MP concerned about East West Link plan
The New Zealand Transport Agency has come under fire as an MP calls for more transparency on a controversial Auckland roading project.
Maungakiekie-Tamaki Councillor Denise Lee spoke at an East West Link public meeting this week expressing her concerns about the multi million dollar project earmarked for part of the Southwestern Motorway.
She said she had spoken To Maungakiekie MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and they agreed that they were not comfortable with current NZTA design.
Lotu-Iiga says he shared his concerns about NZTA’s process for developing the East West Link with Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
The Onehunga stage of the East West Link has been marred by controversy with residents saying there has been a lack of consultation and transparency.
Lotu-Iiga says Bridges has agreed that he should meet with NZTA to discuss the current plan for the project.
‘‘It is important that NZTA work with the local community to ensure that the East West Link meets both the transport needs of Auckland and improves traffic flows for Onehunga and region.
‘‘It also needs to be visually and environmentally appropriate so that it enhances the Onehunga foreshore,’’ Lotu-Iiga says.
The Onehunga Enhancement Society (TOES) organised the public meeting to promote a community plan over the plan proposed by NZTA.
The community plan includes extensive development and enhancement of the Onehunga coastline.
This development is not included in NZTA’s preferred plan.
Lee said both sides need to come together to create ‘‘one plan to rule them all’’.
‘‘We have two designs that are on offer, where is the meeting in the middle?’’
NZTA’s Auckland highway manager Brent Gliddon says the agency has analysed the community plan and it is not viable.
Gliddon says the NZTA has engaged with the public and another round of public engagement is planned by midDecember.
Lee says the current cynical environment between NZTA and some members of the community shows there has been a lack of transparency by NZTA. the