News

The Manawatū Gorge replacement highway is a crucial transport link for the Lower North Island network. Since the closure of State Highway 3, now three years ago, the road transport industry has been forced to use side roads and residential streets not accustomed to heavy transport traffic.

"The Government has managed the situation well so far and have helped keep the lights on for many businesses, but some businesses are still finding it difficult to cope with expenses while at the same time not receiving any income. 

"We appreciate the Hon. Grant Robertson’s update on the Government’s response to COVID-19.

"We welcome yesterday’s announcement but the Government must move with urgency. 

The provision in this Bill to allow councils to create special purpose vehicles (‘SPV’) is not a silver bullet to solve all infrastructure funding constraints they have. However, it is a worthy addition to their funding options, particularly high-growth councils.

We urge policy-makers to continue to use a strong evidence base for making decisions, and this applies equally to the science as well as the economic impacts of new policies.

Overall, the ability of contractors to independently negotiate their own arrangements with other businesses provides the economy with necessary flexibility and certainty.

"Sir Des was a great presence in the city and his family can proud of his achievements. He had the most personable touch and showed what it meant to be a real leader in the city," says Chamber chief executive John Milford. 

"This is what Wellingtonians need to hear - that every avenue for moving these projects ahead and funding them will be explored," says Chief Executive John Milford. 

"These are big-ticket items that cannot be paid for by ratepayers through even higher rates. 

"The city needs to find money for its $1.3 billion share of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving projects but asking ratepayers for so much more or cutting back on other vital infrastructure projects is not acceptable," says Chief Executive John Milford. 

We also support the mechanism to achieve emissions reductions targets by placing a price on carbon so that emissions decline most cost-effectively. A well-designed emissions trading scheme ('ETS') will accomplish these objectives.

The NZTBC would also like to congratulate Taiwan on hold free and fair elections, and the Taiwanese people for exercising their democratic rights with such a strong voter turnout on the day.