Darby And Joan Off Chopping Block, at What Cost?

The two ancient Kauri trees beside the Darby and Joan bridge in Northland will not be victims of National’s vote-buying attempt.

Prime Minister John Key promised yesterday in Parliament that the two protected trees in Waipoua Forest, blocking the way for a two-lane bridge on the present site, will not be cut down.

“But he did not reveal how National would squeeze in a two-lane bridge, or engineer some sort of two-lane detour,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Mr Key has been short on any detailed plans around promises for Northland.

“We believe there are no details. There was no planning. There were no costings. The promises were a rush job.

“The Darby and Joan bridge is a good example. National was so focused on vote buying they failed to check if widening the bridge or building a new two-lane bridge was feasible and could be done at a reasonable cost.

“Not only did Northlanders recognise the bridge promises as pork barrelling, the Darby and Joan bridge two-laning made National a laughing stock.

“What Northlanders will now have to reflect on is the cost of building a two-lane bridge at a tricky site. This could be a very expensive by-election promise.”

ENDS

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