03 August 2006

Designation for Link Road finally secured

The long awaited confirmation of the Designation of Kapiti’s Western Link Road was confirmed this week.

In an Environment Court determination released earlier this week, Judge C J Thompson confirmed the Conditions of the Designation for Kapiti’s Western Link Road. This brings to a conclusion the lengthy process undertaken by the Council to secure the Designation for the Road.

At a hearing on July 21 all parties confirmed their position on a modified set of Conditions for the Designation. Prior to the hearing the Council, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Waikanae Christian Holiday Park, Transit New Zealand and Mr Nigel Heard had reached agreement on the Conditions. The other appellant, the Takamore Trustees, indicated they would abide by the decision of the Court.

In making the determination, Judge Thompson recorded the Takamore Trustees “continued opposition to any impact of the proposed work on the wahi tapu area of Takamore.”, but noted their recognition of the opportunity to be involved in future discussions on mitigation measures.

Kapiti Coast District Mayor Alan Milne said; “It’s gratifying that this phase of the project has been brought to a conclusion.

“I’m particularly pleased that throughout this process we retained amicable working relationships with the various parties involved. The additional time and effort put into reaching agreement by consensus has been well worth it.”

Mr Leo Watson, legal counsel for the Takamore Trustees, in his submission to the Court, said “The proposed work fundamentally impacts on the Trustees’ role of kaitiakitanga over their taonga tuku iho; their responsibility to preserve their heritage and to pass it safely on to the generations to come.”

Mr Ian Jones, Chair of the Waikanae Christian Holiday Park Executive said, “My Executive, while remaining concerned over the long term impact of the road on the ministry of the camp, are relieved to have finally signed off on the conditions.”

He added, “We are confident that the positive working relationship established with the Council will now serve both parties in good stead as the remaining phases of the project are worked through.”

A full set of the Conditions for the Designation are attached.

The next steps in the project are to finalise funding arrangements with Transit New Zealand and Land Transport New Zealand and to secure the remaining statutory approvals including resource consents and approvals under the Historic Places Act.

ENDS

See... Determination and Conditions (PDF)

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