Media Release
27 April 2017
A welcome commitment to transport infrastructure
The Government’s announcement today 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 percent 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.”
“The devil will be in the detail of course, 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 One 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.