6. Regional Economic Development—NorthlandFLETCHER TABUTEAU (NZ First) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentRegional Economic Development—Northland6. FLETCHER TABUTEAU (NZ First) to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by all his statements?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development): Yes. I particularly stand by my statement from last week that the new $700 million Pūhoi to Warkworth road linking Northland to Auckland will help boost tourism boost freight transport and boost regional development. Fletcher Tabuteau: How can he say there has never been a better time to get Northland going when his Government sits back and condones price hikes based on theoretical nonsense from the Electricity Authority killing the dream of resurrecting jobs and economic growth in the Northland region? Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The member clearly did not listen to my previous answer which was that this amazing new piece of infrastructure is going to make a massive difference to Northland. In relation to the electricity rules could I suggest he puts down a question to the Minister of Energy and Resources.Fletcher Tabuteau: Who is the Minister backing—a self-serving and dysfunctional Electricity Authority which has been legally challenged already on its pricing methodology; or is he going to help Northlanders who will struggle to cope with dashed plans for jobs which in their view was an economic saviour and a dream for resurrection in the region?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I definitely back the Northland region which is why I have been a strong advocate for the highway between Northland and Auckland. It is why I have worked on the QRC Tai Tokerau Resort College which this Government has supported. That is why this Government has supported the Hundertwasser Arts Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangarei. That is why we are running the Growing Regional Opportunities through Work programme in Kaikohe. That is why we have rolled out ultra-fast broadband to Whangarei and are in the process of doing it in other parts of Northland. And that is why we have put up half the funding for improvements to the Whangarei Airport terminal and runway to enable them to make more tourists and other visitors. This Government has a very good track record in providing for Northland and the member—Grant Robertson: It's a very long answer.Hon STEVEN JOYCE: It is a good answer. That is why it is a long answer.Mr SPEAKER: Order! It does not matter whether it is good or bad; I still have to control the length of it.Fletcher Tabuteau: Does he agree with the Far North District mayor John Carter who said: It's a bloody disgrace. These clowns in Wellington who don't seem to know about us go on and put this blasted report out and I'm really disappointed." regarding the Electricity Authority's review now likely killing off the dream of economic resurrection in Northland; if not why not?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I get on well with Mr Carter but I think he is being unfair in his description of the Rt Hon Winston Peters.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Can the Minister confirm that the local member of Parliament for Northland has made no case for any of these interventions but is very willing to stand up—Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no ministerial responsibility there.Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I do not think it is unreasonable to ask a Minister who has spoken to him. That is something that is often asked in this House.Mr SPEAKER: I will take a very dim view if the member does challenge my ruling."