Loretta and Brian Johnstone at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
A Pāpāmoa business owner warns a planned toll at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange could place added pressure on local families, workers and firms already facing rising costs.
Loretta Johnstone, who owns and operates Mitre 10 Pāpāmoa with her husband Brian, has launched an online petition calling for the toll to be reconsidered.
The couple are relocating their long-standing store at Gravatt Rd to a new Mitre 10 MEGA development at the Sands in Pāpāmoa East – a major investment expected to create more than 80 jobs and act as an anchor for a growing town centre.
However, Johnstone said the newly approved toll risks undermining that growth.
“This is not about debating toll roads in general,” she said.
“The Pāpāmoa interchange is the only off-ramp on the Tauranga Eastern Link that will be tolled anywhere in New Zealand – and that’s what makes it unfair.”
From late 2026, drivers will pay $1.10 for light vehicles and $2.80 for heavy vehicles between Domain Rd and the interchange, in addition to existing Tauranga Eastern Link tolls.
Johnstone said the cost will quickly add up for residents. “As a mainly commuter community, this impacts people taking kids to school, going to sports, or travelling to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui for work,” she said.
“Families haven’t fully realised the daily cost. Even a short trip could mean multiple toll charges a day.”
She also questioned why similar interchanges elsewhere were not tolled and warned some drivers would avoid the route altogether.
“Why would places like Tauriko, Sandhurst or Hamilton East not be charged to use an off-ramp? It doesn’t make sense that Pāpāmoa East is being singled out.
“There’s already congestion through Te Puke, and that will only get worse as Pāpāmoa East grows,” she said.
“We have staff who will choose to drive through Te Puke rather than pay two tolls each day.”
Johnstone said the toll could also have wider economic implications, particularly for new developments like the Sands.
“As a greenfields site, we’re already planning for gradual growth, but adding a toll creates another barrier and could discourage other retailers from investing in the area,” she said.
“With the rising cost of living, an extra daily cost to get to work is significant. It’s something our team is worried about, and it’s not attractive for people we’re trying to hire.”
She said some loyal customers had already indicated they may not follow the business to its new location because of the toll.
In response, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) regional manager for system design Susan Collins said the second toll point was approved following a full assessment and public consultation process.
More than 3400 submissions were received, with low levels of support, but the NZTA board recommended proceeding. The decision was approved by the Minister of Transport and Cabinet.
“The NZTA board considered the findings from consultation and recommended a second toll point near the Pāpāmoa East Interchange,” Collins said.
“Tolling enabled the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link to be brought forward and ensures all users contribute to the road they are using.”
Tauranga City Council infrastructure portfolio manager Chris Barton said the council had not been a party in decision-making on tolling, nor received any revenue from the tolls.
“Tauranga City Council made a submission [to NZTA during the consultation period]. In summary, Tauranga City Council acknowledges the need for fairness in tolling for anyone using (part of) the Tauranga Eastern Link but advocated for a lower toll fee. Tauranga City Council also raised concerns around consistency in tolling," Barton said.
He said the council acknowledged inclusion of a toll will factor into user route choices.
“Whilst some users may choose the free route rather than the toll route, we do anticipate some users will choose the faster tolled route. Opening of the interchange still provides an improved outcome and options compared to before the interchange was in place.”
Collins said the additional toll point would ensure all users contribute fairly, regardless of where they enter the route.
“Those who benefit from improved access and reduced travel times should share in the cost, rather than relying solely on national funding or existing toll payers.”
She said tolling provides an important revenue stream for transport infrastructure and helps deliver projects sooner, while free alternative routes remain available via local roads through Pāpāmoa and Te Puke.
Johnstone, however, maintained that the policy placed an unfair burden on the local community.
“This is an additional cost that falls disproportionately on Pāpāmoa residents and businesses,” she said.
“If people oppose the toll, I encourage them to sign the petition so their voices can be heard.”