Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis is calling on the Government to deliver on its pre-election promises to cover most of the cost of repairing Far North roads damaged by winter storms.
Severe storms in June and July cut the district off from the rest of the country and triggered close to 400 slips on local roads. The repair bill looked likely to cripple the Far North District Council but then Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee was quick to assure the district's residents that, if the damage was severe enough, the Government would cover at least 90 per cent of the bill.
However, it now transpires the financial help available will be considerably less than the $36 million the council estimates is needed to return roads to their pre-storm condition. An assistance rate of 74 per cent will be paid by the NZ Transport Agency but only to reduce the risks of further slips, not to return roads to their original condition.
Mr Davis called on the Government to make good on its pre-election promises. He said Far Northerners had already lost out hugely with flooding of businesses, properties and homes, and should not have to bear the brunt of failed roading repairs as well.
"Now that the (pre-election) wooing is over, the people of the Far North are far enough away from the Beehive that this government reckons it can drop the ball on following through with its promises," he said.
The Advocate understands Far North Mayor John Carter and council staff met NZTA officials on Tuesday to discuss the disputed funding.
Northland MP Mike Sabin said the council was concerned the standard of repairs planned was lower than expected.
"This is being specifically looked at by NZTA, something I will be monitoring closely. I am seeking more information and advice on how this process is being progressed and want to assure FNDC and residents of the Far North that I am absolutely committed to ensuring that any support and funding we are eligible for is being achieved," he said.
So far NZTA has provided $4.8 million for the first tranche of repairs at a funding assistance rate of 74 per cent. Another $1.2 million has been applied for with the third instalment yet to be calculated.
Repairs to state highways, such as the big slip south of Kawakawa, are fully funded through the National Land Transport Fund. Storm damage to local roads is paid for by councils with assistance from the NZTA's emergency works fund. The assistance rate increases in line with the extent of damage on a sliding scale.
Advocate enquiries to Mr Brownlee's office were referred to new Transport Minister Simon Bridges, whose office referred enquiries to NZTA.