Rotorua has “jumped the line” and got funding for what the Government says will make a busy road safer and open up land for new business and local jobs.
A $3.46 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, announced today, will fund traffic lights at a four-way intersection at Rotorua’s Eastgate Business Park, near Rotorua Airport.
The intersection will be at the junction of State Highway 30 and Wahanga-A-Rangi Cres.
The money has come from a different pot after a funding standoff between Rotorua Lakes Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
NZTA preferred a dual-laned roundabout estimated to cost $10m, while the council had a tender for a $3.2m four-way signalised intersection.
NZTA wouldn’t pay for it any time soon, saying there was not enough traffic in the area to justify the investment and the council was forced to look at funding its preferred option through debt at ratepayers’ cost.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said Rotorua had asked for the roading upgrade for about 10 years. Thanks to advocacy by the council and Rotorua MP Todd McClay to the Regional Infrastructure Fund, it was able to get the money quicker in a different way.
“We have been able to jump the line ... We are lucky this Government has backed us to do that, like we said for jobs and the economy but also, very importantly, safety,” Tapsell said.
McClay said State Highway 30 was the main route to Tauranga and its port.
“Trucks, locals and visitors use it every day and getting in and out at the airport is not always safe,” he said.
“Opening up land around the airport for business also means new jobs for Rotorua people, close to home.
McClay said land on both sides of the road was suitable for light commercial and retail, with the potential for shops and a future supermarket.
The MP said the council “owns a lot of land at the airport that isn’t being used well. Good access means they can develop it and get a rental or other return for ratepayers”.
McClay said Tauranga was New Zealand’s busiest port, and the land could attract businesses to Rotorua that wanted quick and easy access to export markets.
McClay said the project sat low on NZTA’s priority list and leaving Rotorua Lakes Council to foot the bill would have put an unreasonable financial burden on ratepayers.
He said the Government had funded five major road projects and now every entrance to the city was upgraded.
“People coming into our city, from all directions, now get a safer road. That’s taken a lot of work and our city is the better for it.”
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop made the funding announcement today.
Jones said safe, suitable access to Eastgate would support development at the site and future-proof the wider area for more growth.
“This investment reflects the Regional Infrastructure Fund’s focus on backing practical regional infrastructure that unlocks economic opportunities.”
Bishop said building one road intersection to serve both business parks was the most practical approach.
“It will serve existing businesses while providing for the airport business park as it develops,” Bishop said.
Rotorua Business Chamber chief executive Melanie Short said this was “very good news” for Rotorua as this type of infrastructure was “pivotal” to improving traffic flow and productivity.
“This will open up land and opportunities for future development and investment, which is what Rotorua needs to continue to grow. Well done to all parties involved in getting to this point – I know there have been a lot of discussions over many years and that perseverance has paid off.”
Rotorua Airport chief executive Nicole Brewer said she was “thrilled” with news that highway developments alongside the airport would receive funding sooner rather than later.
“The four-way intersection is a critical priority for the growth and development of the Eastside community, as well as future site development plans at the airport.
“Enabling infrastructure like this must come ahead of development, as it gives public and private developers certainty and confidence about future investment.
“The first stage of the airport’s site development was planned specifically around the fact we did not have certainty regarding the intersection. However, the intersection is a key priority for our wider site development programme.”
She said the airport master plan unlocked several economic and social benefits for the entire city, including opportunities for the local community, economy and iwi, including the creation of new jobs.
“For all of these reasons, this funding development is welcome and exciting for the airport and wider Rotorua.”
The project will be managed by Rotorua Lakes Council. Construction is expected to begin in the next few months, subject to final confirmation and contractors being secured.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 30 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.