Chris Bishop
National List MP based in Hutt South

Media statement

23 March 2017

Show your support for Catchpool and Orongorongo mobile blackspot funding

National List MP based in Hutt South Chris Bishop MP today launched a campaign to get mobile coverage in the Catchpool and Orongorongo valleys in Rimutaka Forest Park. (see https://issues.national.org.nz/support-mobile-coverage/)

The Catchpool/Orongorongo valleys have been identified as areas eligible for funding through the government’s Mobile Black Spot Fund. The fund exists to support the installation of cell phone towers and provide mobile coverage in tourism areas (as well as on highways).

“The Rimutaka Forest Park is a massive asset for the Hutt Valley and particularly Wainui, with an estimated 100,000 tourists each year. Many people enter the park using the Catchpool entrance, but the park is currently a mobile black spot.

“That needs to change. I’m calling on people in Wainuiomata, the Hutt and the wider region to show their support for ending the mobile black spot in the Forest Park by signing online at http://www.chrisbishop.co.nz/support-mobile-coverage

“I’ll be writing to the Chief Executives of all the major providers and asking them to put in a tender for ending the mobile black spot in the park. We need as many people as possible to show their support so the companies get a strong indication that this upgrade will be really valued by the local community, and also visitors to the area.”

The Catchpool/Orongorongo valleys were included on the short-list for funding after lobbying from the Wainui Rural Residents’ Association, Mr Bishop, and other community groups.

“Stage one is completed – getting onto the shortlist. Now we need to really send a message that this area needs mobile coverage!”

People can go to https://issues.national.org.nz/support-mobile-coverage/ to show their support.

ENDS

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