Watch live: Transport Minister Simeon Brown reveals $1.6b boost for pothole fund

Transport Minister Simeon Brown is celebrating Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s confirmation of increased ring-fenced funding for pothole prevention.

Speaking at his Pakuranga electorate office, Brown hailed the news that NZTA’s board had signed off on a 91 percent increase in indicative allocation for pothole prevention on state highways, and a total 50 percent increase for local roads.

The funding comes from the National Land Transport Fund, which is paid for largely through petrol excise taxes and road user charges.

It amounts to more than $1.6b in additional funding for pothole prevention..

“We have ringfenced this record investment in the Pothole Prevention Fund to resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to ensure that NZTA and councils get our State Highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standards that Kiwis expect,” Brown said.

“Kiwis want potholes fixed and our roads properly maintained, and this funding boost will deliver real results across the country. Boosting investment in pothole prevention will deliver a safe and efficient network for New Zealanders that increases productivity and supports economic growth.”

In the leadup to the election, National announced it would set up a $500 million Pothole Repair Fund.

Brown told Morning Report last July the country’s roads were the worst they had ever been, and were unsafe to drive on.

Roads were critically important to a productive economy, he said.

However, the Labour government said it was spending $2.8 billion on highway maintenance – a 65 percent increase on what the previous National government had spent.