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The Northland Corporate Group (NCG) representing Northland’s largest corporate entities has today confirmed its support for a fair user pays model to fund the vital Auckland – Northland Expressway, if that’s what it takes to get the critical upgrades to SH1 over the line.

Commenting on behalf of members, NCG Chair Rob Buchanan said: “Ultimately, we don’t want to see extra costs on hardworking kiwis, but right now, the cost of doing nothing is far too high. Northland business stands ready to invest, creating jobs and economic opportunity, off the back of infrastructure investment in the region.  Decades of underinvestment along SH1 has had the effect of choking regional economic growth.  It’s also stopping Northland from supporting Auckland’s strong growth path.”

NCG members, including business heavyweights Channel Infrastructure NZ, Culham Engineering, McKay Limited, Northport Group, and Northpower have been vocal about the potential the group sees for Northland in the future, committing to a $60 billion growth target for the region by 2050.

“Everyone in Northland has a story about the impact the roading disruptions have had on them personally, financially, or both.  That is why we are coming out so strongly in support of a fair user pays model to fund this road.  We need to see a clear plan to improve our road, if we have any hope of Northland reaching its potential, and the best way to do that is to be clear that those who will benefit from the road, contribute in part to the cost of its construction.  After all, the existing road will still be there as an alternative for those who don’t want to pay.”

“We know that Northland is the driver behind Auckland’s success.  Northland supports Auckland’s infrastructure pipeline, supplies the country’s only domestically produced cement, and fuels every plane leaving Auckland International Airport.  The region’s agricultural and horticultural sectors help keep Auckland fed, and contribute significantly to national GDP.  But for the region to truly reach its economic potential, we need to see certainty around getting the road built and the best way to achieve that in this constrained economic environment is to equitably share the costs with those who will benefit.”