Media Release
16 June 2004

Speak Up Minister

New Zealand First urges the Minister of Transport to give appropriate advice to the Minister of Local Government about the present and future role of the Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee.

“The Local Government (Auckland) Amendment Bill has removed the strategic intent of the Regional Land Transport Committee in being able to specify activity classes, activities and determine relevant priorities in their regional land transport strategy,” said Local Government spokesperson Jim Peters.

“The Committee is comprised of all territorial councils, the Regional Council and other bodies as determined by the Government in the Land Transport Management Act 2003. It should be able to operate as every other regional land transport committee in New Zealand.

“New Zealand First will lodge a Supplementary Order Paper which amends clause 28 of the Bill.

“Auckland ratepayers, who will year-by-year contribute the bulk of the funding for the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, should have the ability to set regional priorities without ministerial direction and political party interference,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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