32978 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Transport

32978 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Transport: What consultation, if any, was undertaken directly with Horowhenua residents, or community organisations before the changes to the Otaki to North of Levin expressway project were announced in May 2025, listed by whom and date?

Hon Chris Bishop: As the proposed changes to the project were aligned with the project consents, I am advised that consultation on the changes were not required. Ō2NL Community Group meetings were held in Manakau on 4 March 2025, and in Levin on 6 March 2025 which presented a summary of the process to develop a constructable, affordable and cohesive project design. At its meeting on 19 June 2025, the NZTA Board confirmed additional funding for the project to ensure that it will progress through to construction, including some features from the originally consented concept design.