BUDGET LEAVES A POTHOLE IN ROAD MAINTENANCE FUNDING

By Simeon Brown,

LABOUR’S RECENT BUDGET REVEALS A DISREGARD FOR road maintenance, with funding for State Highway and local road maintenance seeing significant cuts through the National Land Transport Programme.

This programme is what NZTA uses to set out its plan for the National Land Transport Fund, which is paid for by Kiwi motorists through the taxes they pay at the pump and through road user charges.

I have always been clear on my position on the National Land Transport Fund – if road users are paying for it then it should primarily serve and benefit these road users. However, despite this fund being paid by those who use our roads, the government has dramatically cut funding from the National Land Transport Fund toward both State Highway and local road maintenance.

Through Budget 2023, State Highway maintenance funding has been reduced by $164 million, while local road maintenance has faced a staggering decrease of $314 million. This amounts to a 25% reduction in maintenance funding for State highways and a 40% reduction for local roads, revealing that the government’s priorities are clearly not where they need to be.

The results of these reductions in road maintenance funding are a cause for concern. As road maintenance funding decreases, Kiwi commuters can expect to encounter more potholes and deteriorating road conditions.

Earlier this year, I received data from NZTA that showed that over 54,000 potholes needed repairing last year alone. These hazards pose as threats to road safety and increase the likelihood of accidents, potentially resulting in injuries or even loss of life.

However, it is not just safety that is a concern. These reductions in road maintenance funding will also lead to disruptions in travel and connectivity for our regions. Many communities around New Zealand rely on our State Highway and local road network for essential services.

Neglecting these networks will impede economic growth, access to important services for some of our most vulnerable, and hinder emergency response times.

The currently suspended Transport Minister’s response to these reductions have been evasive at best. While Michael Wood disputed the figures, he failed to disclose the actual funding allocation for road maintenance. This lack of transparency is concerning and flies in the face of any claim that this is the most open and transparent government.

National has always been clear with New Zealanders when it comes to our view on road maintenance funding. By refocusing budget allocations on vital road maintenance needs, we would ensure the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of our State Highway and local road networks.

This begins with increasing efficiency and productivity in our economy by focusing on infrastructure projects that matter most to New Zealanders, not vanity transport projects like Auckland light rail.

I recently received a copy of a survey by the Automotive Association that showed that 71% of New Zealanders believe that fixing road surfaces is a priority and something that they would like to see the government do more of. As we approach the election in October, I look forward to continuing to meet with Kiwi motorists and the wider transport sector around the country. Your concerns are important and must be listened to.

New Zealand is a great place to live and work, however right now we face many challenges, especially on our roads. National is committed to addressing these challenges and will restore fiscal discipline back to transport spending. T&D