Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden was outraged when NZTA decided to make major cuts to the Ōtaki to north of Levin (O2NL) highway and vowed to fight for its reinstatment.
That campaign paid off and this week the Horowhenua District Council welcomed the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Board’s confirmation that the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway will proceed to construction with key design features reinstated.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the decision is a clear and powerful response to strong local and regional advocacy.
“This is a significant and very welcome moment for Horowhenua,” says Mayor Wanden.
“It’s not just a good outcome, it’s the right outcome. It reflects the strength of our community’s collective voice and the effectiveness of Council’s long-standing advocacy to ensure this project lives up to its original promises of safety, efficiency and regional connection.”
Following extensive public concern over earlier proposed design changes, NZTA Board has confirmed it will reinstate several critical features of the original expressway design, including:
- A grade-separated interchange at Tararua Road in Levin;
- A southbound onramp at Taylors Road, connecting to the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway;
- A vehicle overbridge at Manakau Heights, ensuring safe access for residents across the new highway.
“These features were not optional. They were essential to community safety, connectivity, and trust,” says Mayor Wanden. “The reinstatement of the Manakau bridge in particular is a win for every person who stood up and said: our safety matters, our voice matters. And I want to say, you were heard.”
Mayor Wanden extended his sincere thanks to the NZTA Board for listening and responding to community feedback, and to Ōtaki MP Tim Costley for his strong support and consistent advocacy throughout the process.
“Council has been at the table since this project was first conceived in 2012, through governments, delays, and shifting budgets. At every step, we’ve advocated constructively for an expressway that reflects the needs and realities of our district. I’m proud of our role, and I’m even prouder of the people of Horowhenua who never gave up on this project, or on each other.”
He also acknowledged the patience of the public as discussions progressed and concerns were worked through.
“We understand people were frustrated, even disillusioned at times, but this outcome shows what’s possible when a community comes together and speaks with clarity and conviction. It’s a win not just for us, but for future generations who will benefit from this safer, more resilient corridor.”
The Ō2NL project is part of the Government’s Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme and a priority under the current Government Policy Statement on land transport. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
Horowhenua District Council remains a committed delivery partner alongside NZTA and iwi representatives, including Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga.
“This expressway will be a vital piece of infrastructure — connecting communities, boosting resilience, and enabling the growth areas like Tara-Ika to thrive,” says Mayor Wanden. “It’s a major step forward for our region — and today, we celebrate it together.”
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