David Hay calls for Auckland control over transport projects

Media release: 27 June 2016

Mayoral candidate David Hay has condemned a decision by the New Zealand Transport Agency, reported in the New Zealand Herald today, to withdraw support for a rail link from Onehunga to the Airport.

"This rail link is not just about getting passengers to the Airport, it is about providing better transport for the people of Mangere, and to help people get to and from work at the airport and in the surrounding commercial and industrial areas" said Mr Hay.

"Auckland Airport, and the Ascot industrial area to the north of the airport, are major employment centres which lack adequate public transport. Workers in those areas cause most of the traffic congestion on the Airport motorway, especially at peak hours, because they have no option but to drive to and from work."

"Poor public transport also means that residents of Mangere are isolated from the rest of Auckland, and deprived of opportunities for education and employment. This has disastrous social and economic consequences for Auckland and for New Zealand." said Mr Hay.

"Auckland's politicians and planners have developed a long-term strategic plan for Auckland's transport future - it's called the Rapid Transit Network. The Rapid Transport Network will reduce road congestion, reduce carbon emissions from transport, make Auckland less vulnerable to oil price and supply shocks, and open up land for urban expansion outside the isthmus. It includes a rail line from Onehunga to Panmure, via the airport, Manukau city centre, Botany and Pakuranga."

"The Rapid Transit Network was included in the Auckland Plan and was part of the Regional Land Transport Strategy before that. It was carefully developed in consultation with Aucklanders over a period of years. This is what Auckland needs, this is what Auckland wants." said Mr Hay.

"What Auckland doesn't need is Wellington bureaucrats and government-appointed flunkies making arbitrary, short-term transport funding decisions for Auckland. The New Zealand Transport Agency clearly does not represent Auckland and Auckland's interests. It is undemocratic and incompetent. "

"The government must relinquish control of Auckland's transport funding, through this puppet agency, and delegate the responsibility, and the budget, for Auckland's transport funding to the elected representatives of Auckland's citizens." said Mr Hay.

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