Media Release: 13 May 2009

Stop the scaremongering about Waterview Connection

“It is time for the scaremongering about Waterview Connection to stop and for the issue to be discussed calmly, rationally, and taking into account everyone’s interests – those of the locals, the wider Auckland region, and New Zealand as a whole,” says AA Auckland transport spokesperson Simon Lambourne.

Mr Lambourne was responding to the announcement of the New Zealand Transport Authority that its preference is to construct a combined surface and tunnel Waterview Connection motorway.

“This is an excellent compromise between a surface road and a tunnel. Fewer houses will be affected than would have been the case with if it was just a surface road. Importantly, Oakley Creek will not be affected by the proposed motorway, in fact the area surrounding it may even be improved.”

“Quite frankly today’s announcement has already proven many critics wrong.”

“Community leaders, commentators and politicians, including those involved in the by-election, really do have an obligation to get their facts right, to debate the issues properly, and not to needlessly scare people about the impact of the Waterview Connection motorway.”

“There is much concern for those whose houses will be affected by the motorway. The AA is conscious of this and will be urging the New Zealand Transport Authority to consider paying affected homeowners a small premium on top of the fair value of their homes. This is very similar to what happens overseas. It would ensure homeowners are fairly looked after, it would help ease the burden of needing to find somewhere new to live, and given the current state of the Auckland housing market it could also mean the homeowners get a bigger and better property elsewhere.”

“The AA will be making a formal submission on the proposed Waterview Connection to NZTA for consideration at their August board meeting. That submission will include the results of a survey of a representative sample of Auckland AA Members regarding the proposed Waterview Connection motorway and the completion of the Western Ring Route,” says Mr Lambourne.

ENDS

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