OIA24 -323 - Appendix two
From:
Councillor Diane Calvert
To:
Simeon Brown (MIN); Brian Anderton
Subject:
Thorndon Quay Project (WCC and NZTA)
Date:
09 July 2024 14:02:08
Attachments:
2024 07 09 Letter to NZTA re Thorndon Quay.pdf
Good afternoon Minister and Brian
As I and others have previously communicated with you around a number of WCC transport
projects (partially funded through NZTA), I am sending you a copy of a letter provided to NZTA
today, for your information. We have also sent a similar letter (in terms of content) to WCC, CEO
calling on Ms McKerrow to review the matter.
We initially called upon our Mayor to take the necessary governance oversight into this project
when the matter of 110 year old water pipes under the construction zone became known. Her
response was “
I’m satisfied your questions have been answered in full by officers and that there is
no need to pause construction or commission additional reports.” However our questions were
not addressed satisfactorily and we (along with many Wellingtonians and businesses) remain
very concerned about the design and the imprudent use of both ratepayer and taxpayer funding.
This has been further heightened by additional new public concerns raised due to an
extraordinary number of “speed bumps” incorporated into the design.
Regards
Diane
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P 029 971 8944 | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W
dianecalvert.nz
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under the Official Information Act 1982
Released
9 July 2024
Simon Bridges – Chair, NZTA
Nicole Rosie - Chief Executive, NZTA
By email
Dear Simon and Nicole,
In July 2023, NZTA's board approved the Thorndon Quay/Hutt Road project under the Let’s
Get Wellington Moving programme Thorndon Quay | WCC Transport Projects. However, this
decision sparked controversy primarily due to concerns over the justification of benefits, design
issues, and inadequate engagement with local businesses.
Subsequent developments have revealed a lack of critical oversights and design omissions,
notably the absence of water infrastructure renewal considerations despite the age of pipes
exceeding 110 years.
Wellington's Thorndon Quay business owners fear road upgrade woes far from over | RNZ
‘A disaster unfolding’: Businesses face nine months of Thorndon Quay roadworks | The Post
Water pipe bursts under Wellington woman's car: 'Written off' (1news.co.nz)
Additionally, recent observations have highlighted the installation of five raised signalised
crossings on an 1.8 km stretch of road that has a 30km speed limit, raising concerns over
excessive spending and their appropriateness especially given the location of essential
emergency services nearby, including the main ambulance station (50 metres from the route)
and a central city fire station (on the route). Traffic light crossing bonanza raises hackles | The
Post
Fire and Emergency Wellington have previously told both council and elected members via
submissions that raised pedestrian crossings and speed bumps are increasing the time it takes
for their crews to get to emergency callouts.
Concerns have also been voiced by Greater Wellington Regional Council/ Metlink regarding
under the Official Information Act 1982
raised crossings impacting a major bus route, although there appears to be hesitation in
advocating for a redesign with Wellington City Council.
There are currently two public petitions calling for work to be halted.
Petition: Save Thorndon Quay - Taxpayers' Union
Petition · Halt Thorndon Quay Roadworks until an independent project review is completed. -
Wellington, New Zealand · Change.org
Wellington City Council, while overseeing the project, seems reluctant to acknowledge design
Released
flaws and has not considered pausing to ensure the effective use of the substantial budget
allocated.
Considering NZTA's substantial funding commitment of 51%, we urge you to consider the
widespread and growing concerns expressed by the public, elected members, and other
organisations.
Specifically, we request clarification on NZTA's monitoring of their contribution and the
adherence to best practice roading design to:
•
Address the significant public concerns raised about the design in terms of the raised
crossings (including proposed numbers) and the lack of investment in renewing the
ageing water infrastructure.
•
Ensure the ongoing suitability of the project design.
•
Ensure that construction adheres to agreed-upon specifications.
•
Implement robust quality assurance measures to guarantee the efficacy of NZTA's
contribution and the realisation of anticipated benefits.
Given the significance of the issues, we also suggest you consider an independent review to
consider the above concerns. Such a review could be conducted in conjunction with Wellington
City Council who along with NZTA have been closely involved with this project through design
and funding. It would be appropriate for the project to be paused in the meantime.
Work on this route is currently underway but is not due to be completed until June 2025. We
would appreciate you considering our concerns (and any forthcoming action) as a matter of
urgency.
Regards
Cllr Diane Calvert
Cllr Ray Chung
under the Official Information Act 1982
Cllr Tony Randle
Cllr Nicola Young
Released
Wellington City Council | 2 of 2
Document Outline
