NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has welcomed yesterday’s Court of Appeal decision ruling in favour of the Minister of Land Information and supporting the process undertaken for land acquisitions for Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass project.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery Rob Partridge says the court’s ruling dismissed the northern landowners’ argument that LINZ officials or the Minister of Land Information are the only people who can negotiate with them; and awarded costs in favour of the Crown.
“This decision is a timely boost for the team on the ground building a safer, more resilient and reliable 6km section of State Highway 3 in northern Taranaki.”
NZTA is now awaiting a ruling on an appeal by landowners, heard in the High Court in August 2024, against a May 2024 Environment Court ruling supporting the Crown’s intent to acquire an 11ha block of land required in the north of the project area.
“We are taking up every avenue to progress resolution of all outstanding legal proceedings, and gain access to the land needed at the northern end of the project as soon as possible,” says Mr Partridge.
On the southern side of Mt Messenger, the team is focussed on excavating a spur to create access for construction of the project’s 125-metre bridge, which will carry the road over a stream that feeds into the Mimi wetland.
Further towards the central section of the project, the award-winning cableway has been busy transporting earthworks gear into the project’s largest fill site that extends 500m from the tunnel’s northern portal.
The Alliance’s environmental, pest management and ecology teams are busy delivering the project’s major environmental benefits alongside mana whenua partner Ngāti Tama.
The project has recently won the Environmental Excellence Award from the Australasian division of the International Erosion Control Association, recognising its work to minimise impacts on the surrounding landscape and waterways.
“State Highway 3, over Mt Messenger, is a crucial connection for freight and other road users, between the West Coast and upper North Island. The bypass project is essential to contributing to this economic growth, saving road users time, but more importantly, providing a safer, more resilient road, ultimately benefiting efficiencies, and we’re looking forward to all the progress on site over the coming construction season.”
Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass earthworks.
