See below this appeal for support for a extending the shared path from Ōtaki to North of Levin – you can do it by email, addresses below. The LCK committee agreed to support this as a group (see the letter linked below).
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Dear Kapiti and Horowhenua Residents and Politicians,
A group of us have started an Action group to Focus on ensuring there is a Cycleway, Walkway, and Bridleway (CWB) as part of the plans, costing and land acquisition on the next stage of the Expressway, Otaki to North Levin (O2NL). We want to gather support from our local Communities and Politicians to ensure that this included and a priority prior to the Board of Enquiry (BOE) by NZTA.
A shared path (CWB) is important in many ways and we would like you to tell us how this will impact you, your family and community considering these benefits:
- ENVIRONMENTAL: Plantings on the side of shared paths can be corridors for native birds to inhabit, and can be part of the govenments 1 billion trees initiative enhancing our ecological environment. Shared multi-use paths also give low carbon, energy efficient options for transport between towns.
- HEALTH BENEFITS: having a safe off road paths for people to Walk, Cycle and Horse ride on, can increase incentive to get out and exercise.
- SOCIAL BENEFITS: connecting communities with an off road, inexpensive transport link.
- ECONOMIC BENEFITS: creating a path on the O2NL will bring visitors who will then spend money and create jobs in our communities. It is also economically more cost effective for NZTA to include the CWB prior to the planning and building of the Expressway.
- SAFETY: creating a safe space for our communities to enjoy away from dangers of traffic.
A brief history of the CWB on the expressways in Kapiti is this:
A CWB was a condition from KCDC ( Kapiti Coast District Council) to NZTA for the McKays to Peka Peka (M2PP) section of the Expressway on the Kapiti coast, but there was no Political Will for it to be added to the Peka Peka to Otaki (PP2O) section, even though there was strong case put forward by some members of the public which was ignored. And so Plans, Costings and Land acquisition went ahead with no plans for a CWB. Building of the PP2O was commenced, but strong public pressure saw the addition of the CWB as an afterthought. While we are very happy to be getting a shared path, due to its late inclusion and land not being acquired for the path, it is in places squeezed between local roads and new expressway, it has added time and cost to the job, and is not the path it could have been if it had been included from the start.
Going North of Otaki is some spectacular countryside, and a shared path on this next section of the Expressway would be a jewel in the Kapiti and Horowhenua crown. Not only would it be a safe source of enjoyment, exercise and environmental harmony for locals, but will no doubt attract tourists who will spend money in our towns and create Economic advantages to our communities.
We are asking You, our Communities and Politicians to support our Action group with a letter of support stating the Environmental, Health, Social, Economic and Safety benefits to us all, and to spread the word to get others to support this prior to the BOE making decisions that may not include a CWB.
You can email support to
Shelly Warwick , shellybeannz@yahoo.co.nz( Kapiti Equestrian Advocacy group). Bruce Henderson brucedh@gmail.com ( Cycle Action Network) or Lynn Sleath valandlynn@outlook.com (Cycle Action Network)