SAD DAY FOR KAPITI
SaveKāpiti are disappointed with the decision of the High Court appeal against the Board of Inquiry decision to approve the Kāpiti Expressway. They will review the decision carefully to determine whether there are grounds to further appeal to the Supreme Court.
SaveKāpiti spokesperson Mark Harris says “We think it’s the wrong decision as we are confident in the point of law on which the Appeal is based. Regardless of our decision whether or not to appeal to the Supreme Court, there are also other avenues we are exploring and we will make those public when the time is right. We are not going away. This is a bad proposal for Kāpiti and for the country”
SaveKāpiti is determined to defeat the proposal on behalf of the people of Kāpiti. “We are grateful for all the support we receive. We welcome sensible transport programs, but this isn’t one of them”.
Take Advantage of the Expressway
The Kāpiti Chamber is encouraging local businesses to be proactive in taking advantage of the Expressway build.
Chamber Chairman Mark Ternent says “Now that the way is clear, NZTA will move very quickly. We want to see as much benefit come Kāpiti’s way as possible, and we suggest businesses think about three things Being very proactive in seeking out possibilities; being prepared to work together to secure contracts; and making sure they are up to speed with quality national-standard processes, including health and safety.”
The Chamber would also like to see Kāpiti residents get behind the Community Liaison Groups which are being set up. “These give residents an opportunity to know what is going on and be able to influence it where they live as well as the economic benefits; we also want to hold the NZTA to delivering the best possible environmental and social returns.”
High Court expressway decision doesn’t change the facts
Today’s High Court decision to dismiss appeals to National’s Kāpiti Expressway doesn’t change the fact that the project is the wrong fit for the region, says Labour MP for Mana, Kris Faafoi, and Labour’s Transport spokesperson, Iain Lees-Galloway.
“Today is a sad day for the coastal community,” Kris Faafoi said.
“Kāpiti needs a transport solution – but not one that cuts its communities in half and certainly not one where the cost benefit ratio doesn’t stack up.
“The Kāpiti expressway is emblematic of the way the National Government operates — running roughshod over the views of locals, ignoring the environmental consequences of transport projects and throwing robust economic analysis out the window,” Iain Lees-Galloway said.
“The people of Kāpiti and all New Zealanders need a Government that will build an integrated transport network that gives people choices, represents sensible spending and supports sustainable economic development. Today’s decision is a reminder that only a Labour-led government can meet that challenge.”
“I want to applaud the efforts locals have put into having their voices heard on this issue. Community groups and individuals that have stood up to the Government and to the New Zealand Transport Agency should be proud of their efforts,” Kris Faafoi said.
