The future of Foxton:
Highway’s promise to drive more traffic through town
A small North Island town is bracing for growth as a new highway, designed to be safer and more resilient than the last, promises to drive people to the area.
The Ōtaki to North of Levin highway is scheduled to be completed by 2029, and designed to loop traffic around Levin and back onto the highway south of Foxton.
The district’s mayor says it will spur economic growth while linking vital transport routes, and support what is already a desirable town.
The infrastructure project was yet to receive the green light from the new Government, but in May then Transport Minister Michael Wood said the road was part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme and they were determined to see it through.
He said $1.5 billion of funding had been committed to the business case, which included a four-lane highway and cycleway.
Construction was to begin in 2025 and many properties had already been purchased along the highway’s proposed route during an acquisition period.
The importance of the new road was reinforced by the fact the existing network was one of the worst in the area.
In the five years to 2017, there were 49 deaths or serious injuries.
Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said it was an exciting time for the area as it experienced “strong growth”.
He said people were drawn to the region for its “natural beauty”, and it appealed to both families and individuals.
“Once the Ōtaki to North of Levin highway has been completed, Foxton will be the first town on State Highway 1 for people driving north from Wellington or the last stop before getting to Wellington when travelling south.
“This combined with the growing population will continue to help make Foxton a very desirable location to establish businesses that support the local community and visitors.”
Council predictions estimated more than 130,548 people would call the region home by 2040, with about 500 additional dwellings needed in Foxton alone.
New businesses were also popping up, with shops such as clothing label Salt and Honey opening, as well as a new Robert Harris cafe under construction.
Owners Karyn Parker and Veronique Read, a mother and daughter duo who have lived in the town for more than 20 years, said they knew the highway would be an amazing location, especially with the changes to come.
“We are very excited and eager to bring more energy to Foxton, and bring more people from different regions and cultures into town,” Read said.
“We are hoping to see a lot of summer road-trippers stop in on their way past. We want more people to know how amazing our hometown is.”
The pair worked at the Laughing Fox, which was located further up SH1, but that had closed down about 10 years ago.
Ever since, they had dreamed of owning a cafe. “Working there let us get to know our locals so well we would remember their orders and have them ready when they arrived. We also saw so much of the community come together there.
“We wanted to bring something we loved back to our community, as well as finally live out our dream.”
The business opens seven days a week from November 30.
Waka Kotahi was working on improving SH1 for those coming off the new highway with a number of projects under way.
Along that piece of road, between 2018 and 2022, there were 122 crashes, which lead to five deaths and 20 serious injuries.
A roundabout at the intersection with Waitārere Beach Rd would be installed, as well as painted wide centrelines, roadside and median barriers, and new turnaround facilities.
Waka Kotahi was also seeking feedback on a proposed variable speed limit of 60kph outside Poroutawhao School as part of the nationwide Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan.
Wanden said community involvement was also crucial when it came to making any decisions about Foxton.
“Now is the time for the Foxton community to work together to make the community the best it can be.
“Our aim is to preserve what is special to each community, support projects important to each community, while ensuring we leverage the strength of the entire Horowhenua district.”
What that looked like in the future was still to be decided.
The council is seeking feedback on the town at three planning sessions on Monday at Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom at 10.30am, 2pm and 5.30pm. Each will run for about 90 minutes. To RSVP, email: foxton.futures@horowhenua.govt.nz