I can't imagine a lot of people are excited about the idea of more of New Zealand's roads being tolled.
You'll be aware the ACT Party sees this as the way to go if we want to get those big infrastructure projects we need so badly moving more quickly.
ACT would have road development and maintenance funded through a system of tolls.
Both domestic and foreign companies would be able to fund projects instead.
And as the money wouldn't be coming from fuel excise tax, that would be reduced.
So what you'd end up with is, first of all, a much more targeted way of paying for those big schemes, much more of a user-pays system.
And for people who don't use the newer roads —the tolled ones— in theory... cheaper petrol.
Slight catch: some existing roads would also be tolled as long as another viable free route is available.
On the face of it, not bad, if it actually got things done more quickly. Like a new harbour crossing for Auckland perhaps.
Problem for ACT is that public-private partnerships don't exactly have a good name with the general public.
Transmission Gully for example... or the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway... both were years late opening, and tens of millions over budget.
What is most appealing about the ACT plan is taking a long-term view toward infrastructure.
Too many politicians think 'long-term' means 'too hard. Let's kick the can down the road, make it someone else's problem sometime in the future.
And we need to invest billions, not just in roads but also rail.
So I'd go further. Set up and entrench a stand-alone Infrastructure Agency, funding guaranteed, safe from political interference.
Safe from half-wit Transport Ministers who think they know best.
Major investments with years of planning, and consenting, and land acquisition suddenly abandoned because a new government thinks they're vanity projects.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.