Hi John,

Today, our Government announced the biggest infrastructure investment in a generation: the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

Through the programme, we’re investing $12 billion to upgrade and build roads, rail, schools and hospitals across the country – modernising our infrastructure, preparing for climate change and helping to grow the economy.

This means safer roads and faster journeys, better public transport, and a resilient rail network. It means better hospitals, modern schools and cleaner energy for our public sector.

The programme is not just about future-proofing New Zealand. By investing in our essential infrastructure, we’re creating job opportunities right around the country, and boosting economic growth for years to come.

The previous Government announced a number of projects but never funded them. We’re putting our money where our mouth is and getting the job done.

We have this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest because we’ve managed the books wisely, and interest rates are low. It makes sense to build now, to benefit generations to come.

This big upgrade is just one of the ways our Government is tackling the long-term challenges facing our country, and builds on the progress we’ve already made over the past two years. It will take time to rebuild our infrastructure after nine years of neglect, but we’re getting on with it — and this programme is another big step.

This is a really exciting programme, and there are more announcements to come, including serious investment in our regions. In the meantime, though, you can learn more about the upgrade programme and what it means for your community here.

Thanks,

Grant Robertson