Hearings get underway for proposed highway

Local iwi began the hearings with a powhiri at the Warkworth Town Hall.

A two week hearing to consider a resource consent application to construct a four-lane state highway between Warkworth and Te Hana began with a powhiri by local iwi at the Warkworth Town Hall last week.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has made the application. As Mahurangi Matters went to press, the hearing was expected to continue until at least Thursday this week (October 15).

NZTA was due to present its case for most of last week. Other submissions will be heard this week.

The proposed highway is the second stage of the Ara Tuhono motorway project that will link Puhoi to Te Hana.  The first stage – Puhoi to Warkworth is currently under construction and due to be completed in May 2022.  

The hearing panel is expected to hear numerous submissions from aggrieved parties adversely affected by the proposed route.

More details of the hearing and the evidence presented by submitters can be found at: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/hearings/find-hearing/Pages/Hearing-documents.aspx?HearingId=382