MPs hopeful despite government loss
Taranaki’s elected MPs say they are confident the region will not become a political backwater now that it is not represented in government.
The three MPs, Jonathan Young (New Plymouth), Barbara Kuriger (Taranaki King Country) and newcomer Hirate Hipango (Whanganui), face the next three years in opposition for the first time since 2008.
Major roading and housing projects earmarked for the region would still go ahead under the three party Labour/New Zealand First/ Green coalition government, they say.
Funding of more than $240 million for improvements to Mt Messenger on State Highway 3 was approved before the election with money coming from the accelerated roading fund and transport agencies.
An affordable housing project in Marfell, New Plymouth, has been under discussion between Housing New Zealand and a charitable organisation and an announcement is expected soon.
A decision to mine iron sand off the South Taranaki coastline could also be up for change, position after a High Court appeal is heard.
The MP’s hoped coalition partner New Zealand First’s focus on regional issues would help retain skills and job training in Taranaki. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters campaigned for provincial rural communities during the election.
’’We will be holding him accountable to his word,’’ she said.
Youngexpected the major projects would still go ahead with support from the new government.
‘‘It is critical for road safety and for the regions freight links .’’
The project had been budgeted for, and tendering and consents process were underway and the New Zealand Transport Agency are continuing on with planning.
‘‘I would be surprised if the decision was reversed. If it was it would be a political disaster, the new government doesn’t want enemies.’’
The project could only be delayed if the coalition government decided to use money from the roading fund to buy back the power companies which were sold under National.
‘‘As Taranaki MP’s we will be pressing the government very hard if there is any wavering.’’
Young said he also expected the Marfell housing development to proceed.
‘‘I would be incredibly surprised if it was halted. We need to see it progressed.’’
Young said he would like the project to be built as a mixed development including affordable housing for first home buyers.
Kuriger said the Green Party were pro-rail but it would be difficult to replace the Mt Messenger project with a rail line.
‘‘You can hardly put a train up through the King Country, it would be whole lot different proposition than a rail link between Hamilton and Auckland.’’
Former Taranaki King Country MP Shane Ardern said the Mt Messenger project could still be overturned.
‘‘The project could still be severely compromised, or stopped altogether,’’ he said.
Ardern, who spent spent nine years in opposition, said National will identify the governments weak points.
Taranaki’s MP’s first priority was to represent their constituents, he said.
‘‘Being in opposition is hard work, there are hours and hours of select committees and it is a matter of stymieing the government at every opportunity.
‘‘Sometimes you have to do a few things which grab the attention to get the message across.’’
Ardern once drove a tractor up the steps of parliament to protest against a methane emissions bill. He said: ‘‘I don’t like MMP, I think it is a rotten system. What we’ve got now is a group of losers who have cobbled together to chop off the winners. It’s a bizarre and stupid situation where one party with the single biggest percentage of votes is in opposition.’’