The recent experience of renowned writer Patricia Grace is just the latest example of arrogance by the Government and its plan to carve up communities with its Kāpiti Expressway, Labour MP for Mana Kris Faafoi says.

“It is laughable that officials did not contact a landowner affected by the expressway until recently. But it is unacceptable that the reason for that is claimed to be ‘we couldn’t find your number’ “, Kris Faafoi said.

“This shows just how shoddy the process has been since Transport Minister Steven Joyce announced his plan to ram a four lane expressway through Kāpiti Coast communities.

“It began with his rushed consultation of less than two months in 2009 and today we get another example of how the people of Kāpiti are still getting the same treatment.

“Kāpiti needs a transport solution – but not one that cuts their communities in half and certainly not one where the cost benefit ratio was recently revealed to not stack up.

“Let’s be clear. This is Steven Joyce’s pet project which is being thrust upon residents who do not want it.

“Progress for Kāpiti does not have to be an Expressway splitting its communities.

“What Kāpiti people want is a solution to ‘their’ traffic woes – what is being thrust upon on them is a four lane monstrosity that will see local drivers and their families sharing the road with heavy traffic roaring up and down the Kāpiti Coast.

“How is that different to what they have now?

“This latest episode is just another example of the high-handed way the Government has treated the people of Kāpiti,” Kris Faafoi said.