We've done it: we are getting the Ō2NL Expressway that we all wanted.

Up front I want to thank you for signing my petition and helping us to fight strongly for these improvements. Together we have secured the road we wanted.

Ever since I first found out from NZTA that there might be design changes to Ō2NL I haven’t let up; I’ve been fighting hard to save the design of our road.

I’ve been very clear from the outset that I was fighting to save three specific changes: the Tararua Road Interchange, the Taylor’s Road Interchange, and the Manakau Heights Drive over-bridge.

Today NZTA have announced that these will now all be reinstated to the final design, which is still scheduled to start construction this year.

THIS IS A HUGE WIN!

I have been explicitly clear on the need for these three interchanges and bridges from the very start of these conversations, even when others focussed on different areas. My position and my priorities have never changed, and neither has my determination to fight for what we need. I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to achieve this together. 

NZTA have run an independent process and while it’s been frustrating for some as potential changes were announced, I’m so pleased that they have ultimately listened to me, to you, and to the strong voice of our community.

To be clear, the three reinstatements are:

Tararua Road will be a grade-separated full interchange with on and off ramps, and pedestrians and cyclists can cross safely underneath without going through traffic doing 110km/hr.
Taylor's Road at the north of Ōtaki will have a southbound on-ramp, so traffic from Ōhau and Makanau can get onto the road without driving through Ōtaki.
Manakau Heights Drive will have an over-bridge to connect the houses to the east with the village and give kids a safe way to bike to school.

The road will be four lanes all the way from Ōtaki (and of course from Wellington) until SH57 splits off towards Palmy taking half the traffic with it.

Thank you all for your support, for your encouragement, for signing my multiple petitions over many years and for backing me to get this right for our entire region. 

Special thanks to my colleagues Suze Redmayne, MP for Rangitikei, and Chris Bishop, MP for Hutt South, who have supported this all the way as local MPs across the lower North Island, going right back to 2019 when Chris Bishop first stood next to me as I launched my first petition to get this road built after Labour cancelled it.

Bring on construction in just a few months!!