8. Question No. 8—TransportHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 8—Transport8. Hon SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of Transport: What reports has he seen on State Highway 25A in the Coromandel?Hon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Transport): This morning State Highway 25A reopened in time for Christmas after the completion of a new bridge following the significant damage caused by weather events earlier this year. This critical route was seriously damaged between Kōpū and Hikuai but after impressive and hard work by the many construction workers on site the bridge has reopened in record time.Hon Scott Simpson: What will the reopening mean for locals and businesses and residents?Hon SIMEON BROWN: With the busy summer holiday period upon us today's reopening will provide much-needed benefits for local businesses and residents in the Coromandel. Summer is a critical time for the Coromandel and the reopening of State Highway 25A will welcome visitors back and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. The hard-working MP for the Coromandel has strongly advocated for the reopening of this critical route and today's reopening brings certainty for his constituents and for mine.SPEAKER: That's absolutely enough. If I was strict I'd say that Minister had no responsibility for the Coromandel economy so just keep it tight.Hon Scott Simpson: Is this project an example of how the New Zealand Transport Agency and contractors can work to get things done more quickly in other parts of New Zealand?Hon SIMEON BROWN: State Highway 25A in the Coromandel demonstrates that New Zealand has the capacity and ability to deliver infrastructure at speed and within budget. The hard work of contractors and the reduction in red tape meant that this bridge could be opened in time for Christmas. The Government is committed to addressing the lengthy and expensive Resource Management Act process fast-tracking consents to make it easier to deliver the infrastructure New Zealand needs.Hon Scott Simpson: In his capacity as Minister of Transport what Christmas message does the Minister have for the Coromandel their locals and the tens of thousands of people who will want to enjoy visiting the Coromandel this coming summer?SPEAKER: Keep it tight.Hon SIMEON BROWN: Well a very merry Christmas to everyone travelling across State Highway 25A and the Coromandel. May they enjoy the beautiful road and the beautiful beaches of the Coromandel.Tangi Utikere: Does the Minister accept that the State Highway 25A project was announced by the previous Government on 9 May 2023 began construction in June 2023 and came in under budget more than three months ahead of schedule and has absolutely nothing to do with any actions taken by the present Government other than to simply cut the ribbon?SPEAKER: You know that the use of questions probably does cut both ways. So I'm doing my best to make sure that the former Government doesn't get too criticised. But the former Government should try not to use question time for that political purpose. It was skilfully done I'll grant you.Hon SIMEON BROWN: As the saying goes: Success has many fathers." But those who deserve the credit for this impressive work for State Highway 25A are the project teams construction workers who worked hard days day and night to get this new bridge. I want to thank the project team and wish all the construction workers a very merry Christmas.Hon Chris Bishop: Is the Minister aware of previous examples of Ministers cutting ribbons on projects that may have started life under a previous Government including projects that former political parties may have opposed before they were constructed?Hon SIMEON BROWN: I am indeed. In fact I remember a certain member of Parliament for Remutaka complaining about the so-called "holiday highway" before turning up to cut the ribbon. I'm very pleased for the member of Coromandel for the hard work he's put into this.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Is it not a fact Minister—[Interruption]—SPEAKER: Just wait for a bit of quiet.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Is it not a fact Minister that when on 14 October it was known there was going to be a new Government work expedited and this is not the fastest project this new Government has delivered?Hon SIMEON BROWN: That is something which I'd love to say is correct but I must reiterate my points: I thank all the contractors and construction workers for this project."