TIM VAN DE MOLEN

National

National is continuing its significant investment in infrastructure to support our growing economy. The most visual example in the Waikato is the expressway, with a huge amount of work continuing on this important link between our region and Auckland. Some stages are completed, with work in progress on all other sections. Additionally, a preferred route has been identified to extend the expressway further into the Waikato, from Cambridge to Piarere.

This major project provides quicker and safer links between our urban and provincial centres, which boosts the local economy and increases connectivity.

Aside from the expressway, additional investment continues to be made in upgrading state highways throughout the region, with a particular focus on safety (under the NZTA Safe Roads and Roadsides programme launched in 2016).

Locally, this includes safety improvements to the SH27 Mangawhero Stream bridge, for which public feedback was sought earlier this year.

Matamata is unique in having two key state highways passing through town, on Broadway and Mangawhero Rd (SH24) as well as Firth St (SH27).

The quality of these roads needs to be addressed and current MP, Lindsay Tisch, has advocated for this - with some work on Broadway and Firth St having been undertaken, and more scheduled.

I will be keeping this front of mind for NZTA should I be elected.’’

Green Party