Rally For Sensible Transport In Kapiti

Press Release 14th June

A rally at Parliament in support of sensible transport for Kapiti is planned for 12 noon on Wednesday 6th July. Participants will present a petition signed by over 4000 people to Prime Minister John Key requesting an alternative to the planned motorway through Kapiti.

This event is being organised by two Kapiti organisations, the Alliance for a Sustainable Kapiti Inc., and Save Kapiti.

Spokesperson Loretta Pomare said “The people of Kapiti are refusing to be bullied into accepting a destructive, expensive, and unnecessary motorway through our community. NZTA and the transport minister need to take note that their propaganda and misleading tactics are not acceptable. This petition presents a viable and affordable solution to an acknowledged problem with our transport corridor north of Wellington.”

Supporters will gather at key points on the proposed route, including sites that will now have a 4-lane 100 kph overpass above them and sites where people’s homes and/or business will be bulldozed. Supporters of the rally plan to march to the nearest train station then use public transport to get to Parliament where several other groups in favour of sensible transport will meet them.

“New Zealand cannot afford to invest in old unsustainable transport designs. This issue is not just about Kapiti, nor just about a motorway. There are seven of these ‘Roads of National Significance’ planned throughout New Zealand, including a motorway through Hataitai and Kilbirnie in Wellington. This is about New Zealand’s long term ability to remain competitive and move towards a truly progressive society. Spending billions on new roads while reducing our ability to access public transport, rail and sea freight is not the answer,” said Loretta Pomare.

Organisers have negotiated a special return fare with Trans Metro for pre-booked tickets, though everyone is welcome at Parliament on the day. Save Kapiti have more details on their website www.savekapiti.co.nz

“This will be a significant action by the people of the Wellington region. Kapiti coasters are angry and tired of being ignored. Steven Joyce has tried to bully us into submission. We were never consulted on the need for a motorway, then had unacceptable routes imposed on us with very little information. NZTA’s ‘consultation’ has been a sham – and has ended with a route significantly different from the one ‘consulted’ on,” said Loretta Pomare.

The marchers will leave on the 11am train from Waikanae on Wednesday 6th July and be met on the steps of parliament at 12noon by members of several opposition parties including the Labour Party, the Greens and the Maori Party.

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