Southland’s Economy Strengthened by Increased Road Funding

• Southland’s pothole prevention funding increased by almost 40 percent for 2024-27.
• Funding aims to improve road safety and reliability, enhancing regional economic growth.
• NZTA will distribute the $72,923,233, focusing on resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage.

Southland’s pothole prevention funding will see an almost 40 percent increase, boosting the province’s economic growth. Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds announced that the current funding of $52,260,919 will rise by $20.6 million to $72,923,233 for the 2024-27 period. Related: NZ Transport Agency Responds to Wallacetown Cycle Track Worries

This significant investment reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing Southland’s economy by improving its roads, which are vital for connecting the region to the rest of the country and beyond. The increased funding will be allocated to local councils, aiming to bring roads up to the safe and reliable standards expected by residents.

Simmonds highlighted that this investment comes at a time when budgets are tight, marking a notable win for the Southland region. The funding will help alleviate pressure on local councils and ratepayers, particularly as people face financial challenges. With Southland having around 2000 km of roads to maintain, the additional funds will focus on getting residents and goods to their destinations safely and efficiently.

The $72,923,233 will be distributed by NZTA and will be specifically used for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance to improve local roads. Transport Minister Simeon Brown celebrated the increased ringfenced funding, noting that NZTA’s board had approved a 91 percent increase for pothole prevention on state highways and a total 50 percent increase for local roads. This brings the total funding to over $3.9 billion.

Funded largely through petrol excise taxes and road user charges, the National Land Transport Fund supports transport maintenance and upgrades across the country. Without this allocation towards potholes, the funds would be used for other transport projects.

Brown emphasized the importance of a safe and efficient road network, which boosts productivity and supports economic growth. The increased investment aims to fix potholes and maintain roads properly, reflecting the government’s commitment to core infrastructure rather than projects like Auckland light rail or Let’s Get Wellington Moving.

The final National Land Transport programme will be finalized in August, with a focus on maintaining and improving the roading network for New Zealanders.