Iain
LEES-GALLOWAY
Transport Spokesperson
Kris
FAAFOI
MP for Mana

20 August 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

High Court expressway decision doesn’t change the facts

Today’s High Court decision to dismiss appeals to National’s Kapiti Expressway doesn’t change the fact that the project is the wrong fit for the region, says Labour MP for Mana, Kris Faafoi, and Labour’s Transport spokesperson, Iain Lees-Galloway.

“Today is a sad day for the coastal community,” Kris Faafoi said.

"Kapiti needs a transport solution - but not one that cuts its communities in half and certainly not one where the cost benefit ratio doesn’t stack up.

“The Kapiti expressway is emblematic of the way the National Government operates -- running roughshod over the views of locals, ignoring the environmental consequences of transport projects and throwing robust economic analysis out the window,” Iain Lees-Galloway said.

“The people of Kapiti and all New Zealanders need a Government that will build an integrated transport network that gives people choices, represents sensible spending and supports sustainable economic development. Today's decision is a reminder that only a Labour-led government can meet that challenge.”

“I want to applaud the efforts locals have put into having their voices heard on this issue. Community groups and individuals that have stood up to the Government and to the New Zealand Transport Agency should be proud of their efforts,” Kris Faafoi said.

ENDS

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