6612 (2024). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

6612 (2024). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Does the Minister agree with then Opposition Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown when he said in the NZ Herald in reference to Auckland “We are a city on an isthmus, a very constrained geographical place. That means we have to invest in our roading infrastructure…” and if so, what, if any, advice has he received that building more roads on a constrained geographical area is the most efficient form of transport investment?

Hon Simeon Brown: Auckland will require a mix of transport investment. I have signalled my transport priorities for Auckland through the Government Policy Statement 2024. Maintaining the existing transport network is key. In addition, investment in new roading infrastructure and large public transport projects is required. The public transport project priorities are the completion of the Eastern Busway, development of a Northwest busway, completion of the City Rail Link and the Airport to Botany busway. I have also signalled that completing Auckland’s rail network rebuild programme is a priority for this Government.