Transmission Gully good news
Talofa lava. It has been a busy few weeks here in the O¯ taki electorate. I recently hosted Health Minister Andrew Little for a full day in Levin, focusing on the health and wellbeing needs of our community and where challenges are faced. We had a number of meetings throughout the day, including with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Horowhenua NZ Trust to discuss the recent purchase of land in Bath Street for the construction of a new health centre. Minister Little also met with nurse practitioners Tui and Mitch from Kimiora Health and was impressed with the difference that they are making in the community, relieving some of the pressure on our GPs.
Last week I joined the Prime Minister, other colleagues, local mayors, iwi, stakeholders and community at the official opening ceremony of Transmission Gully. We had a beautiful welcome from Nga¯ ti Toa, Te Atiawa Ki Whakarongotai, and Raukawa. The road was officially opened by the Prime Minister in time for the Easter break, school holidays, and return of tourists.
Transmission Gully will make a big impact on our electorate as people no longer need to wait in long queues to get to and from our capital. Commuters will be spending less time in cars and more time at work and with family.
The new road will transform the Wellington region, making it quicker and safer for people and goods to travel through the lower North Island and is built to the highest safety specifications and will provide a much safer route.
The new motorway will also see fewer vehicles using the old coastal route. Thanks to the ongoing work by Waka Kotahi, in partnership with iwi and local councils, safety improvements will be made on that route and throughout the region. This means that lives will be saved and many serious injuries prevented.
This 27-kilometre motorway from Wellington through Kapiti will reduce emissions and support the economic recovery, helping New Zealand to bounce back better from Covid-19.
As Transport Minister Michael Wood said at the opening “it’s part of a broader plan. Our Government is investing in this project, Peka Peka to O¯ taki, O¯ taki to North of Levin and in our regional rail network. We’re finally putting the investment in to have a linked up, safe and resilient transport system. We feel proud of that.”
I had my Youth MP, Alyssa, with me for a day in the electorate. Alyssa had the chance to meet with inspiring people as we toured O¯ hau Gourmet Mushrooms & O¯ hau Wines, businesses that are making a difference in our community through sustainability of goods and services.
Parliament is back to normal, after a period of a hybrid model where MPs were Zooming in from their home electorates. I’ve enjoyed being back in the debating chamber with my colleagues and had the opportunity to speak on the Government’s transport support package that is helping New Zealanders. We’re committed to responding to financial challenges Kiwis face and providing support to those who need it most.