua.

“We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided,” says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. “This is not the design our community expected, particularly as it threatens to sever Manakau, a community that fought hard to prevent this very outcome.”

“While NZTA ultimately controls the design, Council is both disappointed and concerned. It is essential that community voices are heard and respected in decisions of this scale and impact.”

Among the proposed changes are the removal of the planned Manakau vehicle overbridge and a redesign of the Tararua Road interchange to a roundabout configuration.

“These changes raise fundamental safety and accessibility concerns,” says Mayor Wanden. “Removing the Manakau overbridge would force residents to make right-hand turns across a high-speed state highway — a situation that was never contemplated in the original design or consent and would be heightened by the tolling decision.”

Mayor Wanden has written to the Minister of Transport, Hon Chris Bishop, and to NZTA Chair Simon Bridges, requesting an urgent review and additional funding to ensure the final expressway design delivers the safety, efficiency, and resilience that were promised.

“We’ve seen other Roads of National Significance receive additional investment to meet community needs. Ō2NL should be treated with the same level of commitment.”

Council’s Role Under the Resource Management Act (RMA)

In addition to its leadership role, Horowhenua District Council is also a responsible planning authority and is bound by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

Chief Executive Monique Davidson says Council takes this statutory role seriously and will ensure the process is followed appropriately and without bias. We are currently awaiting detailed information from NZTA about the nature and scale of the effects of the proposed design changes. Once received, we will assess those changes in accordance with the RMA.

“We want to be clear with our community — when acting as a regulator, Council must base its decisions solely on planning evidence and legal criteria under the RMA,” Davidson said.

Public Encouraged to Have Their Say

Mayor Wanden is also encouraging residents to engage directly with NZTA and central government decision-makers.

“The nature of some of these changes means that if they are not in the scope of the project when construction starts in spring, then they are very unlikely to come back into the project. If you have concerns, make your voice heard. Write to the Minister, contact NZTA, contact your local MP. This is a moment where community feedback matters”.

Council remains firmly committed to advocating for the best possible outcome for Horowhenua and ensuring the community’s expectations are clearly represented.

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