Ian McLean Green Scene Spokesperson for the Green Party

Once upon a time, the bribes that popped up in the countdown to an election were things that put money directly into the pockets of voters, such as tax cuts or cheaper ciggies.

Things have changed. Now, they get the money by selling us assets that we already own.

Then they promise to give that money back as roads. No more pretence the money will be used to pay down debt. Roads will get us to vote for them – and roads is what we will have.

It may be a coincidence that the approved regional projects are in marginal electorates.

Rotorua wants a new road and Tauranga wants a road widened, but they're not on the list.

Our local MPs, two of whom sit at the cabinet table, are unable or unwilling to swing those ‘nice to haves'.

Here's the thing. Our obsession with individualised transportation systems means we will always want more roads.

They are rather inconveniently expensive, so the best road is one paid for by someone else.

Thus, we have a Welcome Bay councillor who wants the rest of New Zealand to pay for quicker city commuting in Tauranga, along with further destruction of an estuary.

How about three-laning Turret Rd, using the centre lane bi-directionally, as a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly solution?

A positive outcome is the white-fronted terns, an endemic species, and little black shags, a rare species in New Zealand, which use the old bridge, can give thanks to Matariki that they should have a few more years of grace.