Why should we care what happens in Auckland? In my view the rest of the country plays second fiddle to Auckland government politicians, and we should be horrified with the Government's announcement of the multibillion light rail to Auckland airport. We were told it was to speed up access to the airport, now we hear the rail will stop at various stops on the way – no longer a fast trip to the airport. What a muddle.

The problem is, if the Government continues to go ahead with this pet project costing billions and billions of dollars, the rest of New Zealand roading network where population growth areas are occurring, will have to make do with poor roading networks designed for the 1970s. Improving roads for the incredible number of car owners in New Zealand should be the priority. Instead, removing Te Puna to Omokoroa off the 10-year plan, and now we have to beg to even get improvements to that dangerous SH2 intersection.

How I wish government actually planned transport for the whole country, instead of these unaffordable pet projects dreamed up without proper financial implications, and no consideration of the impact of the needs of the rest of New Zealand.

M Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.