Public backlash over the huge cost escalations for the Kāpiti Island Gateway – Te Uruhi project have prompted a notice of motion from Cr Liz Koh which will be heard at the Council’s meeting on November 24.
Cr Koh says there has been considerable public backlash against Kāpiti Council over this project and very little public support.
In the motion Cr Koh says over the recent election period there was overwhelming public condemnation of the project and again there was no discernible support. “This was also largely the position of candidates for all positions who, with very few exceptions, spoke against continuing the project and strongly advocated to have the project stopped at the earliest opportunity.”
Cr Koh noted there does appear to be demonstrable support for some of the components of the project; such as biosecurity — which in general around the country is in the hands of DOC.
She says the telling of the Iwi story also has favour — although it has not been clearly quantified as to what this means and there are several other viable options for telling the Iwi story.
“The business case has never been convincing and cost overruns have been huge, causing significant reputational damage to Kāpiti Council.”
Kāpiti Council recently announced its intention to withdraw the proposal to extend the carpark just north of Ocean Road, Paraparaumu from its Resource Consent application for the Gateway project.
The motion put by Cr Koh and before council would see the application withdrawn completely. A Council report notes that if the project were to continue delays of up to 12-18 months could be expected with appeals to any consent.
Cr Koh says the motion at next week’s meeting allows Council to finally draw a line under the project, repair relationships with the public and move on.
