Letters: Porirua Mayor Needs To Be Tactful Over Chch Quake

Dear Editor

I have recently seen an official information act request for correspondence to and from Steven Joyce since his time as transport minister with regards to the Wellington Road of National Significance.  

Amongst the correspondence it is with some horror that I read a letter from Porirua mayor Nick Legget dated 4 March 2011.  In it, Mr Legget states "Rumours circulating since the Christchurch Earthquake relating to the possible delays in the commencement of the [Airport to Levin arterial plan] are causing concern".  He goes on to state "I would like to request that the Government ring fence the funding for the entire Airport to Levin arterial plan".  

My interpretation of these comments is that Mr Legget is more concerned for easing a few minutes of traffic congestion in his own region than he is for the hundreds that have been left homeless in Christchurch.  While I understand that the rest of New Zealand should not be left unconsidered while rebuilding Christchurch, Mr Legget could as least have waited for the rubble to clear before leaping on any money available to satisfy his own means.  And his request to 'ring fence' money for his own projects is completely at odds with another statement he makes that "We are strongly supportive of a comprehensive rebuilding of [Christchurch].. with support from across New Zealand".

Just not from your electorate, aye Nick?

B. Begovich KAPITI

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