8. Question No. 8—TransportBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 8—Transport8. BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour—Mana) to the Minister of Transport: What recent progress has been made to improve transport links in the Wellington region?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): It was my pleasure to join the Prime Minister the Deputy Prime Minister and parliamentary colleagues—past and present—to officially open Transmission Gully today. This road represents one of the largest Government investments in New Zealand's transport infrastructure in a generation. It'll transform the Wellington region making it quicker and easier for goods and people to travel through the lower North Island. The 7- to 15-minute shorter journey for about 25000 vehicles per day means a productivity gain of around 1600 hours meaning less time spent in cars and more time at work and with family. I know this day has been a long time coming for Wellingtonians. Ministers have worked hard to ensure that the road can open safely as soon as possible. I'm sure that Wellingtonians will enjoy the benefits of this important asset. Greg O'Connor: How will projects such as Transmission Gully contribute to the COVID-19 economic recovery? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Projects such as Transmission Gully will help New Zealand to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19 better. Transmission Gully will develop economic benefits with faster movement of freight and people around the region. It'll build more resilience into our transport links. This is why the Government is investing a record amount into infrastructure all across New Zealand to reconnect New Zealanders to reduce emissions and also to support jobs across our economy. As part of the 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme and with local government the Government is investing a record $24.3 billion into transport services and infrastructure—74 percent more than the previous Government.Ginny Andersen: What safety and resilience benefits will Transmission Gully provide? Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The Government's road safety vision is an Aotearoa where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads. Reaching this vision requires improving all parts of our transport system: safer roads safer vehicles safer drivers and safer speeds. Transmission Gully is built to the highest possible safety specifications and will provide a much safer route for road-users in the Wellington region. The new motorway will also see fewer vehicles using the old coastal route. Transmission Gully also provides a safer and more reliable route to ensure that Wellington remains connected in the event of an earthquake or a major storm severing other transport links. Hon Grant Robertson: Does the Minister have any reflections on this historic day about what could have been done better when it comes to the construction of Transmission Gully?Hon Gerry Brownlee: The Government shouldn't have rolled over in the first place.Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I have a number of reflections but let me keep it relatively brief in response to the member's question. It's very important that when any Government invests in significant infrastructure projects like this that they do so in a competent way that they do so in a way that is transparent and that they do so in a way that ensures value for taxpayers' money. There are many lessons to be learnt from this project and I refer members of the House to a recent report from the Auditor-General to give good information around that.SPEAKER: Order! I'm just trying to reflect on whether that question and answer breached the—I think it came very close and on that basis I will give Mr Brownlee the opportunity to ask an extra supplementary if he so wishes. Hon Gerry Brownlee: I don't have a—SPEAKER: No he doesn't. Simon Court: Mr Speaker—SPEAKER: Sorry?Simon Court: Mr Speaker I'll take Mr Brownlee's supplementary.SPEAKER: No you won't. It'll be a long time until the member gets to that point.