They Double-Crossed That Bridge When They Came to It
Only three months after the Northland by-election, National has double-crossed on seven bridge promises by falling to
deliver on the 10 two-lane bridges they promised, says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland
Rt Hon Winston Peters.
“All we have now is an announcement of funding for the next three years for bridges at Matakohe, Kaeo and Taipa.
“This is despite Finance Minister Bill English assuring New Zealand First, when asked last week, that costings had been
done for the 10 bridges.
“We pointed out during the by-election that no planning or costings had been done for National’s promises, including
extending the Puhoi highway to Wellsford. We were right.
“The back down on bridges funding is a blatant breach of trust, especially as they were promised in March by two
Ministers and the National candidate at a carefully staged media event. At the time the estimated cost was $69 million,
significantly less that the $350 million now allocated for the Prime Minister’s pet project – cycleways.
“The New Zealand Transport Agency is still investigating two-laning the Tirohanga, Rangiahau and Taheke bridges and
other bridges are on hold. Of course, two-laning the Darby and Joan bridge is one of the – that, no doubt, will be
shelved as impossible.
“National made solemn promises for 10 bridges, superfast broadband rollout, taxpayer funded cellphone coverage and the
Puhoi to Wellsford highway. All of those promises are now being totally compromised.”
ENDS