Angie’s aspect
One of my biggest priorities this year is the Resource Management Act Reform, in particular, the Natural and Built Environments Act. I’m excited about this work, which fundamentally supports our country’s safety and development while balancing the needs of our environment. To succeed, this needs to be supported by a transport network with the same goal.
Waka Kotahi recently hosted Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, and myself on a tour of the Tākitimu North Link site, which will increase transport options to support the area’s growing population. As one of Bay of Plenty’s most significant roading projects, Stage One of the Tākitimu North Link has received $655,000,000 funding through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.
What struck me most during this visit was how complex and comprehensive the planning has been. The level of technical skill on display was impressive and I can only imagine the time spent working
through the details. The team talked us through some of this, from archaeologist plans to environmental protection around the 14-kilometre four-lane corridor which will connect Ōmokoroa with Tauranga.
A Cultural Mitigation Plan and Protocols have been developed with support from Te Paerangi hapū representatives, focusing on key areas such as environmental initiatives and native planting and job and training opportunities. The governments’ recently announced new employment initiative to get local people into work on transport projects will further support such partnerships.
Waka Kotahi is also supporting the Government’s Broader Outcomes initiative, which has seen the Tākitimu North Link project Stage One sub-contract a small hapū-owned welding business. More discussions around employment opportunities on this project will begin soon.
Thanks to the over two million people who have had their booster. Let’s keep wearing our masks, washing our hands and scanning in. We are well placed to tackle what’s to come!