Kapiti Coast, Thursday 30 November 2017
Clarity on next steps for the Otaki to North Levin stage of the
Kapiti Expressway is welcomed by the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce.
NZTA will begin community consultation in February 2018 on four possible routes between Otaki and
Levin, following an indication from the new Government that it supports the process to finalise a preferred
corridor and next steps.
Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, says the green light on public
consultation is a shot in the arm for business confidence in Kapiti and further north after doubts were raised
about the project’s future during the election campaign.
“We welcome the Government’s desire for clarity and will continue to advocate for the Expressway’s full
completion.Connecting Otaki through to Northern Levin is crucial to realising the full economic potential of
the project for Kapiti and the wider Wellington Region.
“In just six months Kapiti has begun to reap the rewards of this world-class piece of infrastructure. Overall
spending has grown by seven per cent since opening in February 2017 – tourism has already increased by
17 per cent.
“Even without the Peka Peka to Otaki section completed, Otaki is benefiting economically – ‘day tripper’
spending at the State Highway One shopping area has grown by 98.9 per cent in just six months. It’s easier
for people to visit Otaki using the Expressway, avoiding the traditional traffic delays at Paraparaumu and
Waikanae,” says Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce Chair, Heather Hutchings.
Kapiti and Horowhenua both understand how important a fully completed Expressway is to the future of
the Wellington region.
“There is a clear sense of urgency to get on with the project, to accelerate our local economic
development, particularly with Transmission Gully due for completion in 2020. For our full potential to be
realised we need to have a world-class connection from Northern Levin right through to Wellington’s CBD,”
says Heather Hutchings.
The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce exists to advance the economy by creating wealth and
employment and solve local business issues by providing a collective voice for business in Kāpiti. Over 300
members in Kāpiti belong to the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce to stay connected, network and gain
knowledge and support from our local membership.
ENDS.
For more information, please contact:
Jacinda Thorn, Public Relations | 027 3970616 | [email protected]
Heather Hutchings, Kāpiti Chamber Chair | 021 0696 143 | [email protected]