The precise details of the new bridge may still be shrouded in mystery, but it’s already being hailed as “transformational” and “visionary” by people who love buzzwords.
And with a final decision set to be made in June, there’s simply no time to waste on trivial things like determining the actual need for a bridge or how it might be paid for. The marketing campaign needs to begin now, so everyone can get hyped up about the new addition to Auckland’s cityscape before the election.
Transport Minister Michael Wood claims that the bridge, which won’t begin construction until 2029, is a “future-proofed solution” to Auckland’s traffic problems. Of course, he also admitted that he can’t predict the future, but who needs a crystal ball when you have a bridge?
Admittedly, none of the government’s options have had a business case done yet, and the price tags seem to be astronomical. But these are just mere details. Let’s lean in and revel in the warm and fuzzy glow of a big announcement. This is all about getting Auckland moving.
While it’s true that similar options in the past may have had costs well in excess of benefits, this time we can be assured that things will be different. All it takes is a can-do attitude and a willingness to throw billions of dollars into the Waitematā Harbour.
And let’s not forget the political football that comes with grand infrastructure announcements. It’s what makes election year so captivating! The politicians get to buy now, and the public pays later.
After all, who cares if the project ends up being a giant boondoggle, or if it costs taxpayers billions of dollars that could have been spent on things like healthcare or education? The important thing is that the politicians get their photo op and their soundbites, preferably while in hardhats and hi-vis vests.
And if it turns out that the new harbour crossing was a bad idea after all, well, you can always add it to the bonfire and talk about bread and butter instead.
Matthew is a Research Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, focusing on infrastructure and the housing market. This article was first published HERE
Admittedly, none of the government’s options have had a business case done yet, and the price tags seem to be astronomical. But these are just mere details. Let’s lean in and revel in the warm and fuzzy glow of a big announcement. This is all about getting Auckland moving.
While it’s true that similar options in the past may have had costs well in excess of benefits, this time we can be assured that things will be different. All it takes is a can-do attitude and a willingness to throw billions of dollars into the Waitematā Harbour.
And let’s not forget the political football that comes with grand infrastructure announcements. It’s what makes election year so captivating! The politicians get to buy now, and the public pays later.
After all, who cares if the project ends up being a giant boondoggle, or if it costs taxpayers billions of dollars that could have been spent on things like healthcare or education? The important thing is that the politicians get their photo op and their soundbites, preferably while in hardhats and hi-vis vests.
And if it turns out that the new harbour crossing was a bad idea after all, well, you can always add it to the bonfire and talk about bread and butter instead.
Matthew is a Research Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, focusing on infrastructure and the housing market. This article was first published HERE
5 comments:
Nice summation of our current government.
It's all about the announcement - Jacinda taught them that.
Results, costs, planning, these all take a back seat. In fact there's usually no room for them on the Labour Party campaign bus so they get left behind on the side of the road.
I cannot see a problem with this as this government of delusional idiots are only good for making announcements. So long as they are kept away from consultants it shouldn't cost too much.
Still I guess that making announcements takes the focus off all the stupidity, racism and corruption being uncovered.
What about people in NZ who can’t get in and out of their homes/farms/businesses due to infrastructure investment failures while Auckland is being propped up. You choose to live on active volcanoes in an over crowded environment you take it as it comes.
Oh look the sky is the limit here. Is there any suggestion of a new port? Perhaps we could move it to spmewhere else? And Gondolas?
Waste of money here. Before we know it we will have the eco effective waka and walking as our sole means of transport. Tikanga climate response.
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