With polls showing Labour steadily in the lead, National brought out the big guns of traffic congestion.

More than 300 people gathered at the Te Puke Citizens RSA Club to hear Prime Minister Bill English discuss how the party can improve the New Zealand economy with roading being one the top issues on their list.

In front of a sea of blue supporters, Bill announced earlier today in Te Puke and Rotorua that National will be heavily investing in roading if re-elected, with Rotorua being the first of many cities to receive a four lane road.

Under a National-led government, the congested Te Ngae Road will become four lanes between the city and the airport.

Te Ngae Road, along State Highway 30, links Rotorua with the city's airport and serves both local and inter-regional traffic, connecting Rotorua to the Western Bay of Plenty, including the Port of Tauranga, and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

'We now have the chance, for instance in investment and roading to not just envisage, but plan a scale of transport interconnection that we never used to think was possible.”

He says as New Zealand grows infrastructure has to as well.

'We'll end up with four lanes from Wanaka to the foot of the Kaimai Range- that's where we are heading.”

MP Simon Bridges says the reason why Rotorua will receive the four lanes is because Rotorua has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, growing 3.9 per cent in 2016, above the national average.

'As more people and businesses choose to be in Rotorua and its surrounding districts, National wants to ensure the city's infrastructure provides for and supports future growth,” Mr Bridges says.

'Te Ngae Road supports a growing number of tourists travelling to Rotorua and growth in the region's primary industries, making it increasingly important to connect people and products to key domestic and international markets.

'This key transport route is playing an increasingly important part in unlocking the city's future growth.

'We recognise the need to meet anticipated residential and commercial growth, as well as increased traffic freight volumes and the need to provide certainty for local government and developers.

'National wants to get ahead of forecast growth now and stop congestion becoming a handbrake on the city.”

It is estimated that extending the programme of work to Rotorua Airport, including four-laning, will cost $75 to $100 million. Funding for the project will be met from the National Land Transport Fund and the budget capital allowance.

'The project will be added to National's Accelerated Registration ional Roading Programme, which is an important part of our plan to support our growing regions. We know that when the regions do well, New Zealand does well,” says Simon.

'This regionally significant project for Rotorua will expand on the comprehensive package of projects that have been delivered across New Zealand. They all improve safety, resilience and boost economic productivity and ensure centres like Rotorua have the modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure they need to support their strong growth.

'We can make investments in infrastructure that help ensure New Zealand continues to get ahead because of our growing economy supported by National's strong economic plan.”