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THE DRIVING FORCE OF NEW ZEALAND TRUCKING
Manawatu Gorge decision raises further questions
WHILE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE
so-called “Option 3” as the preferred alternative route to the
now-abandoned highway through the Manawatu Gorge is broadly welcomed by the road freight industry, the decision does raise some interesting issues regarding necessary investments in New Zealand’s roading infrastructure.
This is the opinion of Road Transport Forum chief executive Ken Shirley, who adds: “We lobbied for Option 3 during NZ Transport Agency’s consultation process as, from the information we were provided with, it represented by far the most suitable route – taking into account the geology, seismic fault lines, gradients and future resilience.
“Option 3 was, however, not the only worthy proposal on the table. RTF was also pleased that NZTA is to continue investigations into the efficacy of the proposed Regional Freight Ring Road and a new bridge across the Manawatu River, which was proposed as part of Option 4.”
This alternative, says Shirley, “had considerable merit, as well as a large amount of support from local businesses and politicians.
“The Accelerate 25 group that pushed for it did a good job of developing the concept to a point where proper consideration could be given to the transport future of the entire region.
“Palmerston North is now an important freight hub of national significance, making the ring road and new bridge proposals critical pieces of infrastructure when one looks 10 or 20 years into the future.”
The Option 3 route north of the Gorge is by far the best solution to the immediate issue of the Gorge road’s replacement, says Shirley.
“And, while 2024 is a long way off for those freight companies stuck with having to use the Saddle Road, the simple reality is that this is how long such a major project takes in NZ these days.
“Under the Resource Management Act (RMA) consenting remains a
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The Saddle Road is the current alternative to the Manawatu Gorge. Photo NZTA
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Global trade war would hurt NZ
ASB Bank economists warned in a recent economic report just how serious the situation could become for NZ.
The report said: “A trade war involving three of the major economic blocs – North America, East Asia and Europe – could significantly dampen global economic activity. In combination, these economies account for roughly three-quarters of global GDP and NZ goods and services trade, and more than 40% of the global population.
“Two of the three largest trading partner blocs with the US – the European Union and China – are also the top three trading partners for NZ. Our second-largest export market – Australia – is also heavily reliant on trade with the Big 3.”
For many exporters this scenario would be unsustainable and would
lead to a scaling back of production and the inevitable flow-on effect that would have to impact service industries such as transport and logistics.
It’s also unlikely that we’d be able to argue for the kind of tariff exemptions that Australia has successfully managed to negotiate with the US on steel and aluminium.
So, if Trump’s protectionism is restricted to aluminium and steel imports we don’t have too much to worry about. However, if he goes further – or the rest of the world decides to retaliate and the scope of such reprisals expand to export products critical to our economy – then that is a scary proposition and one that I trust our government and trade representatives take extremely seriously. T&D
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