U-turn on motorway plan a victory for locals

South Auckland Labour MPs Su’a William Sio and Ross Robertson are delighted that plans for an east-west motorway link that would have bulldozed its way through the communities of Otara, Otahuhu and Māngere have been dropped.

“This is a fantastic win for all those who stood united in their concerns for one another and who stood up against NZTA and Auckland Transport,” Mangere MP Su’a William Sio said.

“If the community hadn’t kicked up opposition and organised ourselves we would have seen the arbitrary destruction of homes, schools and many community facilities.”

MP for Manukau East, Ross Robertson, said people power and democracy had won the day.

“Focusing on the issue rather than politicising it has meant a successful outcome for the communities that would have been torn to shreds by a state highway through their backyards.

“Everyone involved in the campaign to get this road stopped should feel very proud of themselves,” he said.

Added Su’a William Sio: “Until such time as acceptable options are tabled with a credible community consultation process in place I still think our communities have to remain vigilant and be prepared for on-going engagement with the roading agencies.”

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