The expensive road to nowhere

Hipkins made his transport election pitch with the government policy statement release. (Image: NZME)

Fri, 18 Aug 2023

The right transport project in the right place at the right price can be a great enabler of growth, but the wrong type, place or price can be an equally epic disaster. National’s transport policy was unveiled at the end of July with a $24 billion price tag. Yesterday, it was Labour’s turn. A government policy statement (GPS) on transport released less than 50 days away from when advance voting starts makes it the equivalent of Labour’s transport policy, which is why Chris Hipkins, the prime minister, made comments...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket edges higher as F&P Healthcare weighs on gains

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed 14.49 points or 0.11% down at 13,391.59.

Jamie Gray 6:18pm

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Friday, Oct 24

Take a break and try our quiz.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Finance

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth

Kiwibank raises issues of competitive advantage.

Andy Macdonald 9:00am

Kiwibank wary of capital-review barrier to growth

Sponsored

NZ risks losing edge as Australia takes lead in cleaner jet fuel

Experts warn SAF delay could cost jobs and growth.

Z Energy

Sponsored

Focus on safety of SME vehicle fleets

Vehicle glass repairer’s work enhances road safety.

Smith & Smith

More Infrastructure

Primary Sector

US$411b on the table: will NZ claim a slice?

Infrastructure will be a major focus of the NZ EU Summit, but Ukraine might be too.

Dileepa Fonseka 8:30am

Infrastructure

Wellington Airport's half-year passenger numbers down, net loss up

Staff reporters 23 Oct 2025

Infrastructure

Marsden Maritime Holdings CEO Rosie Mercer standing down

Marsden Maritime Holdings' chief executive, Rosie Mercer, is stepping down at the end of the year.After three years in the job, she said the decision was a natural transition point for her and the company, as Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) was in a strong position and well-p...

Ian Llewellyn 23 Oct 2025

Infrastructure

Property for Industry says valuation cycle turning

It cites strong occupancy, lease terms behind and sees strong 2026.

Staff reporters 21 Oct 2025

The expensive road to nowhere

More Infrastructure

Your company has a subscription

Team