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Mahurangi community leaders have roundly applauded Transport Minister Michael Wood for deciding against tolling the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway when it opens next year.
One Mahurangi Business Association chair Mark Macky said the Minister’s decision was a direct result of significant pressure from local community groups, including One Mahurangi.
He said One Mahurangi would like to acknowledge the great lobbying work of local politicians, singling out Labour list MP Marja Lubeck, National MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi Chris Penk and Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers.
“Working together, they have helped amplify the loud and unified voice of the local community,” Mr Macky said.
Tolling opponents objected to the fact that residents travelling from Mahurangi to Auckland using the new motorway would end up paying two tolls – one on the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway and one on the Northern Gateway – the only region in the country to be subjected to double tolling.
Other arguments insisted a toll would discourage use of the new road, and create a barrier to economic growth in Mahurangi and throughout Northland.
Mr Macky said without a toll the new motorway was expected to provide a significant boost to the Warkworth and Northland economy.
Cr Sayers said although delighted, he was surprised by the decision, because a toll would have been an easy way to generate revenue.
“But there was such overwhelming opposition from the community that the Minister did the right thing,” he said.
Cr Sayers said the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had informed him that a survey he organised underscoring
that opposition had been sent to the Minister and discussed at some length.
Amid the jubilation, Rodney Local Board deputy chair Beth Houlbrooke sounded a cautionary note.
While acknowledging the tolling decision was great news for those who would use the road regularly, she said there was “no such thing as a free lunch”.
“What impact will this have on Waka Kotahi’s revenue over the next 10 years and, therefore, the National Land Transport Programme?” she said.
“Could funding for Hill Street be in jeopardy, or something else?”
