Simon Arcus: Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO on the new tunnels in Wellington

A Wellington business leader says new tunnels in the capital can't come soon enough. 

The Government's ruling out a mega-tunnel between The Terrace and Kilbirnie, following revelations it would have cost $8 billion. 

It's instead opting for a second Mount Victoria tunnel and second Terrace tunnel. 

Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus told Mike Hosking it's good to have a decision being made. 

He says this will solve a lot of problems around congestion. 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Seem to have the final call on Wellington's tunnel drama.
Second one we got here, we got a second mount
Vic and we've got a terrace tunnel. So we've got
a couple of tunnels. Next stop the investment case, which
will be longer than a tunnel that'll be presented to
the NZTA by midnext year. Business Central CEO Simon archisas
with us, Simon morning.

Speaker 2 (00:17):
Good morning, make how very well?

Speaker 1 (00:18):
Indeed, thank you a couple of tunnels that suit you absolutely.

Speaker 2 (00:22):
It's just good to have a decision made. And part
of me looks at it and thinks, I know it's
a big job. It's one point two k worth of
with a road to build, and let's get on with it.

Speaker 1 (00:32):
Yeah, can we get on with it? Are we capable
of getting on with it?

Speaker 2 (00:36):
I think we're capable if we leave it with the
Minister and ZTA. I think City Council's proven it's got
other things to focus on at the moment, So yep,
we'll get it done. We've got to get it done, mate.

Speaker 1 (00:46):
How future proofed are these two options or these two tunnels?

Speaker 2 (00:51):
Look, I think one of the things that solves a
lot of problems of today with congestion. But the reality
is that we're going to need those tunnels in time,
and of course you build for the future. Well, you know,
the other interesting thing about it for me is that
it helps Speakle even for the hut because if you
think about that now wronger through to the airport ten
minutes after, it's just the whole flow of the city improves.

Speaker 1 (01:12):
Yeah, they sad yesterday one of the models, and who
believes models, but one of the models suggested that if
they didn't do it, that no wrong, a link to
the airport would increase traffic or increase time by fifty percent.
Would you broadly agree with that?

Speaker 2 (01:23):
I would broadly agree with it. And I'll tell you
the other interesting thing is that development that's going on
Latle Bay with Roomen to be going on to peditecks,
and I mean, if that goes ahead, you could have hotels,
you get a retail. That whole part of the city
might be much much more busy than it is right
now in years to come. And this development, particularly the
roads would be excellent for.

Speaker 1 (01:43):
That good stuff. Simon, go well with it, and we'll
talk again when it's built, which will be over many,
many many years. Simon arcus I mean, am I wrong?
Or am I wrong? For more from the Mic Asking Breakfast,
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