Antony Young, Chair of Horowhenua New Zealand Trust and long-time advocate of the “Build Our Road” campaign, and has spent the past eight years championing the region’s need for safer and more connected transport routes.
He welcomed the recent announcement on 19th June 2025 of the Boards decision, saying: “Horowhenua has secured a significant infrastructure victory, with NZTA confirming the reinstatement of three critical components in the Ōtaki to North Levin (Ō2NL) Expressway project.”
These changes include:
The new highway connection with Tararua Road in Levin, which will be a grade-separated interchange
The southern connection, near Taylors Road, will include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki
The local road at Manakau Heights will be connected across the new highway via a bridge
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden welcomed the announcement, calling it “not just a good outcome – it’s the right outcome.”
“These changes reflect a clear and powerful response to the community’s voice. They restore safety, connectivity, and long-term value for Horowhenua and the wider region,” said Mayor Wanden.
The updated plans reinforce the government’s commitment to delivering a resilient and future-ready transport corridor that will support regional growth, improve road safety, and reduce travel times.
Two alliances were appointed in 2023 to design and construct the 24-kilometre expressway and associated infrastructure:
South of the Ōhau River: Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca, and Tonkin + Taylor
North of the Ōhau River: Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP, and Aurecon
Construction of the Ō2NL Expressway is set to begin in late 2025, with completion anticipated by 2029. The inclusion of the cycling and walking path also provides long-term benefits for active transport and community connectivity.
The reinstated infrastructure elements ensure the project will better serve Horowhenua’s needs today and into the future, delivering not only a safer road but a more connected region.
