Editorial: Eastern route debate ongoing

Rotorua MP Todd McClay

Does a public statement issued by Rotorua MP Todd McClay yesterday hint at what may be coming in the ongoing saga of Rotorua's Eastern Corridor?

Exactly one year ago, the Government announced a $12 million investment to accelerate the investigation and design of the controversial Eastern Arterial project. Mayor Steve Chadwick and Mr McClay said the road was essential to Rotorua's economic development.

Now Mr McClay says he's asked NZTA to look at upgrading Te Ngae Rd, to ensure Rotorua doesn't miss out on economic growth in the meantime. He said he wasn't sure Rotorua could afford to wait 10 to 15 years for the Eastern Arterial, apparently still the preferred option, to take shape. Construction is scheduled for between 2020 and 2025.

Local iwi agree with him - but for them, it's not an issue of timing - they don't want it now or ever.

Whether Rotorua needs a new eastern arterial route - which would require the demolition of up to 50 homes and cost up to $114 million - is up for debate. Indeed, it's been the subject of heated debate and protests for some years.

Those who live out east, or businesses which use that route to transport goods to the Port of Tauranga, would no doubt welcome upgrades to Te Ngae Rd in the shorter term. But if that happens, will there still be a necessity for the Eastern Arterial?

The planned Victoria St Arterial route was scrapped last year after the council decided it was no longer needed.

It will be interesting to see if the Eastern Arterial follows suit.