Winston Peters: So where's the infrastructure?

Winston Peters.

The reaction of many Northlanders to the news that our region is to be promoted in Melbourne to attract tourists here was no doubt enthusiastic - initially.

Paula Bennett, who has taken up the tourism ministerial chair vacated by John Key, announced this week Tourism NZ, Northland NZ, Facebook, Flight Centre, Northland Inc and Air New Zealand have joined forces to market Northland to our friends over the ditch.

The campaign is called Every day a different journey in Northland, and will run until mid-March.

Ms Bennett says Northland is the first region chosen for such a campaign, which, given the fact that for decades our region has trailed at the back of the queue for most central government support, makes a pleasant change.

On the surface it all looks good and positive, and is being talked up by Ms Bennett.

Melbournians will soon be bombarded with beautiful images of our region and encouraged, "Why don't ya come over!"

The images will not include, however, that bane of the North - the billowing clouds of dust on our roads being thrown up by the ubiquitous log trucks - or images of the pot-holed and run down road surfaces.

They will not include images of visitors standing in long lines to access toilets, or streets in some of our prime scenic spots blocked off with traffic.

Questions have already been asked, will there be enough accommodation in Paihia, Kaitaia, Kerikeri or Whangarei to cope with a sudden surge in tourist numbers?

Drawing people's attention to these concerns is not being negative - it is being practical and wise, because there is a risk.

Negative comments going back to Melbourne about our roads, lack of mobile phone coverage and toilets and water shortages would portray the North in a very unhelpful light.

In a report at the end of last year Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) warned the government that under-investment in tourism and infrastructure "could potentially reverse the benefits New Zealand has enjoyed from its robust tourism growth to date".

This is the gamble and risk Northland is now taking.

Why hasn't Ms Bennett backed up this campaign with a government pledge to fund urgent infrastructure to cope?