MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown is concerned that the new coalition agreements signed and announced between Labour, New Zealand First, and the Greens, will have a negative effect on the local transport network.
“In announcing that the East-West Link will be cancelled, the new government has clearly signaled it does not take the congestion issues of Auckland seriously,” says Mr Brown.
“Many residents in Pakuranga work at or own businesses that would have benefitted from this project, and with freight movements in the area expected to double by 2035 it was an important part of the solution to Auckland’s transport woes.”
The area targeted by the East West Link employs approximately 68,000 people, and contributes roughly $4.6 billion a year to Auckland’s economy. The key aspect of the project was to create a further connection between SH1 and SH20, and improve connections to rail and freight hubs in the area.
“This project would have had a flow on effect by doubling as a more efficient route for Pakuranga residents to take when travelling out to west Auckland or to the airport, and its cancellation means that the wider East Auckland area has little to look forward to when it comes to transport improvements,” says Mr Brown.
“This announcement also raises questions about other key projects designed to ease the burden on Pakuranga’s transport network such as AMETI and the associated Reeves Road flyover. A project which is set to begin construction next year, and is only the first step towards major road and public transport improvements for our local area.”
Simeon is scheduled to meet with representatives from Auckland Transport in the coming weeks to discuss the AMETI project, and intends to lobby the new Minister of Transport to ensure Pakuranga and East Auckland are not ignored for the next three years.
“It is my intention as the Member of Parliament for Pakuranga to keep transport issues at the forefront of my agenda, regardless of who is in government, and I will work hard to bring improvements to, and ease the burden on our local transport network.”
