Horowhenua council supports highway project case

Horowhenua District has unanimously endorsed the Detailed Business Case prepared for WakāKotahi NZ Transport Agency for the Otaki to North Levin/Taitoko (Ō2NL) project. The endorsement is a necessary step in the process, ahead of a joint minister workshop in July and a subsequent cabinet decision in August.

Strongly advocating for an outcome that considers local impact and looks to mitigate key project risks, the Business Case details how the project aligns with government’s strategic direction and describes the benefits and costs of the project.

The council said it is committed to working alongside Waka Kotahi and iwi partners to ensure the Ō2NL project aligns with and supports the vision for the community, with the Horowhenua Blueprint 2040, Growth Strategy and District Plan changes dependent on what will be the most transformational infrastructure project in Horowhenua’s history.

While State Highway 1 is the only North-South route between Otaki and Levin, it remains a High-Risk Rural Road, achieving a KiwiRAP Star Rating of just 2 out of 5. A staggering 72 people have died or suffered serious injuries on state highways within our district in the past five-year period to 2021. With the district’s population alone forecast to increase by 25,500 by 2040, this already abysmal safety record will deteriorate even further.

Mayor Bernie Wanden said Ō2NL project will deliver a multitude of benefits for our community, including addressing a dangerous stretch of road and improving resilience in the transport network.

He said Horowhenua supports the fundamental aspects of the Ō2NL alignment.