Members of the Hastings District Council banned media from filming the consultation hui with local iwi held at Ruahapia Marae.
In 2001 a bid by the Hastings District Council to build a different road called the Northern Arterial route was taken to the Privy Council after Māori land owners objected and it was rejected due to impact on Māori land.
It was a long and expensive lesson for the council, so this time around they have consulted extensively with Māori, and are avoiding all Māori land and sacred sites in the design.
The proposal would see a new 3.5km road that would act as a roading network through the Whakatu industrial area, reducing freight traffic issues in the area.