5. HEKIA PARATA (National) to the Minister of Transport: What progress has been made on the Wellington-Levin road of national significance?

Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) : I am pleased to announce to the House that this Government and the New Zealand Transport Agency have green-lighted a $2.2 billion package of improvements covering the corridor between Wellington Airport and Levin. This is the first time that a coordinated sequence programme has been planned, along with the funding track to build it, in the form of the Government’s commitment to an $11 billion investment in State highway infrastructure over the next 10 years. The package includes Basin Reserve improvements, the Levin bypass, an Ōtaki bypass, the Kapiti Expressway, the Mount Victoria Tunnel duplication, the Terrace Tunnel duplication, and finally, after years of debate, Transmission Gully.

Hekia Parata: What benefits will these developments bring to the Wellington Airport to Levin corridor?

Hon STEVEN JOYCE: This package will reduce congestion, improve safety, and support economic growth in our capital city and its region, and also nationally. The improvements are expected to deliver travel-time savings of around half an hour between Levin and Wellington during peak times. Improved access to areas north of Wellington will support and encourage growth across the whole lower North Island, including Palmerston North and Wanganui. This highway is crucial for the efficient north-south movement of freight and people. About 7 million tonnes of long-distance freight leaves Wellington by road and rail every year, including 1 million to 2 million tonnes crossing Cook Strait.

Hon Darren Hughes: What level of tolling for Transmission Gully is the Government prepared to entertain? Is it likely to exceed $5 per trip?

Hon STEVEN JOYCE: No, it is not likely to exceed that amount, although it is very early days. As the member will know, the consultation process on tolling is quite a long and involved one, but consideration will be given to a toll, and the New Zealand Transport Agency will consult and make recommendations in due course.

Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban: Why is the Mayor of Kapiti, Jenny Rowan, wrong when she says that this proposal damages Kapiti for ever?

Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Mayor Jenny Rowan advocates on behalf of her district, but, as we all know, in the Kapiti Coast area there has been a strong and divergent range of opinions as to what would be the best approach for State Highway 1 through the district. I am confident that the Transport Agency has taken everybody’s views into account and has come up with an option that will benefit not only the Kapiti Coast but also areas north and south of the Kapiti Coast.