Feedback sought on Manawatu Gorge replacement route

Public feedback on the highway to replace the now-closed landslip-prone Manawatu Gorge route than ran between Palmerston North and Woodville is being sought by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

Members of the public have until 4.45pm on April 24 to make submissions on resource consent applications for the new Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway.

The planned highway is a crucial transport link through the region “so it’s important to us that people have the chance to tell us what they think of our plans,” says the NZTA’s owner interface manager Lonnie Dalzell.

“We’re pleased that Horizons Regional Council has granted our request for the applications to be decided by the Environment Court, which will help speed up the process so we can get the highway built as quickly as possible.”

Though the COVID-19 shutdown has suspended onsite activity, the NZTA is continuing planning, public engagement and design work.

Dalzell says that means it can keep up momentum and be ready to get back onsite as soon as works can resume.

“Usually we invite people to face-to-face discussions during the engagement phase, but as part of the COVID-19 response we can’t hold public meetings.

“However we’re committed to ensuring that people can have their say and participate in this process, and submissions can be made via email.”

The resource consent applications have seven volumes – assessment of environmental effects, design and construction report, drawings, technical assessments (two volumes), cultural impact assessments and management plans.

Dalzell says submissions need to be sent to Horizons Regional Council; details about how to make a submission are on the council’s website under bit.ly/consent-manawatu-tararua-highway

Alternatively, copies of the application on USB drive can be requested from Horizons Regional Council at consent.submissions@horizons.govt.nz