19 November 2010 Media Statement

Cynicism reaches another level over Kapiti expressway route

The Government’s cynical manipulation of people living in the Mana and Otaki electorate is to the fore again in its decision to consult on the proposed Kapiti expressway route during December and January, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Darren Hughes.

“This is just what I predicted would happen when Transport Minister Steven Joyce deferred already-advertised public meetings to discuss the route until after the Mana by-election,” Darren Hughes said.

“It was clear what was happening then, and it has proven to be the case.

“This is Steven Joyce’s pet project, foisted on fearful residents who don’t want it.

“The last thing he wanted was for the route to be dissected before the by-election, and now he has ensured meaningful consultation on it will be minimised because of the period allowed for it,” Darren Hughes said.

“The consultation period may have been extended, as the New Zealand Transport Agency says, but December is the busiest month of the year for Kiwis, and January is the most popular month to be away for Kiwis who can still afford it to be away on holiday.

“The Kapiti Expressway has been an exercise in cynical government manipulation from the time Steven Joyce first decided it was his baby to the time he called off consultation because he was afraid of its impact on the by-election to the announcement yesterday that consultation is to be limited to the two most difficult months in the year.”

ENDS

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