Woodend Bypass promises cheer Waimakariri Mayor
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
The prospect of work beginning on the Woodend Bypass during the next Parliamentary term is welcome news, says Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon.
The Labour government announced plans last week to build the Woodend Bypass by 2030.
This followed National’s announcement it remained committed to building the bypass, if elected in October’s general election.
‘"The community has been calling out for this promised infrastructure to be delivered and for concrete timeframes for construction to start,"Gordon said.
"For both major parties to identify this as a priority project is great news."
The Woodend Bypass has been in the pipeline for decades.
The existing stretch of State Highway 1 is one of the most dangerous roads in Canterbury, with nine fatal and 33 serious crashes between 2000 and 2018.
National promised to build the bypass in the lead up to the 2017 general election, but a change in government priorities has seen it languishing as an "horizon project" in the National Land Transport Plan.
Associate Transport Minister Kieran McAnulty announced a series of safety improvements last year in bid to alleviate community concerns, while residents waited for the bypass to be built.
North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne said the bypass would now be brought forward in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Plan.
The Christchurch Northern Link will be upgraded from Waimakariri River to Ashley River, including the proposed alignment to the east of the Woodend township.
"I would like to see on the ground work get under way next year, but the 2026-27 financial year is more realistic," Rosewarne said.
"For a lot of projects around the country, the design work and planning has still got to be done, but with Woodend the design is almost complete and the land is already consented."
Work is expected to be completed by 2030.
National announced last month that construction of the Woodend Bypass would begin during its first term of government, as part of its Transport for the Future plan.
Waimakariri MP and National’s Associate Transport Spokesperson, Matt Doocey, said Labour’s announcement was "cynical at best".
"Labour were the ones who cancelled this vital roading project, leaving the Woodend community split in two by increasingly dangerous traffic levels year on year.
"Now they want that same community to believe they have their interests at heart."
National has said it would commit $270 million to project, but Rosewarne said the costs were likely to be higher, with labour shortages and compliance costs likely to drive up costs.
Transport Minister David Parker released the 2024 draft Government Policy Statement on Transport last week, announcing the government would increase its investment to $5.4 billion for road maintenance and $3.8b for road improvements over the next three years.
A further $3.6b was earmarked for public transport.
The increased investment would be funded through increasing petrol tax by 4 cents a litre per year from next year.
While the prospect of an increase in petrol tax may not be welcomed news, the Reserve Bank was predicting inflation to drop to 2.7% by the middle of next year, which should reduce the burden, Rosewarne said.
National has indicated its roading policy would be funded through a variety of sources, including toll roads, equity financing from entities like the Super Fund and KiwiSaver funds, and foreign investment.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
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A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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