There's mixed reactions by Local Auckland tribes, to a proposed new eastern bypass of the Southern Motorway to Drury.
Independent Commissioners have recommended that Auckland Transport (AT) upgrade the Redoubt-Mill Road corridor of the 32 km highway, which will involve bulldozing 1500 square metres of native bush and 59 homes.
AT had been consulting with mana whenua since 2012 on the project. This included Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ākitai Waiohua and Ngāti Paoa.
Ngāti Tamaoho Trust Board Spokesperson, Hero Potini says, "The removal of native Totara trees at Chessman Bush, is a concern for them."
Potini says they are also concerned that the bypass is encroaching into their rural urban boundaries.
Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Chair, James Brown says, "We neither consent nor oppose the proposed bypass, because we understand the need for it. We are frequent users of the corridor."
Brown says that at the moment it’s not affecting any remnant or wāhi tapu (sacred site). However local tribes must be able to mitigate and give cultural advice.
AT will announce their decision by May. All affected landowners and submitters will then have 15 working days to lodge an appeal to the Environment Court.
