Chris Bishop
National List MP based in Hutt South
Media statement
23 March 2017
Show your support for Catchpool and Orongorongo mobile blackspot funding
National List MP based in Hutt South Chris Bishop MP today launched a campaign to get mobile coverage in the Catchpool
and Orongorongo valleys in Rimutaka Forest Park. (see https://issues.national.org.nz/support-mobile-coverage/)
The Catchpool/Orongorongo valleys have been identified as areas eligible for funding through the government’s Mobile
Black Spot Fund. The fund exists to support the installation of cell phone towers and provide mobile coverage in tourism
areas (as well as on highways).
“The Rimutaka Forest Park is a massive asset for the Hutt Valley and particularly Wainui, with an estimated 100,000
tourists each year. Many people enter the park using the Catchpool entrance, but the park is currently a mobile black
spot.
“That needs to change. I’m calling on people in Wainuiomata, the Hutt and the wider region to show their support for
ending the mobile black spot in the Forest Park by signing online at http://www.chrisbishop.co.nz/support-mobile-coverage
“I’ll be writing to the Chief Executives of all the major providers and asking them to put in a tender for ending the
mobile black spot in the park. We need as many people as possible to show their support so the companies get a strong
indication that this upgrade will be really valued by the local community, and also visitors to the area.”
The Catchpool/Orongorongo valleys were included on the short-list for funding after lobbying from the Wainui Rural
Residents’ Association, Mr Bishop, and other community groups.
“Stage one is completed – getting onto the shortlist. Now we need to really send a message that this area needs mobile
coverage!”
People can go to https://issues.national.org.nz/support-mobile-coverage/ to show their support.
ENDS