New Zealand First's Tauranga electorate candidate Brendan Horan is claiming incumbent MP Simon Bridges is an ineffective leader for the city owing to inaction over Route K.
Brendan says Route K is a major arterial road that operates in the same way as a state highway and should therefore be the responsibility of the government.
New Zealand First candidate Brendan Horan is angry at the lack of input from National candidate Simon Bridges on the fate of Route K.
It is instead a Tauranga City Council owned road, which bears a debt burden of over $64 million.
The road was initially intended to pay for itself through tolls, but instead has lost money, increasing the debt, and making it unattractive for government to purchase.
'It is clearly a state highway – it is a direct route to the port,” says Brendan.
'As it stands, the ratepayers of Tauranga are going to be saddled with this debt.
'I would be pressurising central government to take over that highway.”
The route, that runs along Takitimu Drive, linking State Highway 29 with Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, lost $2.5million last year.
On Monday, Tauranga City Council endorsed its proposed Route K Bylaw raising the toll on the road from $1 to $1.50 from January 1, 2012.
Councillors hope this toll increase will reduce the debt of the road and make it more viable for the government to purchase.
Brendan says Simon's decision not to attend the meeting on Monday shows he is not adequately representing the interests of Tauranga people.
'The local MP failed to attend the meeting. The founding principal of an MP is to their electorate and the people of New Zealand. There is no way I would have missed that meeting.
'You need to have some weight behind your party to be able to make these changes and New Zealand First will have this.”
When SunLive put these comments to Simon he confirmed he knew about the council meeting and could not attend.
'I have always been scrupulous in the last three years to take an interest in the council activities, but I try not to poke my nose in where it is not wanted.
'Tauranga councillors are locally elected councillors and they do not want me treading on their territory.”
In the last three years Simon says the government has spent $495 million on roads and infrastructure in the Western Bay of Plenty.
He is aware of the issues of Route K, but will not go into the election promising a National-led government will take on Route K.
'As a ratepayer, I believe there are a number of other options to ensure Route K becomes a strong and viable part of the network.”
The Tauranga candidate for the Green Party, Ian McLean, says it is in the council's and Tauranga ratepayers' interests to get rid of Route K, but does not believe having it taken over by central government is the answer.
'The road has effectively failed as a toll road even though it is of benefit to Tauranga to cut down travelling times, especially for trucks using it to access the port.
'As a taxpayer I do not see the point in transferring debt from one government body to another. Whoever takes on this road is going to be taking on debt.”
Ian says the road was always going to fail and the council's decision to increase the toll to $1.50 is a small attempt to increase revenue of the road.
'It isn't making money and it is not going to make money.
'The road needs more advertising to encourage people to use it – they need to know the more they use it, the more it will help to reduce debt.
'Given that you are going to put it up, you need to do it properly.”
Ian agrees with Simon that MPs should not get too involved in local government politics.
'You want to have your finger on the pulse, but not have too much involvement.
'As soon as an MP turns up at a council meeting, everything changes, what people are going to say changes.
'In general I do not think MPs should attend council meetings.”
Labour candidate Deborah Mahuta-Coyle was unavailable for comment this morning.
27 comments
Posted on 23-11-2011 12:26 | By Fun in the Sun
Brendan is right on the money here. Route K is problem that Central Government needs to help Tauranga City with, and I would have thought a priority for our local MP. As Brendan says the main benefactors of Route K are Port Traffic, and that is of national importance not local therefore the local council and its ratepayers should not be saddled with this cost.
And the forecast is . . .
Posted on 23-11-2011 12:38 | By Gee Really
A depression lies over much of the country as the influence of NZ First extends itself over both islands. Patches of light grizzle and clouds in the sky will clear by Saturday midnight. Hurricane Winston has advanced over the last week and is accompanied by high winds which could blow over or wreak considerable damage.
Correct
Posted on 23-11-2011 12:43 | By Jitter
Simon Bridges is not interested in anything negative that could have a bad effect on his political career. If there is a positive photo opportunity he will be there to support what ever it is. He is excatly as someone described John Key recently. As long as there is a photo ooportunity he will be there even if it just for the opening of an envelope ! He is a waste of time. I also agree that Route K should be Central Governments responsibility as it is now an integral part of the State Highway network. It should not continue to be a problem for Tauranga ratepayers to finance.
Good analogy
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:03 | By Writerman
Oh, Gee Really - if only all we had to do was wrap up warm and take an umbrella. Unfortunately it will take a lot more than that to protect us from the storm front that is likely to move in for the next three years. Raining cats and dogs doesn't even get near to it and is frankly offensive to the animals concerned. What can you do when it rains toads (mainly blue ones)and when the hot air blasting out of the cabinet is burning up all your assets and freedoms or what little remains of them?
@Gee Really
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:18 | By PeteDashwood
ROFL! Beautiful piece of satire; made my day... Thanks!
Go brendan...
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:22 | By wreck1080
One thing, got to hand it to old Winnie, he did far more for tauranga than bridges has ever done .
K for
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:25 | By PeteDashwood
Increasing the tolls won't increase the use of it. Simon is right not to get involved; it is a black hole and will suck down anyone who goes near it. The most sensible suggestion above came from Green Ian MacLean, increase promotion of it and try to get people using it. Maybe they should REDUCE the toll for private cars to, say, 50 cents and at the same time increase promotion of it. I think I have driven that road maybe 3 times since it opened and that was really out of curiosity... One way to get it used would be to declare it a "private road" and abolish speed limits on it...:-) Yeah, I know... won't happen. Still, it is nice to see the Greens making a sensible suggestion for once :-)
14GK
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:32 | By 14GK
One wonders where the Winston First lot thinks it's going to get the money to back its "promises"? Their relic leader is not prepared to sign on to support any party so I assume blackmail will be the trick? Like; "Give me $70M for Tauranga or I won't support you" Yeah right! Promise all you like Winnie (ooops; Brennie I guess), you don't foll me for a minute.
On The Button
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:42 | By tabatha
Simon needs to be touch with local politicians and there has been no mention of this in the past three years. Previous MP's have kept in touch with the Local Bodies and yet given them the respect they deserve. It will be great when Tauranga has a Tauranga MP, that is one who pushes more for Tauranga as I believe the local bodies have pushed more for what is happening with roading and access then our MP. A local MP owes alliance to his electorate and by that should be available for meetings with people from across the parties. By shying away what do people think? Front up and be counted any person who wants to be an MP for Tauranga. All up to now have made a name for themselves in some way or other. Even Bob the Builder was heard from afar.
GREAT IDEA BUT
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:47 | By SCARLET PIMPINEL
At present TCC is not passing on the cost to ratepayers of the HUGE losses that are being added to the debt each year. That of course is entirely irresponsible, lacking any monetary prudence and some would even say it was "financial suicide" because the future is being mortgaged. On top of that if Governemnt was to take over Route K I doubt the debt will be transfered in total. Most important though is that TCC is limited in its silly spending habits because the Route K debt is still there, so do a deal with Government but make sure the debt tab stays just where it is as this lot will spend it anyway.
Avoid it at all costs.
Posted on 23-11-2011 13:48 | By peterin
Well bollocks to that then. When the council increased the harbor bridge toll, people stopped using it and eventually they were forced to bring it back again. Boycott the thing and vote with your feet. I won't be using it anymore that's for sure. And they have the cheek to increase rates by another 10%!!!!!
How many times
Posted on 23-11-2011 14:08 | By chatter
This is about the third or fourth time in the past week - Route K - has hit the news either in print or electronically. Each time, public response has been the same " why are the ratepayers and domestic private car users, the ones that are suffering with the cost increase and burden on their rates " Why not increase the heavy commercial users fees AND force the government to accept the liability. Heavy vehicle users are generally "out of town" visitors (to the port and south through Te Puke).
A chip off the old blockhead
Posted on 23-11-2011 14:08 | By mykgold102
Seems that Winston has found his mini-me in Brendon. He has taught him how to stir up ****, point fingers and make a big fuss over small issues quite well. We have enought negativity and childishness in govt as is. What is needed is one that works for the betterment of NZ regardless of party,not the counterproductiveness Winston brings. Hopefully after Saturday they can both crawel back under their rocks. As for route k, it's a road not a business. It will never be successful because it was ill designed. Why is there no access from 11th or 15th ave? I currently use it daily but will stop once the price is increased.
@mykgold102
Posted on 23-11-2011 14:37 | By Colleen Spiro
You say NZ First are talking about rubbish topics. then you contradict yourself saying that you will stop using a road that was obviously meant to help fund itself, so in effect a business, but because of the issues you raise quite rightly - no access/exit via 11th Ave, 15th, it will not work.
whitepaws
Posted on 23-11-2011 16:55 | By whitepaws
15th ave access stopped because of cost when first built, how short sighted was this, can't they see that this has cost many thousands of dollars in revenue
NO WAY LET THEM SWEAT IT OUT- PUT THE HEAT ON CROSBY HE CAUSED IT
Posted on 23-11-2011 17:41 | By POCO O POCO
Brendan mate this Route K rort was the result of Tauranga Council as usual having a flawed business case that nobody could rely upon and a determination to build the thing right or wrong.TDC now TCC couldn't even get the entries and exits for Route K right and several Councils since plus the last ex CEO got it horribly wrong so it turned into the custard it is now.Transit now NZTA told TDC not to build it because it would not stack up but with the euphoria from excess original bridge tolls that TDC cunningly planned to use they thought could swan through on a wing and a prayer - wrong !! So why should Govt. and NZ taxpayers bail out these TCC nincompoops ?
You have the wrong end of the stick here
Posted on 23-11-2011 18:41 | By MINDER
Look for the original culprits and name the turkeys - name blame and shame them for this mess which is an appalling disgrace from both a practical and financial aspect.
Rastus
Posted on 23-11-2011 18:44 | By rastus
Brendon is quite correct in his attack on young Simon - National have always taken Tauranga for granted and it it was only when NZ first represented us through Winston that we started to get central government taking notice and contributing a little of the huge funds that Tauranga and it's infrastructure (locally paid for) have contributed to NZ wealth. Those of you who continually attack NZ First are either dumb/ politically illiterate or just plain, 'tall poppy' cutters. We had that absolute blowhard ' Bob the builder' for three years of absolutely nothing for Tauranga (apart from the magnificent bridge and roading project courtesy of NZ First) and now he is followed up with a guy whom I am sure is a very nice person but totally ineffectual as a 'go getter' for Tauranga. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Fail
Posted on 23-11-2011 21:24 | By Capt_Kaveman
the fail of this road started once it was extended from 15th ave, what should have happened is that it be extended to greerton with hosp offramp and chadwick link with it then designed to continue on to its present exit, i had asked if this was going to happen and the reply was no i replied this is a dead duck and today my comment still stands for them to lay in shame
Brendans Fishing! - and so he should be
Posted on 23-11-2011 23:04 | By The Tomahawk Kid
Why should taxpayers the country over be forced to pay for the ineptitude of the TDC - or any council for that matter. If taxpayers had to take the fall for every tinpot council that makes a monumental ballsup - based on all care but no responsibility we would be paying 90 cents in the dollar tax. Who drew up the plans? Who approved them? Who voted to go ahead with it? These are the people who should be FORCED to pay for it. All care - no responsibility is not good enough. Brendan is fishing for something to interfere in so he can interfere in MORE stuff - with YOUR PERMISSION.
POCO O POCO
Posted on 24-11-2011 10:25 | By Fun in the Sun
You are 100% correct. However at the next council elections we will once again have an opportunity to vote this incompetence out. In the mean time we need to find a way out of the mire TDC/TCC have landed us in. An effective local Member of Parliament would be a great help in finding this solution. Whether it be Transit taking over Route K or making representations to the Local Government Minister as to the need to intervene. Having our current MP sitting on the fence not wishing to interfere when intervention is clearly required is disappointing to put it mildly.
Mmmmmmmmm ...
Posted on 24-11-2011 11:12 | By Murray.Guy
Last week elected members made a request of staff that Simon Bridges be invited to attend the meeting last Monday. I understand the invitation was accepted by Simon's office, then closer to the meeting, we're advised that Simon had another commitment. Simon's attendance could hardly be described as 'poking his nose in'! This is not the first time that MP's have been invited, accepted, only to decline closer to the time. Personally I would be asking Simon ... * Why the proposed 'regional fuel tax' was dumped. This would have fairly and cost effectively better ensured regions were proportionally receiving the income required for strategic roads, rather than the corrupt, inept and inefficient selective tolling mindset that exists today. * Is it Mr Key's intention to honour the promise made to to ensure the overdue and critical 'Central Corridor' is completed. I note with concern a shift in emphasis from some quarters, from the promise to ensure the corridor works were done, to there being a $100m cap on works - 1/2 of that will disappear on consultants and legal advice! The dollars was a guess, the corridors works is fact!
THAT WOULD BE RIGHT MURRAY
Posted on 24-11-2011 11:58 | By YOGI
Promises then the rules change and a whole lot of muffin heads then get involved and well at the end of it not a lot of road to show for it.
MURRAY YES GOT THAT RIGHT
Posted on 24-11-2011 14:17 | By WARTS N ALL
The officials will find a way to twist and turn and slither out of the promise with some half BAKERed idea that MIKE not work, in fact wont. End result the promises will not materialise.
THE CONTINUING ROUTE K SAGA
Posted on 24-11-2011 18:42 | By ROB PATERSON
Over recent times there have been many calls surfacing for TCC to look at selling off Route K to private investors. That is a totally unrealistic proposal because no one in their right mind would be interested in purchasing and even if TCC could find another mug to pay say $20m, the balance of the debt, now around $40m would still remain a liability on the books with TCC ratepayers forever. If NZTA continue to refuse to take over Route K and the associated debt nearing $60m, then another more palatable option may be to reach an agreement with NZTA for it to assume liability for the annual interest payments of $4m+ with TCC retaining liability for the capital debt of $60m. NZTA would of course get all the future tolls revenue. NZTA would also need to enter into a binding agreement to take over the whole Route K debt within say 15 years. It's a win, win situation as NZTA wouldn't have to find the capital and TCC gets rid of a huge annual interest bill so the debt itself stabilises. This kind of deal will probably ending up costing NZTA $2m per annum and that's small change for them. The other huge advantage for TCC ratepayers is that the debt remains on the Council books in the meantime as a TCC liability and so prevents TCC borrowing any more money to spend on other half-baked schemes, protecting ratepayers from Council addled brain indulgences. This option should be realistic enough even for TCC to negotiate with NZTA as they probably have weekly luncheon meetings in any event. If it all proves beyond the 550 TCC staff and the Councillors capability, there are plenty of capable private individuals out there who may be able to broker a deal and give a lead to Council on how it's done, assuming of course there is some goodwill from NZTA to enter into discussions with Tauranga City.The reluctance may be because this is a Tauranga problem caused by elected members and is not a NZ taxpayer concern.Tauranga must learn the hard lesson from this folly and not expect bailouts for its increasing number of financial balls ups. Rob Paterson
COUPLE A THINGS ROB
Posted on 25-11-2011 13:40 | By SCOTT NUFFIN4U
The Debt is now about $73 million (add in Pyes Pa Bypass debt). It is an absolute essential that TCC Councillors have some type of limitation on borrowing more money, so I agree about TCC being required to keep the debt so as to stop these morons from dreaming up another $70 million more in meaningless spendups for some other pointless scheme. There are in affect about 850+ TCC staff, good idea for you to lift up a few warm and cossy rugs around the place, there are plenty that have slithered between on and around every possible layer and they certainly have the hooks into the carpet and will be hard to dislodge.
AGREE ROB
Posted on 26-11-2011 09:02 | By SCARLET PIMPINEL
The current batch of Councillors show no sign or willingness to curtail the spending especially on frivolous scheme and whacky ideas that to date have only caused a huge cost to ratepayers. The costs are still mounting up because of the complete lack of business sense to realise that decisions have to be made sometimes that an unpalatable to them as well as the public at large. We have yet to see the mentality level change from "I will do what you want..." to Governance. In fact the gap is so large for them it is in fact over the horizon and some.
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