Hi there,

I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on the Government’s recent decision to toll the new Ōtaki to north of Levin four-lane highway. As Mayor of the Kāpiti Coast District, I’ve always supported the benefits this highway will bring—not just for our district, but for the wider Horowhenua and Wellington region. However, I’m deeply disappointed by the decision to place tolls on this new stretch of road. For residents in the northern parts of our district, particularly Ōtaki, this route is essential. It’s the gateway to Levin and beyond, connecting our community to vital health, education, and social services, as well as employment and business opportunities. Many also rely on this road to travel further to Palmerston North for similar needs. What concerns me most is how tolling this highway could unfairly impact Ōtaki and the surrounding communities. Public transport options in this area are limited, which means most people rely on private vehicles—not by choice, but out of necessity. For some, paying tolls will simply be an extra burden they can’t afford. Access to safe and reliable transport is something everyone deserves. It’s crucial that we make sure our community isn’t left behind because of this decision. I’ll continue to advocate strongly to the NZ Transport Agency and the Minister for Transport for additional safety improvements to the existing State Highway. Our residents deserve a fair and equitable solution, and I won’t stop fighting to ensure they get it. Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on this important issue.

Warm regards,

Janet Holborow