Media Statement from Carol Beaumont, Member of Parliament

Commencing motorway extensions without real commitment to restoring the Onehunga foreshore shows appalling lack of political courage and a complete indifference to local community views, says Labour MP Carol Beaumont.

"The Onehunga foreshore was taken from the people of Auckland in the 1970s by the failure to undertake agreed mitigation when the motorway was initially constructed.  The current extension of State Highway 20 provides an historic opportunity to restore the Onehunga foreshore and create a better environment for the people of Onehunga and Auckland generally," Carol Beaumont said

"The Community Board and The Onehunga Enhancement Society (TOES), supported by local people, have worked tirelessly to develop a plan to restore the foreshore and create a much needed recreational space in this strategic location and to get the relevant parties --- New Zealand Transport Agency, Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council --- to support this plan."

Carol Beaumont said she applauded the efforts of all parties to try to play their part. "We seem so close to a solution, but with work commencing with no agreed and resourced plan we are facing the unthinkable --- the status quo, which is a completely destroyed foreshore with no recreational value or visual quality.

"There is an obligation to finish the mitigation work that was promised to the people of Onehunga when the existing motorway was created in the 1970s. There is strong local support for the restoration as part of a wider development of this area.  There is also a commitment to taking whatever action necessary to ensure this opportunity is not lost this time," Carol Beaumont said. 

"I think all elected representatives need to show clearly how they will support the plan for an 11 hectare reserve and what they are doing to ensure the plan is co-ordinated and put in place.

"Local people will be protesting today and I know there is the real likelihood of legal action being initiated.  I support these actions and I will continue to stand alongside the local community to achieve a just outcome," Carol Beaumont said.

Contact: Carol Beaumont 027 2757374.