Improve our roads

​We want a government that will promptly approve and action the SH2 proper upgrade, including the Omokoroa interchange, the Northern Link, the Katikati Bypass, and intersection upgrades on SH29 and SH2.

We are a growth sub-region and local Government is playing its part but central government has a responsibility to provide decent state highways, and must keep pace with local government planning. Under this present government our infrastructure planning has just become an insult and a disgraceful example of neglect.

With the Tauranga population rapidly growing and a lack of rental properties available to fulfil the demand, it is inevitable that surrounding towns will share the influx. They already are. With that will come more commuters on our roads causing further damage and longer travel times.  For anyone who has experienced the snail-pace, weekday crawl through Te Puna in the mornings, they know how badly this change is needed.   

State highways SH2 and SH29 currently pose very serious safety issues, and are severely congested. Our wider roading network, including rural gravel roads, also need considerable attention. We must deliver on roading and infrastructure projects, so the whole region can prosper. We will work with our neighbouring councils to persistently lobby central government until our state highways are fit for purpose and provide a roading system that’s congestion-free, safe, and able to serve us all well into the future.

As Mayor for the Western Bay of Plenty, fixing our roads would be one of my top priorities. So, what are we waiting for?

​Let’s make it happen!