National Joins Transport Election Debate

National Party North Shore MP Maggie Barry will be talking transport at an upcoming election debate to be held on Wednesday 27th August.

Organisers The Campaign for Better Transport, along with TransportBlog and Generation Zero, are pleased that all the main parties will now be represented at the debate. National had previously advised that the current Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee was unable to attend.

"We're happy that National recognise how important transport issues are to Aucklanders. The debate will give all parties the opportunity to put forward their ideas for improving and funding transport in New Zealand's biggest city," said spokesperson Cameron Pitches.

"It will be great to have a policy based discussion in the public arena. We are hoping for some solid transport policy commitments for Auckland from each of the parties attending."

Each speaker has been allocated up to ten minutes to speak, to be followed by questions from the floor from the general public.

"We've outlined a number of areas that we expect each speaker to cover. These include their party's positions on the timing of the City Rail Link, and how transport projects across the different modes should be prioritised and funded in Auckland."

TransportBlog contributor Patrick Reynolds will also be on hand to talk about the Congestion Free Network, a public transport initiative that focuses on moving people effectively around Auckland at peak times.

In addition to Maggie Barry, the full lineup of speakers now includes Phil Twyford (Labour), Julie Anne Genter (Greens), Denis O'Rourke (NZ First), David Seymour (ACT) and Damian Light who will be representing UnitedFuture.

The meeting, which starts at 7:30pm, is open to the public and will be held at the Ellen Melville Hall, which is located on O'Connell St in central Auckland.

ENDS

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