The Government‘s announcement to fund $11 billion of new capital infrastructure over and above existing projects is a welcome response to New Zealand‘s infrastructure pressures, says Road Transport Forum chief executive Ken Shirley.

“With our growing population and expanding economy, the burden on our transport infrastructure is becoming acute. The freight task alone is expected to increase by around 70% over the next 25 years,” says Shirley.

“While the Government‘s announcement is a substantial allocation of funding, it is no more than is necessary to catch up on our significant infrastructure deficit.”

Shirley says the devil will be in the detail, but the transport industry looks forward to Budget Day and more information on where the first $4 billion will be spent.

“I also note the Government‘s $812 million commitment to rebuild State Highway 1 through Kaikoura. The reopening of this route is an absolute necessity for the long-term viability of freight between Picton and Christchurch and it is pleasing that the commitment extends to work on making the route more resilient,” says Shirley.