Kāpiti residents urged to provide feedback on PP2Ō shared path and interchange options

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan is encouraging local residents to attend the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway Information Days on 28 and 29 October to have their say on options for a new interchange north of Peka Peka and extending the Mackays to Peka Peka Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway to Ōtaki.

“The NZ Transport Agency is currently investigating options for improving connections to and from the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway for Kāpiti residents who live north of Peka Peka and it is important that people take the time to provide feedback.

“While my council is not opposed to improving connections to the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway there are a range of factors that need to be considered,” said the Mayor.

“For Te Horo residents a new interchange would enable short, direct access to the Expressway, however we cannot assume that everyone in the Peka Peka and Te Horo area wants another interchange. Many have chosen to live in these areas for its distinct rural lifestyle and may not welcome further infrastructure development.”

The Mayor says the current designation of the Expressways may also constrain the NZ Transport Agency’s ability to deliver another interchange and would likely trigger a new consenting process that will require public notification.

“While this isn’t necessary a barrier it will require significant resource. Factors such as the Council’s District Plan requirements and the level of investment required to upgrade critical infrastructure such as stormwater, water and wastewater pipes and connecting roads, and who pays for these upgrades, will also need to be considered.”

Earlier this year Kāpiti residents provided feedback on the first stage of planning for a potential shared path along the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway route.

“The Mackays to Peka Peka Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway is a fantastic addition to the Kāpiti Coast and I welcome proposals by the NZ Transport Agency to extend the facility north of Peka Peka to Ōtaki,” the Mayor said.

“Community feedback from residents and those who plan to use the path on the alignment options presented will help ensure we get what we want for our district.”

The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Information Days will take place from 10am to 2pm at the Māoriland Film Hub, 68 Ōtaki Main Street (opposite The Arcade) on Saturday 28 October and at the Te Horo Community Hall on Sunday 29 October.