MEDIA RELEASE

Expressway Completion Vital For Wellington Region

Kapiti Coast, Thursday 30 November 2017 - Clarity on next steps for the Otaki to North Levin stage of the Kapiti Expressway is welcomed by the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.

NZTA will begin community consultation in February 2018 on possible routes between Otaki and Levin, following an indication from the new Government that it supports the process to finalise a preferred corridor and next steps.

Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, says the green light on public consultation is a shot in the arm for business confidence in Kapiti and further north after doubts were raised about the project’s future during the election campaign.

“We welcome the Government’s desire for clarity and will continue to advocate for the Expressway’s full completion.Connecting Otaki through to Northern Levin is crucial to realising the full economic potential of the project for Kapiti and the wider Wellington Region.

“In just six months Kapiti has begun to reap the rewards of this world-class piece of infrastructure. Overall spending has grown by seven per cent since opening in February 2017 - tourism has already increased by 17 per cent.

“Even without the Peka Peka to Otaki section completed, Otaki is benefiting economically - ‘day tripper’ spending at the State Highway One shopping area has grown by 98.9 per cent in just six months. It’s easier for people to visit Otaki using the Expressway, avoiding the traditional traffic delays at Paraparaumu and Waikanae,” says Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Chair, Heather Hutchings.

Kapiti and Horowhenua both understand how important a fully completed Expressway is to the future of the Wellington region.

“There is a clear sense of urgency to get on with the project, to accelerate our local economic development, particularly with Transmission Gully due for completion in 2020. For our full potential to be realised we need to have a world-class connection from Northern Levin right through to Wellington’s CBD,” says Heather Hutchings.

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300 members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain knowledge and support from our local membership.

ENDS.

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