Rotorua road project gets hot reaction

The proposed Rotorua Eastern Arterial project has some local residents up in arms, and yesterday saw them protest at an open day for the project.
Ngapuna resident Irihapeti Wineera said they weren't happy with the options that had been presented to them.
In June, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) began a feasibility study into the possibility of building a new through-road from Rotorua's eastern suburbs through to the city's southern exit.
The proposed project aims to develop a way to reduce travel times and improve safety for all road users travelling around and through the eastern suburbs of Rotorua.
Yesterday, residents had the chance to give their opinion during an open day at Whakarewarewa Rugby Club.
Mrs Wineera was one of the concerned residents who attended.
With fellow residents, she lined up on Te Ngae Rd and protested in a bid to create awareness.
With signs saying things like "RDC stop stealing our land", Mrs Wineera said "if they want to play hardball then so will we".
She said if they went ahead with the project they would be like "ripping the soul out of their land".
"To me, that's what they would be doing to us," she said.
Mrs Wineera said and they were now considering their next move.
"We're prepared to fight all the way."
Eastside resident Clair Calcutt, said she was concerned because her family home was only three doors down from the road.
She said if the proposed changes went ahead it would be a lot noisier and it would block the end of their road off.
This would mean they would have to make a detour to get in and out.
"I understand why they're doing it, but surely there are other options," she said.
Despite the backlash, Bay of Plenty State Highway manager for NZTA Rod James said they were really pleased with the turnout.
"There was a lot more people than we expected," he said.
Mr James said was great to be able to ask the community what they thought as people had a range of views.
He said the main thing they wanted to get across was that the project was just in its early stages.
"They're not fully designed options yet."