Roading contractors welcome funding surety

Roading contractors across the country are gearing up to take on the new construction works announced today by Transfund, says Roading New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Chris Olsen.

For the first time in decades substantial funding for roading has been committed to future work. Total funding announced today is 20% higher than last year and 50% higher than three years ago. This is good news for New Zealanders and will bring big benefits to motorists and passenger transport users.

“Contractors finally have certainty that new work, to the tune of an additional $5 billion, will be programmed and funded over the next ten years. This is good news because roading contractors can now be confident about investing in additional plant and taking on new people,” Mr Olsen said.

The funding certainty will also help to attract and retain people to the industry as contractors can now offer career paths to those interested with confidence that there will be a steady stream of work.

“There have been recent reports about skill shortages in the sector. While some roading contractors have their books full, the industry overall does have spare capacity at present. These significant increases in funding need to be reflected by increases in a skilled workforce. We do anticipate a potential shortfall in skilled workers in a year’s time when the additional Government funding becomes available and we will shortly be announcing initiatives to address this,” said Mr Olsen.

“We also welcome the significant funding announced for road maintenance. This will ensure our members are able to maintain New Zealand’s roading network to high standards.

“Roading New Zealand congratulates Transfund on the enormous amount of work it has done to put together this programme and for the way it has worked with Transit to do this. We would also like to compliment Transit for the professional and positive way it has been working with the contracting industry to schedule the new projects for construction,” said Mr Olsen.

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