Wood denies using fuel tax to fund light rail

Its light rail, but it's been heavy going to get it on track.

Wed, 12 May 2021

Transport minister Michael Wood says the Auckland regional fuel tax has never been used to help fund the government’s stuttering light rail project despite claims to the contrary.National party transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse today accused the prior Labour-led government of using the fuel tax to “crowd source for light rail”, spending $35 million to date with nothing in return. He said while Labour has continued to throw millions of dollars at a “ghost train”, Aucklanders have been fronting with an ex...

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

Fonterra bright spot as NZX 50 lifts 0.2%

Infratil is quickly approaching the $12 mark for the first time since January.

Gregor Thompson 29 Jul 2025

Law & Regulation Free Open Justice

Disgraced Former Buddle Findlay partner named

Patrick Mulligan said he was sincerely sorry.

Jeremy Wilkinson 29 Jul 2025

Disgraced Former Buddle Findlay partner named

Property

Censured Du Val accountant named

Nicola Adam, of Herbert Morton, admits unbecoming conduct following the failure.

Maria Slade 29 Jul 2025

Sponsored

Datacom at 60: NZ tech trailblazer eyes the AI future

As it turns 60, Datacom embraces a radical new direction.

Datacom

Sponsored

Global real estate without the passport or paperwork

A global ETF offers access to income-generating real estate like data centres, healthcare and logistics warehouses – all in New Zealand dollars.

Blackrock, Smart Invest

More Transport

News in Brief

Air NZ Auckland airport lounge overhaul

Air New Zealand says it will nearly double the size of its Auckland Airport international lounge.The airline’s plans follow moves from rival Qantas to add 100 extra seats to its own Auckland lounge.Air NZ chief executive Greg Foran said the project would start next year and likel...

Staff reporters 28 Jul 2025