The Associate Minister of Transport, Green MP Julie Anne Genter, wants to keep spending taxpayers’ money in inappropriate ways. While the country suffers the worst economic crisis for 100 years, she wants to spend money on non-essentials. At present, New Zealand needs government spending that is conducive to growing the economy. She is going against public opinion, wanting to spend millions of dollars on a cycle lane, the Te Whau pathway. This might be appreciated for recreation in the future, but a new cycle lane is not what the country needs in a global downturn.
Julie Anne Genter needs to be reminded that New Zealanders love their cars.
There are currently 3.4 million driver licence holders on the NZ licence register. Each year sees around 238,000 new licence holder’s applications, 300,000 licence renewals and around 43,000 licence reinstatements
NZTA 21.03.2019
And, while talking about this issue, most women do not want to cycle to a birthing unit.
Genter recently announced funding of $35 million to significantly extend the Te Whau coastal pathway in Auckland as part of a $220 million cycleway package.
Genter hails from the USA, but has lived in NZ since 2006, so has no excuse for not knowing that New Zealand’s terrain is spread out and very hilly – geography that is not always suitable for cycles.
Kiwis are continuing to purchase cars at a high rate. Mike Hosking on Newstalk yesterday had reliable feedback from car dealers that sales are up and some models are being sold before they even arrive in the country.
Judith Collins “lives in the real world”.
The newly elected leader of the National Party knows New Zealanders not only need cars, she also knows that many of our roads cannot handle the growing number of cars we have due to population growth. Collins is aware that cars will have an impact on the emissions that Genter goes on about, but she also understands that the technology of new cars and more EVs is significantly reducing those emissions.
Judith Collins’s first big policy addresses these issues. Her announcement of an infrastructure investment in roading is to be applauded. Excellent roads are a vital part of the nation’s transport system, as New Zealand is unlikely to ever have the public transport systems of the UK, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
New Zealanders will be proud to drive on expressways that are world class, safe and free flowing. Real vision is shown by the National Party in the delivery of this policy.
Judith Collins explains the upgrade is required to fix the country’s transport network and the congestion crisis in the upper North Island including Auckland. One of the most ambitious projects announced is a four-lane expressway linking Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
“National’s vision is to transform the four cities to be one economic powerhouse, unlocking their potential so the upper North Island becomes Australasia’s most dynamic region,” says Collins.
Also, part of the announcement is Auckland’s rapid transit network, including rail to the airport and new busways.
“One rough definition of a city is that it is a place you can get from one side to the other in an hour, or a place that the average time to get to work is 30 minutes. National will measure our progress against the goals of 30 minutes to get to work and one hour to get across the city”.
An additional harbour crossing has also been announced – Collins says planning work will begin immediately, with spades in the ground by 2028.
New and upgraded roads improve journeys across New Zealand by continuing to ensure traffic on the network flows smoothly, addressing real issues for economic growth and improved productivity, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Judith Collins gets a big tick from car-loving Kiwis who may never have the option of good public transport.
A remarkable nod towards cars in London
Extinction Rebellion is a global environmental movement with the stated aim of using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.
“The revolutionary rah’s of Extinction Rebellion have turned their attention to a new campaign, this time against – wrap your head around this one – opposing a cycle lane in Camden. Only marginally more illogical than their opposition to nuclear power…
Activists from the North London branch have spoken out against a new bicycle lane on Euston Road as they claim the friendlier environment for cyclists will, counterintuitively, lead to more car fumes…”
Guido Fawkes 17 July 2020
Cycle Lane Obsession in London
There is no doubt that London Mayor Khan’s cycle and cycle lane obsession has caused a massive increase in clogged up and slow-moving traffic in London. Cyclists reduce the average speed of vehicles; thereby increasing emissions.
Celebrating cars and roads in New Zealand
For the car enthusiasts,
“NZ’s favourite cars (excluding second hand imports), last year were Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Holden Colorado, and Toyota Rav4”
Damion O’Carroll, motoring channel director at Stuff, reports Feb 2020.
Kiwis will continue to buy cars and use roads.
Julie Anne Genter needs to be aware that the country will be struggling to repay the eye-watering debt of the Coalition Government. We need all businesses surviving and thriving, including car dealers, to make money for New Zealand’s economy.
The Te Whau pathway will not make any money for our country.