Shrink time, not space: How trains could revitalise the regions

High speed rail links between cities could play a massive role in revitalising regional New Zealand, says a visiting transport infrastructure expert. Professor Andrew McNaughton spoke to Alex Braae. Imagine commuting from Hamilton to Auckland, and it only taking an hour to get there.  It’s a vision of how the right transport infrastructure, based around … Read more

Invest in the regions to save Auckland from itself

What might the 2018 Budget deliver on regional economic development, and how will it intersect with our largest city? In the first piece in a series analysing Budget 2018, Grant Thornton’s Murray Brewer casts his eye over the options and opportunities.  The government’s moves on regional economic development are courageous and long-overdue, and will have … Read more

Flight and Fight: Shane Jones versus Air New Zealand CEO Chris Luxon

The Champion of the Regions versus the Corporate Taniwha. The CEO versus the Minister. Susie Ferguson versus a Straight Answer. Who will come out on top?  Early this month, national flight carrier Air New Zealand announced it would be suspending its service between Auckland and Paraparaumu. Mayor K Gurunathan, given less than 24 hours notice, … Read more