"They had spent a lot of money getting a report done in 2012, they've sat on it for five years and now we've got another set of proposals and we're entering into a consultative process over 13 options. Puzzled - we'll just have to see the detail behind those?
"It's hard for people to make a rational comment if they don't see the business case or the costings of all the options. It does leave me wondering how sincere they are about some of the options.
It has me wondering if they haven't already ruled out a number of options and they are going through an exercise here which is more about being seen to be consulting with the public, more about going through a communications strategy to make people feel like they have played a constructive part in the consultation process.
"There's not the detail that allows people to come to an informed opinion around any of the options. It's like a Facebook competition where you look at the map and "like" one of the options but you have no data with which to make any sort of assessment. I'm a bit intrigued - I have a suspicion they already know which four options they are coming down to. I need to know the background data they are working off."
* Pahiatua accountant and Hall Block landowner Brett Davey: "The meeting gave an opportunity for people who might be affected to have a say - that was quite laudable. The speed at which they are doing things is breathtaking. But when you are undertaking an exercise like this, it has to be fit for purpose, it has to be safe and secure for 1000 years. I had a number of concerns. I wasn't fazed by all the different options.
Some of 400 people who attended the Gorge Options meeting at Woodville.
The meeting gave an opportunity for people who might be affected to have a say - that was quite laudable. The speed at which they are doing things is breathtaking.
I would have been more concerned if NZTA only came with two or three. Some comments from the public were valid, some were nonsense, most people though, were genuinely concerned. I talked to NZTA members after the meeting and they did have some other ideas but they were expensive and quite risky.
"None of the options from 2012 were up for consideration now. They thought they could make the Gorge fit for purpose. Either tunnel option may be a good option as they would have a 1000-year feel about them. We do not want a road that will only be good for 100 years and maybe kill someone. It has to be fit for purpose. The box cut option would be environmentally unacceptable.
¦ Tararua mayor Tracey Collis: "It was a very positive meeting, similar in turnout to the first meeting with about 400 people attending. NZTA demonstrated that they were listening and taking on board any suggestions and comments.
"I'm really looking forward to coming to the open days. It's really important for residents of Tararua to take part in the social pinpoint and have their say. It's unusual for the public to be able to have input to works like this. People are so passionate about it. We've had the pain with the Gorge before. At the same time we all love the Gorge. It's a really significant road and area through the Tararua District.
"Social media has created a new environment - people want to be involved and use Dr Google and find out that knowledge. They want to be part of the process. This is the first time NZTA has experienced it at this level.
"They've stepped up to the plate. They're embracing it really well, using new technology. They are putting a full effort into this.
"It's the first time I've seen the southern options from the maps. You can't see the roads on a tablet but if you look on a computer you can see the roads clearly. I'd like to understand it a bit more. It was interesting to hear the public discussion about viaducts and tunnels and hear some of those thoughts.
"NZTA highway manager Ross I'Anson said they were open to any more options. The avalanche shelters idea was put through by a resident in our area. This will be a great process to watch going through."
