Editorial: Both sides of the road debate

Te Ururoa Flavell

All cities are divided by the roads that criss-cross them, by arterial routes that carry local citizens in, out and across them.

Rotorua, however, is already divided to some extent by a non-existent road - the Eastern Arterial route which would run between the airport and Sala St to the west of Te Ngae Rd.

As with other local developments, such as the airport, it's a battle between those who say it's vital for the future growth of our city and those who argue it's not needed, a waste of money and/or encroaches on them in some way.

Indeed, the proposed route would run through the traditional land of three Te Arawa hapu.

But let's not forget we're in the middle of a decades-long process. This road has been on the cards since the 1960s, and it may not be built until the 2020s, even with the announcement this week of funding to "accelerate investigation and design" of the project.

Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact the road would have, but according to NZTA's website, construction of the road would address existing lake water quality issues associated with run-off from the eastern suburbs.

Some opponents say expansion of Te Ngae Rd is a better option, but the impact of this work on locals would seem to be much greater than the initial proposal.

It's understandable there are concerns about the road crossing tribal land but with ongoing and effective consultation hopefully these can be addressed satisfactorily. MP Te Ururoa Flavell says he's noticed a positive attitude from all parties to get the issues resolved. That's an encouraging sign.