New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is proposing a new highway running through the Horowhenua district from Otaki to the North of Levin.

This new highway is proposed to be 24 kilometres long and four lanes wide and will include a new walking and cycling path. The preferred alignment of the highway runs from Otaki, through Manakau, Kuku, Ohau and to the north of Levin where it will connect to the existing SH1.

The Otaki to North of Levin project is the northernmost section of the Wellington Northern Corridor and is being built to improve safety and improve the transport network in the Otaki and Levin areas and the wider region.

More information on the preliminary concept designs and maps showing the preferred alignment for the Otaki to north of Levin highway can be found here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/wellington-northern-corridor/otaki-to-north-of-levin/o2nl-proposed-new-highway/maps/

Timeline of the project

The planning and designing of the hew highway is already underway. In December 2021 NZTA announced the preferred alignment for the highway.

The project is due to be completed in the following stages:

April – May 2022

  • The public was given an opportunity to give feedback on the proposed highway before the necessary consents are lodged.

Mid 2022

  • NZTA will begin active property acquisitions for land that will be affected by the construction of the new highway.
  • Resource Management Act consent applications will be lodged for processing.

2023 – 2024

  • Consent hearings will be held and approvals obtained. The detailed design of the highway will be confirmed and construction readiness phases will begin.

2025

  • Construction is set to commence in 2025.

2029

  • Construction of the highway is estimated to be complete in 2029.

Who will this project affect?

The new proposed highway will impact property that is located along the preferred route in the areas of Otaki, Manakau, Kuku, Ohau and Levin.

NZTA will need to acquire land under the Public Works Act if a property, or part of a property, is required for the project.

NZTA is set to announce in mid-2022 land requirement plans which will set out the land that is needed for building, operating and maintaining the new highway.

How can Thorn Law help?

Thorn Law regularly provides legal services to landowners who are affected by land acquisitions under the Public Works Act.

We can help you by representing you in relation to Public Works Act matters and help you understand your rights in relation to the compulsory acquisition of your land.

If your property is impacted by the Otaki to North of Levin Expressway project or any other acquisition of land under the Public Works Act, please contact us.