The couple are relocating their long-standing store at Gravatt Rd to a new Mitre 10 MEGA development at the Sands in P\u0101p\u0101moa East \u2013 a major investment expected to create more than 80 jobs and act as an anchor for a growing town centre.<\/p>\n
However, Johnstone said the newly approved toll risks undermining that growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not about debating toll roads in general,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe P\u0101p\u0101moa interchange is the only off-ramp on the Tauranga Eastern Link that will be tolled anywhere in New Zealand \u2013 and that\u2019s what makes it unfair.\u201d<\/p>\n
From late 2026, drivers will pay $1.10 for light vehicles and $2.80 for heavy vehicles between Domain Rd and the interchange, in addition to existing Tauranga Eastern Link tolls.<\/p>\n
![\"Brian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XCPGG6RPRJA3TOPGGEWM5RXXOU.jpg\")
\nBrian and Loretta Johnstone are relocating their long-standing store at Gravatt Rd to a new Mitre 10 MEGA development at the Sands in P\u0101p\u0101moa East. Photo \/ Kelly O\u2019Hara<\/p>\n
Johnstone said the cost will quickly add up for residents. \u201cAs a mainly commuter community, this impacts people taking kids to school, going to sports, or travelling to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui for work,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFamilies haven\u2019t fully realised the daily cost. Even a short trip could mean multiple toll charges a day.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also questioned why similar interchanges elsewhere were not tolled and warned some drivers would avoid the route altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would places like Tauriko, Sandhurst or Hamilton East not be charged to use an off-ramp? It doesn\u2019t make sense that P\u0101p\u0101moa East is being singled out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s already congestion through Te Puke, and that will only get worse as P\u0101p\u0101moa East grows,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have staff who will choose to drive through Te Puke rather than pay two tolls each day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnstone said the toll could also have wider economic implications, particularly for new developments like the Sands.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a greenfields site, we\u2019re already planning for gradual growth, but adding a toll creates another barrier and could discourage other retailers from investing in the area,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the rising cost of living, an extra daily cost to get to work is significant. It\u2019s something our team is worried about, and it\u2019s not attractive for people we\u2019re trying to hire.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said some loyal customers had already indicated they may not follow the business to its new location because of the toll.<\/p>\n
In response, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) regional manager for system design Susan Collins said the second toll point was approved following a full assessment and public consultation process.<\/p>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HS3PERPJTRC6HEWLP74EJD7FQU.jpg\")
\nFrom late 2026, drivers will pay tolls between Domain Rd and the P\u0101p\u0101moa East Interchange in addition to existing Tauranga Eastern Link tolls.<\/p>\n
More than 3400 submissions were received, with low levels of support, but the NZTA board recommended proceeding. The decision was approved by the Minister of Transport and Cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NZTA board considered the findings from consultation and recommended a second toll point near the P\u0101p\u0101moa East Interchange,\u201d Collins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTolling enabled the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link to be brought forward and ensures all users contribute to the road they are using.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tauranga City Council infrastructure portfolio manager Chris Barton said the council had not been a party in decision-making on tolling, nor received any revenue from the tolls.<\/p>\n