I was born and bred in Auckland and have deep roots there. A first class public transport system is vital for Auckland both in terms of anticipated population growth and revitalisation of the city centre. And of course we must have a seamless public transport system to get fans to the Rugby World Cup games.

I was delighted to read the joint ARTA-KiwiRail press release this morning on the preferred route for the CBD rail loop project. This is good news. It is the kind of project that would provide the significant economic benefits that the government supposedly wants from its transport investment.

The cost is roughly similar to the Puhoi-Wellsford road, the benefits are far greater, so why is Joyce not keen on this one? An interesting question when petrol prices are their highest in 18 months.