Nicola Willis says the multi-generation i-Rex ferries were too expensive for her - so she cancelled them at a cost of ~$1bn of taxpayers money - and offended NZ's sixth largest trading partner.
But Willis and National have now committed a minimum of $3bn to build:
"less than 2km of one car lane in each direction in central Wellington before an investment/business case has even begun." (Julie Ann Genter - Green Party)
This will save travel time of ~10 minutes from the northern suburbs to the airport during peak hour, and might help the politicians, but what about NZ's infrastructure needs? And development outside of roads?
Greater Wellington Regional Council said the central government had denied its plan for public transport funds:
The regional council had put together a $270 million bus and rail infrastructure plan and sought, and was denied, 51% funding from the Government.
And they wanted to see an integrated plan - but National seem intent on proceeding without a wider care or consideration.
The i-Rex ferries would have been delivered in 2026, while the costs of maintaining existing and now rapidly aging ferries have almost doubled to $65m next year.
Furthermore, National spent $1.6m investigating a long tunnel option (that would have cost ~$10bn) because Simeon and Luxon thought it was “a really attractive option” - despite the price tag.
The new recommended option is expected to cost under $5bn - although Simeon Brown won’t be drawn on specific costs, as they start developing the business case next year - for these committed funds.
And naturally, they have already appointed Simon Bridges as Chair of NZTA to facilitate.
For some things, under this government - price and reason is really no barrier at all.
Nicola Deflects As National Spend Big on Roads