Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

It's time for the Government to integrate a system of transportation that includes buses and rail. Continuing their current archaic planning that only considers widening roads during the next one to three decades will do nothing to keep up with the growth we are experiencing as a nation, specifically in Tauranga.

During the last few weeks I've had meetings with the Mayor of Tauranga and the New Zealand Transportation Agency to discuss the future mobility of New Zealand. My meetings have confirmed that trams and light rail are not yet a part of the planning for Tauranga's future mobility.

Tauranga's layout, rapidly expanding population and its place within New Zealand as a holiday destination means we are uniquely placed for the introduction of light rail.

Light rail would decrease the growing traffic congestion, ease our carbon footprint, promote economic growth and create new jobs, all of which is a driver for the economic growth and development of our city.

The opportunity is too exciting – and too pressing – to ignore.

I'm looking forward to additional meetings around transportation later this week and will continue passionately lobbying for an integrated transportation system for Tauranga –particularly one that incorporates light rail.