Funding to solve congestion is key
While Auckland mayor Phil Goff won’t say which political party he favours, he can say what he hopes the new Government will do.
Goff said the biggest concern for Auckland was funding transport infrastructure.
‘‘We all know that we’ve got to spend, in the next 10 years, in Auckland, $27 billion on transport infrastructure, and that’s a huge challenge,‘‘ Goff said.
‘‘Whichever party gets into Government, we have to work through how we fund our share of the cost of that infrastructure.’’
Goff said the council didn’t want to put the pressure on ratepayers, but wanted to work with the incoming Government around road pricing, whether through a regional fuel tax, tolling or congestion tax.
‘‘We have to have a way, related to use of transport, by which Aucklanders can make their contribution,’’ Goff said.
‘‘I’m really looking for that commitment in any incoming Government to work with us and to make it possible for us to find new ways of raising revenue.’’
The mayor said he was excited a number of parties have recognised the need to invest in Auckland.
‘‘Gridlock in Auckland is costing us $2 billion a year. That $2 billion isn’t just a cost to us here, as Aucklanders, but to all of us.
‘‘If this city gridlocks, it can’t deliver for New Zealand.’’