Lead Satements

Robin Potangaroa

"Ngati Kahungunu supports the investigation into a new road over the Remutka Hill to ensure resilience and productivity growth for the region"

Robin Potangaroa
Chair, Ngati Kahungunu

Ashley Lienert

"I agree that this is critical infrastructure needed to support economic growth in New Zealand."

Ashley Lienert
Economist, Treasury

Angela Henry

"With the increased population and growth in the Wairarapa, it was only this week ‘One Roof’ produced its Top 10 list of growth suburbs for future development and investment across NZ, Number 10 on the list went to Masterton. Best value for money, best long term growth opportunities. A new highway will equally support long term employment, first home buyer and investor opportunities. Put in a toll road and let’s keep NZ moving!"

Angela Henry
Team Manager, Ministry of Education

Rob Bremner

"Infrastructure is key to a sustainable and thriving economy. The route from the Wairarapa to Wellington is critical to many businesses. The further development of the route would open further opportunities for growth."

Rob Bremner
VP Customer Experience, SAP

Berend Oldenburger

"A resilient highway corridor is needed through the Remutaka Hill Ranges to connect Wellington with the Wairarapa and East Coastal area. For every time that the current road is closed as a result of poor weather or a deterioration in geological conditions, the surrounding areas are affected drastically economically and socially. This section of State Highway is also a critical link for freight transport from the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa to the Cook Strait Ferry and vice versa. Investing in a long lasting, high quality transport corridor will ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic and freight through the lower North Island whilst providing extra opportunities for economic enhancement to the Wairarapa region for generations to come."

Berend Oldenburger
Traffic Management

Sam Leske

"Star Safari offers a unique stargazing experience in the heart of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. We rely on the SH2 to bring our customers over the hill. Many of our guests travel to Star Safari from Wellington just for the evening and the frequent closure of the road has had an impact on our business. Our region needs a reliable and high quality transport route to and from Wellington so we support efforts in getting SH2 over the Remutaka Hill listed as a road of national significance."

Sam Leske
Owner Milky-Way.Kiwi Ltd

Hari Mogoșanu

"A better road will improve the resilience of the region and would be also a key transport route in the event of natural disasters. It will also increase the amount of visitors to the region contributing to greater economic growth and will make the Dark Sky Reserve more accessible."

Hari Mogoșanu
Executive Director, NZ Astrobiology Network Trust

Chris Gollins

"We must have the certainty of guaranteed connection for the Wairarapa to prosper. The current route’s record of closures and its vulnerability to natural events is farcical."

Chris Gollins
Principal Gollins Commercial

Kohei Koyama

"SH2 is the bloodstream of the NZ economy, which needs more reliability and safety. Protecting the logistics line for Wellington, the capital of NZ, is not only a matter of rural area but also of national security."

Kohei Koyama
Director, Urlar Vineyard

Alistair Plimmer

"As a Councillor on SWDC and a candidate for GWRC I am thrilled to support this endeavour. This road is long past its renewal date if the Wairarapa is to grown and provide real opportunities for growth in the coming years. If elected this will be one of my major priorities to progress.. We should all support this for our future prosperity ."

Alistair Plimmer
Candidate Greater Wellington Regional Council

Karl Lucas

"Make it easier for us to shift oversize loads between the Wairarapa and Wellington areas"

Karl Lucas
Load Pilot, Hawkes Bay Heavy Haulage

Mike Ross

"I fully support the effort to replace the road over the Remutakas for the safety, efficiency, and well-being of our communities. The current route is steep, winding, and hazardous, especially in poor weather, increasing travel time and the risk of accidents. A safer, more direct road would not only make daily commutes easier but also enhance emergency response times, boost local economic activity, and strengthen connections between our towns. Investing in better infrastructure here is a long-overdue step toward a safer and more prosperous future for everyone who relies on this route."

Mike Ross
Director, Holistec Systems

Remutaka Road Action Group

Lead Statements