An international transport specialist is urging the Government to invest more funding in the regions and the call has been backed by district mayors.
OECD International Transport Forum secretary general José Viegas says New Zealand needs to have a more inclusive transport policy to avoid the regions being neglected at Auckland's expense.
Dr Viegas says the country's regions must be invested in, and strong transport links created between them.
Southland District mayor Frana Cardno agrees her area needs better funding.
She says Southland's roading network is in decline and its government transport subsidy has been cut by $702,000 for 2012 to 2015.
New Plymouth District mayor Harry Duynhoven says the Government should look at where export earnings originate and make those roads its funding priority.
Far North District mayor Wayne Brown says his region generates a lot of the country's export income, but much of that is reinvested in Auckland's transport system.
