Wayne Brown calls National’s $1.75b Mill Rd plan ‘idiotic’
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has publicly criticized the National Party's $1.75 billion Mill Rd transport project, labeling it an inefficient use of funds. He argues for alternative transport solutions rather than a new four-lane road.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between local government and national political parties regarding infrastructure spending and urban planning priorities.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has called National’s $1.75 billion Mill Rd promise “idiotic”, saying a new four-lane road is not the answer to South Auckland’s transport woes.
National yesterday announced a 2028 start date for the Mill Rd project, provided the party is returned to government after the November 7 general election.
The proposed road is a 21.5km, four-lane corridor running alongside State Highway 1 from Manukau to Drury and is regarded as a Road of National Significance.
But Brown told the Herald the $1.75 billion price tag was an “idiotic sum to fix three intersections”.
He said the existing dynamic lane, which changes direction to accommodate peak-hour traffic, should be extended instead.
“Building a new four-lane road full of traffic lights isn’t the answer.”
Brown also disputed National’s suggestion that the project formed part of its agreement with Auckland Council.
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