Locals prepared to block State Highway 2 to push upgrades

Sean Lett and Andrew Hollis held a meeting in Te Puna last night to discuss protest ideas to see work done on State Highway 2. Photo/Andrew Warner

Protest ideas, including potential road blockades, were laid down at a meeting last night where residents want upgrades to State Highway 2 given a higher priority.

Te Puna businessman Sean Lett said more than 120 people attended the informal meeting at Top Shot Bar in Te Puna.

Lett said a softer approach of making sure as many submissions were made to the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan 2018 and writing to roading officials, including WorkSafe, were the first port of call.

However, he said getting to the "pointy end" of the ideas meant locals were prepared to make "multiple blockades" on State Highway 2 if necessary.

Comments about the potential blocking of State Highway 2 have surfaced on social media where people have asked organisers to not block the road because it would affect people's daily lives including getting to work.

Lett was frustrated to hear these responses.

"These are the people who need to come and help us. I own five businesses and I would be blocking my own staff from getting to work.

"That is the point."

Lett said although more than 120 people attended the meeting there were more than 300 apologies from people who could not attend.

A broad range of people gave their opinions on the best course of action including lawyers, agricultural workers, kiwifruit orchardists, retirees and family-oriented people, Lett said.

"There was a real cross-section of the community."

A petition set up by Western Bay residents has gathered more than 3000 signatures.