Special legislation will be introduced by a National Government to address Auckland's urgent infrastructure needs, National Party Leader Bill English said today.

"During this year we will announce key local government, transport, resource management and public investment policies which will play a significant role in our national growth strategy for the future. However, it is clear that Auckland requires some urgent solutions.

"Unlocking New Zealand's growth potential means unlocking Auckland's gridlock. While the Government's focus of the past two years has largely been on public transport initiatives, the vast majority of Aucklanders want to see a rapid completion of the roading network.

"That can only be achieved if legislation is passed to short-circuit the RMA timetable in relation to designated key projects. It will also require legislative support for borrowing powers for Transit New Zealand and the empowering of public/private partnerships. The National Party believes that priority should be given to these initiatives.

"The Auckland Mayoral Forum has shown leadership in bringing its plans to the stage where the Government and the Parliament must give considered responses over the coming weeks

"The National Party recognises the importance of completing Auckland's roading network and is committed to legislation to facilitate this outcome. While we will not be party to any piece meal election year stunts, if the Government responds to the current requests from the region with a comprehensive long term legislative initiative it will have the active support of the National Party in achieving a speedy passage through the Parliament," Mr English said.

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