Businesses want expressway completed to north of Levin

Most Ka¯ piti Coast business owners say completion of the expressway to north of Levin is incredibly important.

Ka¯ piti business leaders are urging the Government to fully complete the Expressway from O¯ taki to Levin to unlock economic potential and support growth north of the capital.

“The community has fought for, and attracted, a new air service to Ka¯ piti. Now we need the Government to get to work on the last stage of the Expressway so our region can really accelerate and grow,” said Heather Hutchings, Ka¯ piti Coast Chamber of Commerce chair. “In a survey of our members last month, more than 90 per cent said completing the expressway to Levin is important, or incredibly important. More than 80 per cent said a local air service was important or very important to Ka¯ piti. What this tells us is that our members view infrastructure as key to supporting economic growth.

“Delivering a four-lane Expressway from Levin to Ka¯ piti will encourage more people to consider flying from Paraparaumu. Colmar Brunton data has identified a significant market in Horowhenua, people who drive straight past Paraparaumu to fly from Wellington or choose to go via Palmerston North. The expressway would make the journey faster, safer and more attractive, and ultimately encourage more people to fly to Ka¯ piti,” she said..