Evidence of deep philosophical divisions between the Govt and transport officials are emerging. National and transport Minister Steven Joyce have ignored Ministry of Transport officials advice against shifting transport funding priorities in favour of more road building. Officials warned Joyce reliance on fossil fuels left NZ exposed to more price rises against growing world demand and “a supply that many forecasters suggest will peak between 2010 and 2020.” Officials added the assessment over oil supplies has been backed by the International Energy Agency - the leading global agency on such matters.

The Govt is believed to be ignoring the advice because it believes far too much is invested in roading networks for “govts much larger than ours” to let private mobility be sacrificed by not investing in technological advances to beat any looming fuel squeeze. The Govt believes advances in vehicle technology will help offset any major rises in oil prices so is relaxed about building more road capacity.

More likely is it sees the possibility of gaining votes at the next election. More road building requires little or no lifestyle and behavioural change compared with investing heavily in public transport and getting people and businesses to change they way they move themselves and their freight. The Govt is committed to spending $10.7bn on state highway construction over the next 10 years in support of their policy stance and belief but has not committed any funding to upgrading the rail network and has canned measures to boost coastal transport.

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