Tunnel vision if hole in the hill allowed to proceed

Plans to build a private tunnel through some of this country’s most spectacular wilderness areas should never have been allowed to get as far as they have, Labour’s Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

“The project was mooted six years ago. Why it has now been given the green light is beyond me.

“To say building this tunnel - between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks - will improve the quality of the tourist experience is nonsense,” Ruth Dyson said.

“The existing Milford Road is recognised as being one of the most scenic in New Zealand. A tunnel can’t compete with that. A tunnel will never be a tourism draw-card,” Ruth Dyson said.

“This is a money-making venture for a private company. It means operators will be able to move more people through an area faster, reducing the length of time they stay in the region.

“The developers have said building the tunnel would not cause a huge environmental impact and would cut down exhaust emissions. It will not enhance the conservation values of the area in any way. The majority of locals don’t want it, and it should not be allowed to proceed,” Ruth Dyson said.

Public submissions on the proposal are now being sought.

“Something like this could quite easily set a precedent. I would urge everyone to make their views known to the Department of Conservation before submissions close,” Ruth Dyson said.