The AA is supporting the New Zealand Transport Agency's decision to 'call-in' Waterview Connection and ensure the motorway's consenting process is undertaken within a reasonable time period.

The new national consenting process, for matters of national significance, replaces the usual two-step process of a council hearing followed by an Environment Court with either a single hearing before a board of inquiry, or a direct referral to the Environment Court.

AA Auckland Transport Spokesperson, Simon Lambourne, says the decision to 'call-in' will help keep the project on track and provide greater certainty to all involved, while at the same time maintaining the community's right to make submission

"Building the Waterview Connection and completing the Western Ring Route is Auckland's most important transport project. We are now another step closer to having less congestion, improved travel times, safer local roads and safer motorways."

In a recent AA survey, 67.4% of Auckland Members said they wanted to see the Waterview Connection opened as quickly as possible, and an overwhelming 89% agreed or strongly agreed with completing the Western Ring Route.

The AA-commissioned Allen report estimated the benefits of a completed Western Ring Route to be at least $840 million per annum.

For more information contact

Simon Lambourne
Auckland Transport Spokesperson
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 9668608
M. +64 21 659 029
Email: slambourne@aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.