Submission on the proposed toll on Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū- Tararua Highway
4th October 2024
- This submission is made on behalf of Te Pū Harakeke—Community Collective Manawatū Incorporated.
- Te Pū Harakeke was established in 1971 as the Palmerston North Community Services Council. We are a collective of 108 not-for-profits, individuals, businesses, and other agencies engaged in social and community service in Palmerston North and the Manawatū.
- Our vision is “a strong, vibrant and connected community sector in the Manawatū” and our mission is “to empower community groups to participate in and contribute to the community and it’s wellbeing.”
- We unequivocally oppose the proposed road toll on Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway.
- The proposal will significantly impact people in the Tararua District, particularly in Woodville, Dannevirke, and surrounding areas, who need to travel to Palmerston North for employment, education, medical, and other social services.
- It will also affect our member organisations that provide services across the region. For instance, staff from Abuse & Rape Crisis Support Manawatu, Whatunga Tūao Volunteer Central, and Manawatu Tenants Union frequently travel to and from Tararua to support their clients. Their clients, especially children and young people supported by Abuse & Rape Crisis Support Manawatu and Parentline, also need to travel from Tararua to Palmerston North, as not all services are available locally.
- The client groups supported by our member organisations often have low to moderate incomes and depend on affordable transportation options to access essential services in Palmerston North. Imposing a toll on the highway would impose an additional financial burden on these individuals, who are already struggling with rising costs of living, rent, and daily expenses.
Te Pū Harakeke—Community Collective Manawatū Incorporated | Charity No. CC31325 | Society No. 575757 | NZBN: 942904281637 2 - While we do not oppose tolls in principle, we are against tolling this route due to the negative consequences for already disadvantaged communities. Additionally, people who use alternative roads to avoid the toll will increase wear and tear on those roads, which local councils will need to repair, leading to higher local rates that will further disadvantage these communities.
- It is concerning that the toll option was not discussed during the consultation on this road. Furthermore, Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway is not a new road requiring cost recovery; it is a replacement for the damaged State Highway 1 through the Manawatu Gorge, a repair responsibility that falls to Waka Kotahi.
- We strongly urge NZTA to explore alternative funding mechanisms that do not place undue pressure on those least able to afford it.
Ngā mihi,
Dr Kat Nguyen - Executive Officer & Kaiwhakahaere Matua / Manager
Te Pū Harakeke—Community Collective Manawatū Incorporated