​We want a government that will promptly approve and action the SH2 proper upgrade, including the Omokoroa interchange, the Northern Link, the Katikati Bypass, and intersection upgrades on SH29 and SH2.

We are a growth sub-region and local Government is playing its part but central government has a responsibility to provide decent state highways, and must keep pace with local government planning. Under this present government our infrastructure planning has just become an insult and a disgraceful example of neglect.

With the Tauranga population rapidly growing and a lack of rental properties available to fulfil the demand, it is inevitable that surrounding towns will share the influx. They already are. With that will come more commuters on our roads causing further damage and longer travel times.  For anyone who has experienced the snail-pace, weekday crawl through Te Puna in the mornings, they know how badly this change is needed.   

State highways SH2 and SH29 currently pose very serious safety issues, and are severely congested. Our wider roading network, including rural gravel roads, also need considerable attention. We must deliver on roading and infrastructure projects, so the whole region can prosper. We will work with our neighbouring councils to persistently lobby central government until our state highways are fit for purpose and provide a roading system that’s congestion-free, safe, and able to serve us all well into the future.

As Mayor for the Western Bay of Plenty, fixing our roads would be one of my top priorities. So, what are we waiting for?

​Let’s make it happen!

​The photo says it all!

I conducted interviews today with both Maori TV and Marae, with both interviewers (Kereama Wright from Maori TV and Hiku from Marae) wanting to know who I am and what my views on culture are. I said it is important that everyone knows their culture and where they come from. In my case my mother's family tree goes back to 1453 in Italy then to Scotland and Balclutha.

Maori culture is part of New Zealand and we are all New Zealanders.

Both interviews were a success, with Hiku and Kereama being very engaging and professional. I'll keep you updated on when the interviews are likely to air!

Over the past few days, my character has been poorly represented in the media. Words have been twisted to make it appear that I do not support nor care for our local Maori community, which simply could not be further from the truth. This is not something I would ever want anybody to think of me—I have thick skin, I can let a lot of things go, but not this.

I have many close relationships with local Maori and I have personally loved and lost two dear friends, Karena Borrell and Maria Ngatai. These were two women I worked with, cared for, attended their funerals, considered very dear friends and I miss them.

In the context of ratepayer money and Council-owned properties, there will be debate about where ownership should sit and how to best manage properties for everybody in our community to enjoy. When I have addressed these issues in the past, and when I will need to in the future, I do so with a heart of what I feel is the best outcome for everybody involved. There is no room for an “us” and “them” mentality between groups in our community. We are all in this together. 

I stand by the fact that equality is a pillar of my leadership. I understand about privilege, and what it takes to fight harder than most for what you are passionate about—being the only woman in a room full of men is not an easy place to sit. But I’ve been there, I understand and I’ve fought hard to get where I am today. I welcome any conversation about equality, my relationship with local Maori and my views on Council-owned properties with open arms, honesty and integrity.

Bryan Johnson believes Margaret Murray-Benge is well suited to fill the office of mayor.

"With her years of service and experience in the regional and local government, Margaret Murray-Benge is well-suited to fill the office of mayor in the upcoming council elections for the Western Bay of Plenty district.

Her promise to represent all constituents equally must find favour with the majority of the public.

After many years in the local council, she is keen to address the Bays severe roading problems and to reduce the council rates from the highest in the country."

Bryan Johnson

​Margaret Murray-Benge writes you cannot expect the ratepayer to solve all the social ills of society.

"Being the only woman on Western Bay Council, I believe very strongly about the need for all people to be treated equally.

As your correspondent (Letters, August 5) knows, Article 3 of the Treaty of Waitangi gave us equality. To participate in our democracy, we all have to take the risk of winning or losing when we stand for elected positions. Equality is the cornerstone of democracy.

I am fully aware of the social needs for many in our community, I love the work our Maori wardens do, and local government works together with Government to achieve progress for those who are struggling, too. But you cannot expect the ever-suffering ratepayer to solve all of the social ills of society. Ratepayers are being leaned on too much as it is. It is the Government's responsibility, after all they are presently taxing everything on the pretext that they know best, but too many of those taxes are hurting the people they pretend to represent.

Twisted ideology on a number of issues is threatening the standard of living for all New Zealanders and your correspondent is right that it is the people on limited incomes who are paying the price. Equality for all is vital, never forget it."

Margaret Murray-Benge, western Bay of Plenty Mayoral Candidate

Worth remembering the Transport Funding Authority is a user pays system and our fuel taxes and heavy transport is taxed billions for their contribution to roading. So as it is a user pay system, why would the government put rail into that funding system when Rail does not contribute a dime and has to be subsidised heavily continuously. Where is the logic?
How can a responsible government turn its back on the transport needs of our region?
 
We have both SH2 and SH29 going through our district and the work to be done is urgent and cannot wait for a change of Government. To stall deliberations and allow deaths and congestion, and frustration from drivers trying to earn an income? What is wrong with those central government politicians? We need the Northern Link, the Omokoroa interchange and the Katikati bypass. We need them now and we are sick of the fobbing off we keep getting. It is a wonder any employees are left at the Transport Agency when one considers how their structure has been brutalised by this government.

Why when the government is responsible for State Highways but won’t do anything and yet wants housing, and we have Peter Cooney of Classic Builders delivering affordable housing in Omokoroa but people can’t get out of Omokoroa safely—in fact they risk their lives and even the Katikati bus won’t stop because of safety concerns. Why can’t the government wake up to its responsibilities, or is it that they just don’t care. It just is not good enough and the tinkering NZTA is doing is far from impressive. We want our roads to be built properly. Why when the land was purchased, the funding in place and the tender ready to go would any responsible government put the tender on hold and take months and months and then do nothing on the pretext that there is no money. No money because they have allowed it to be stolen from State Highways budgets. 

Every time another tax is announced it is hurting the people who can least afford it, and we see no progress on our roading network. Government you have a job to do, please do it, before it is too late.

Margaret Murray-Benge.
Mayoral Candidate Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Opinion Piece

"After countless warnings and pleas from emergency services, the death toll on our roads continues to grow. But nowhere more than in the Bay of Plenty, where 41 people have now lost their life this year. So, what is it about the region that's causing tragedy after tragedy? The roads? The drivers? Western Bay District Councillor, Margaret Murray-Benge spoke to The AM Show about it." Katie Fitzegerald, The AM Show

Click here to watch the video