“I accept NZTA need to stick to budgets . . . but removing a critical interchange for Levin like Tararua Road is short-sighted,” Tim says.

 “A key aim of this road is to get traffic both to and through (or past) Levin. I’m concerned about congestion at Tararua Road at peak daily and holiday times without a full grade-separated interchange. This should be top priority for everyone to be fighting for.”

 Other changes proposed by NZTA staff he is concerned about include removing the southbound on-ramp at Taylors Road in Ōtaki and removing the over-bridge at Manakau Heights Drive.

“These should be second and third priorities for us to fight for. I campaigned in 2020/21 for a full interchange at Manakau, and while I accept that ship has sailed, having access to the expressway for locals from Ōhau to Ōtaki is important.

“I understand there are geo-engineering challenges around Taylors Road, making it more expensive to build than in other areas, but we’ve seen the long-term challenges at Peka Peka when we don’t build a full interchange up front. Residents shouldn’t have to drive through Ōtaki and over the river if they want to head south.”

He says recommendations and changes are made by NZTA staff and it is an NZTA board that approves them.

“The public have a chance to give feedback now before NZTA takes final recommendations to the NZTA board who approve them.

“I’m calling on council and all local residents to get in behind my campaign to build the full Tararua Rd interchange, as well as fighting for Taylors Rd and Manakau Heights improvements.”