Local representatives of the National Party are weighing in on the proposed transport package announced this week.

The party’s Transport for the Future Plan aims to deliver new roads of national significance, better public transport along with rebuild regions, and improve resilience.

“National’s comprehensive, nationwide transport plan will deliver more reliable options so New Zealanders can get to where they want to faster and spend more time doing what they love,” says Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell.

“Road congestion is one of the main issues people raise with me. State Highway 29 is the most important road in the region, feeding into the Port and freeing up housing availability. National’s commitment to upgrading this will make an enormous difference to the region’s future.”

 “Coromandel residents stand to benefit from these projects announced today, with travel times for commuters north of Omokoroa expected to reduce as a result of these congestion busting projects,” says Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.

“The Bay of Plenty is already reaping the benefits of National’s delivered Tauranga Eastern Link and is excited to see a continued commitment to the region. National’s commitment to delivering stage two of the Takitimu Northern Link from Te Puna to Omokoroa will help people get to work and their kids to school faster,” says Bay of Plenty National Party candidate Tom Rutherford.

“The Tauranga Eastern Link delivered by National has significantly freed up congestion between Tauranga and Whakatane through the Bay of Plenty region. National knows how to deliver roading infrastructure, and these projects announced today will accelerate the wider Bay of Plenty.” 

Stage two of the Takitimu Northern Link will be funded through the National Land Transport Fund and additional Crown capital, while the Tauriko at State Highway 29 upgrade will be funded through new innovative value capture and cost recovery funding mechanisms from the greenfield housing development opportunities it will unlock.  

“This is part of National’s comprehensive nationwide transport package that will slash congestion, unlock housing growth, boost productivity and lift incomes,” Mr Uffindell says. 

“National has a proud track record of delivering high-quality transport projects to drive positive economic and social outcomes for New Zealand. National delivered the Waikato Expressway, Transmission Gully, Puhoi to Warkworth, the Christchurch Motorways and electrified the Auckland Rail Network,” says Simpson.

The Bay of Plenty transport package includes:

• Delivering stage two of the Takitimu Northern Link from Te Puna to Omokoroa.  
• Upgrading State Highway 29 around Tauriko into a grade separated, four lane road to improve transit times and accommodate extensive housing growth.