An international transport specialist is urging the Government to invest more funding in the regions.
OECD International Transport Forum Secretary General José Viegassaid New Zealand needs to have a more inclusive transport policy to avoid the regions being neglected at Auckland's expense.
Professor Viegas said strong transport links should be created between them. "The other cities will bring in to the game different contributions. Auckland is bigger but it's not everything."
He says if the regions are not supported a lot of political, social and economic energy will be wasted in argument.
Far North District Council mayor Wayne Brown said his region generates a lot of the country's export income but much of that is reinvested in Auckland's transport system.
He said some of his region's roads and bridges desperately need repair.
New Plymouth District mayor Harry Duynhoven said the Government should look at where export earnings originate and make those roads its funding priority.
