Northland Regional Council Transport Committee Chairman Needs To Represent Whole Community

Who exactly does NRC Transport Committe Chair John Bain purport to represent? Certainly not our group of members, or numerous other Northlanders wanting a truly integrated transport strategy that includes other modes like Rail & Sea.

Bain's consistent churlish attacks on Central Government demanding a gold plated 4 lane highway south of Whangarei are rapidly becoming boorish, and is disrespectful to the wider community of Northland. Many like those in the Far North suffer roads that are more comparable to goat tracks.

"Quite frankly John Bain is howling as if Transport Minister Phil Twyford has dropped a weta down his pants", says Alby Barr GNR campaign director.

It also appears the NRC chair, along with the regions mayors were also gullible to former Transport & Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges 'pork barrel politics', something Northlanders were use to after Bridges 10 bridges fiasco during the 2015 Northland by-election.

Just to refresh their minds: On a whirlwind visit to Whangarei just prior to the 2017 general election, Simon Bridges jetted in and talked up a four lane highway South of Whangarei between Oakleigh and Port Marsden; With some vague future timeframe and Bridges guessimated cost of $500 million dollars. It was merely electioneering, a political stunt.

There was 'no funding' allocated, justifiably pointed out by current Ministers, or at best buried in a fisal hole by former Finance Minister, and subsequently unwanted Steven Joyce.

"It will be very interesting to see the final draft of the NRC 10 year Transport Plan and 'whether this time' a proper integrated transport strategy is adopted, if not citizens get an opportunity at next years local body election to vote accordly for representatives who are in tune with the whole community", Barr says.

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