Ō2NL Win: Community Triumph, but Council Needs to Keep the Pressure On | WATCH - Property News AU/NZ | propertynoise.co.nz & propertynoise.com.au

PHOTO: Community & Council Win Historic Highway Battle. FILE

In a stance described as “the right outcome,” the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) Board has confirmed the Ōtaki-to-North-of-Levin highway (Ō2NL) will go ahead—with critical design features reinstated thanks to Horowhenua District Council’s and the region’s collective advocacy

Mayor Bernie Wanden said it best: “This isn’t just good—it’s justice for our community.” The reinstated elements include:

Grade-separated Tararua Road interchange
Southbound on-ramp from Taylors Road connecting the Peka Peka–Ōtaki expressway
Vehicle overbridge at Manakau Heights, restoring safe crossings for residents

Ō2NL (Ōtaki to north of Levin) to be TOLLED | WATCH

🛤️ Why These Features Matter

Waka Kotahi reports this 24 km expressway will reduce high-risk traffic on the current State Highway 1, a notorious accident hotspot—72 people have died or been seriously injured in five years

By reinstating these upgrades, authorities have responded to concerns from councils and iwi, who warned design cuts risked safety and severed community links

Mayor Wanden emphasised: “The Manakau bridge was non-negotiable—it was a safety must.” Locals made it loud and clear—and were heard.

The NZTA Board has confirmed it will reinstate several critical features to the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway (Source: NZTA)

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🤝 Council’s Advocacy Remains Strong

Horowhenua District Council has been part of Ō2NL’s journey since 2012, pushing back through delays, budget changes, and design adjustments. Funding was approved in 2020, and construction is slated to begin later this year, with completion expected by 2029

Mayor Wanden saluted the unwavering commitment of residents: “Even when frustrated or disillusioned, we never gave up—and neither did they.”

🌱 What’s Next? Staying Involved as Construction Approaches

With construction imminent, Council urges vigilance in project delivery and design fidelity:

Waka Kotahi must honour the reinstated designs exactly.
Community input remains essential to maintain trust and effectiveness.
Council and iwi partners—including Muaūpoko and Ngāti Raukawa—will play key oversight roles

As Mayor Wanden said: “This highway is our region’s lifeline—let’s build it properly, together.”