Today, at 5pm, Monday, 7 October 2024, is your last chance to leave a submission on the proposed tolling of the Te Ahu a Turanga - Manawatu-Tararua Highway.

The original SH3 was damaged by slips in 2017 and rather than repairing it, a decision was made to replace it. This is fundamentally different from other proposed toll roads, which are new builds. The toll proposal does not fully acknowledge the unique context of this project, where we are replacing vital infrastructure that has been lost.

This was a road of great hope for our district with the growth that it promised. What good is it to our district to have a wonderful safe new highway that few can afford to use?

Those who can afford the toll would benefit from quicker travel times and a safer more direct route, while those who cannot afford it would be left using the slower, less safe alternatives, entrenching inequality within the region. If you are travelling to Palmy for work or study each day that’s a whopping $43 per week from your pay.

Te Ahu a Turanga: the Manawatu-Tararua Highway is the primary link for accessing clinical and health services, with a large proportion of residents needing to travel regularly for healthcare. Adding a toll to this route creates barriers to accessing essential medical services.

We have one shot to get this right and today, 7 October is our last chance.  Please make your voice heard by making a submission on the NZTA website by 5pm Monday 7 October.

Visit the NZTA website and leave your submission at: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/te-ahu-a-turanga/consultation/te-ahu-a-turanga-tolling-consultation/