Viewpoint – Battling for the MLR

Firstly, I would like to provide an update on the Matakana link road (MLR). There has been widespread concerns around the delays in starting construction of the MLR in time to be opened with the Puhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance (RONS). I have initiated a series of meetings with Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) officials, Councillor Greg Sayers and affected land owners to see if an agreement and consensus could be reached without having to follow an appeals process. There is a very high level of engagement and goodwill being shown by all parties to make pragmatic compromises to try to avoid appeals.

At the time of writing, AT signalled to me that a tender document for the construction of the MLR would be released in the next couple of weeks. The completion date will be October 2021, which would bring it in line with the opening of the Puhoi to Warkworth RONS. I made it clear there is a high level of scepticism around the practical delivery of the MLR and the process should have been started much earlier. I will continue to work with AT, NZTA, our local government representatives and landowners to maintain focus and momentum towards the goal of having the MLR delivered on time.

I had to fight hard to deliver the Puhoi to Warkworth RONS, but I firmly believe that one of the best investments we can make for North Rodney and Northland is to have a world class state highway connecting us to our largest city and the rest of the country. I will do everything in my power to ensure there is no delay to the opening of the Puhoi to Warkworth RONS.

This has been a recess week, and I always enjoy being back home and in the community. This week I have visited schools, retirement villages, attended the opening of the Mahurangi Wastebusters Recycling centre, attended a Legalising Cannabis debate (I’m strongly against), a reception on a visiting Japanese Defence Force training ship, opened the croquet season as proud patron of the Orewa Croquet Club and opened the Love Tennis national open weekend hosted by the Orewa Tennis Club. It’s been a great week and being away from the beltway and out amongst our community is what refuels my tank.

I had a very special invitation to visit our newest naval vessel, the HMNZS Manawanui. The invitation came from Manawanui’s navigation officer and 3 I/C Lieutenant Samara Mankelow. Samara was a student at Orewa College and I wrote a letter of support for her when she applied to join the Navy. I am also very proud of Mahurangi College deputy head boy William Patterson, who represented Rodney as our Youth MP at the annual Youth Parliament in Wellington. I was in the public gallery to listen to his general debate speech and was very impressed at how he tackled the important issue of bullying.
Finally, I have just found out that Steve Hathaway from Young Ocean Explorers has been recognised with a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award. I have huge admiration for Steve and the work he does to bring our marine world into New Zealand’s schools and classrooms.

Mark Mitchell, National MP for Rodney
https://markmitchell.national.org.nz/