Homeowners say highway proposal has put lives on hold

By STUART DYE

Scores of homeowners say their lives have been put on hold by plans that could lead to their houses being bulldozed to clear a path for a new motorway.

Manukau residents say proposals for the $460 million Eastern Transport Corridor have left them in limbo while they wait to hear whether they will be forced to leave their homes.

Opus International Consultants, planning specialists acting on behalf of Transit New Zealand and the Auckland and Manukau city councils, yesterday launched the first in a series of public consultations on the plans. But residents in Pakuranga say they have been stuck since the proposals were first tabled in August last year.

Jason Wathne, spokesman for Homeowners of Ti Rakau, said as many as 200 residents were unable to renovate or improve their homes.

The 32-year-old engineer, who is married with an 18-month-old child, said scores of families were unable to sell their homes or plan their lives until the issue was resolved.

Despite the initial proposal being touted nine months ago, the plans at yesterday's consultation still remained nothing more than a line on the map.

Mr Wathne said: "The hardest thing is having to wait. No improvements can be made to homes because they could be worthless in the space of a year.

"Most of the people here are average families. They have to maintain their homes but it is a case of doing the minimum because our lives have effectively been put on hold."

The houses in question are mainly three-bedroom properties with price tags of up to $230,000.

Mr Wathne emphasised that his group was not against the transport corridor, but wanted a fair deal for the people affected.

He added: "We know we can't fight this but we want to work with them to get the best deal for our families.

"This consultation seems to be just a vehicle for feedback and we need to know when they will divulge information."

A strategy study was prepared this year on the need for a new transport route to link Auckland and Manukau cities through the eastern suburbs.

Opus chiefs say the plan is to develop the corridor as a "multi-mode transport facility", which will cater for passenger transport, road vehicles, cycling and walking.

They insist that no plan is favoured yet, but say they want the public's input to help find a solution to the present problems and support future growth.

Herald Feature: Getting Auckland moving

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* Freephone Hotline 0800 100-848.

* Consultation Days: Saturday, June 7, noon to 6pm at Panmure Community Centre, 1 Pilkington Rd, Panmure.

Monday, June 9, 4pm-8pm at Pakuranga Baptist Church, Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Downs.

Tuesday, June 10, noon to 6pm at ASB Stadium, corner of Kepa and Kohimarama Rds, Kohimarama.

Wednesday, June 11, 4pm-8pm at Royal Akarana Yacht Club, The Landing, Okahu Bay, Orakei.