Labour will accelerate development of a light rail system for the Auckland isthmus to tackle the city’s worsening congestion problems, says Opposition Leader Andrew Little.

“Right now, gridlock is choking Auckland’s ability to grow. Auckland is crying out for innovative infrastructure projects to get the city moving, but the Government is out of touch and ignoring the problem. Labour will deliver, starting with a modern light rail line.

The deadliest September on our roads since 2009 has meant tragedy for the family and friends of 25 people killed this month 17 more deaths than at the same time last year, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Sue Moroney.

“We are heading for the third consecutive year of an increasing road toll – this is now a trend going in the wrong direction after decades of slow but steady decline in road deaths.

Chorus’ cut price approach to the ultra-fast broadband roll-out means telco workers will likely have to work for a company with a reputation for screwing down pay and terms and conditions in a hazardous industry, says Labour’s Associate ICT spokesperson Clare Curran.

“Chorus has sacked Downers as the major contractor for its ultrafast broadband fibre rollout in the lower North Island and brought in Visionstream which runs its business with high up-front costs for contractors, little security of work and exploitative contracts.

The Government can stop offensive messages on Wicked Campers vans by making complying with Advertising Standards a minimum standard for rental vehicles, Labour’s Transport spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“Most New Zealanders and tourists don't want to be subjected to these misogynistic slogans and the Government has the tools to fix the problem.

The National Government’s refusal to take an integrated approach to transport planning is responsible for worsening congestion around the country, says Labour Transport spokesperson Sue Moroney.

“The TomTom Survey released today proves what most New Zealanders already know – travel times are getting worse.

It will be deeply frustrating for all those waiting to sit driver’s licences tests that people have been getting dodgy qualifications for $500 through a scam, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Sue Moroney.

“The Government has created the environment which allowed this scam to flourish and the result is an unknown number of people are on our roads without having passed the tests required.

The race for new ICT developments and innovation is heating up and New Zealand businesses will need access to capital to compete internationally, Labour’s ICT spokesperson David Parker said in a speech to the Telecommunications and Broadband Summit yesterday.

“New Zealand must maximise our share of new niche technologies and innovations before someone else seizes the opportunity.

Speech to Telecommunications & Broadband Summit 2016

Thanks for the opportunity to be here.

What a huge topic. Maximising the benefits of 21^st century ICT for NZ.

When preparing I thought about how others would approach it.

Sherlock Holmes would have said something pithy like ‘It’s elementary, Watson”

IBM might now shorten that to “Ask Watson”.

Tempting though that answer is – I didn’t think I can stop there. 

Wellington Airport should be applauded for securing a new international link, Labour says.   

“Attracting Singapore Airlines to the city is a feather in their cap. Plans for a four-day a week service between the Capital and Singapore via Canberra is a message to naysayers about the future of our airport,” Rongotai MP Annette King says. 

The Government's road safety strategies need an urgent re-think following the increase in road deaths over 2015, says Labour’s Transport Spokesperson, Sue Moroney.

“The worst road toll since 2010 comes in the year that National introduced its confusing zero speed tolerance campaign and its shambolic ACC car risk rating scheme.