Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader

Member of Parliament for Northland
15 NOVEMBER 2016

Quake Shows Need for Stronger Transportation Strategy

Monday morning’s earthquake has highlighted the need for New Zealand to prepare a viable long-term transportation strategy which includes coastal shipping, says New Zealand First Leader and Northland Member of Parliament Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“We have to plan it in full cognisance of the fact we are a country susceptible to earthquakes and natural disasters.

“Landslides and slips shutting down rail and road links between Christchurch and Picton has greatly disrupted the flow of freight between the South and North Islands.

“The economic cost to this country is too great to have a half-baked system we now have which has been caused, in part, by vested interests pushing their own agendas.

“New Zealand First commiserates with and supports all those affected by this disastrous earthquake but at the same time we call for a serious debate about our entire road-rail-shipping strategy.

“New Zealand First says there cannot be emphasis on one without the other.

“Coastal shipping must now become a more active part of that equation.

“If something good comes out of this horrendous disaster let this be it,” Mr Peters says.

ENDS

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