Investment for KiwiRail turnaround welcomed

Bay of Plenty leaders are keen on reaping the economic benefits from a major investment in KiwiRail.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson said he was heartened by the Budget investment of $94 million over the next year in KiwiRail's Turnaround Plan to help make the rail freight business self-sustaining.

"The KiwiRail turnaround is very positive. I think that will get freight off our state highways and free up our major roads to the Port of Tauranga. We need KiwiRail to be up and running to get freight," Mr Paterson said.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair John Cronin had not studied the Budget in detail but it appeared to be "a responsible and positive Budget for our times".

"The Bay of Plenty Regional Council particularly welcomes the investments in KiwiRail for freight sustainability, in science and innovation, and in rural irrigation projects, as these are all crucial to our region's future economic prosperity."

Tauranga Acting Mayor David Stewart said the Budget had no real surprises but it was disappointed there was nothing for first-home buyers.