The Government is seeking Parliament's authority to borrow money to build motorways, the Greens say.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has introduced a new legislation, the Land Transport Management Amendment Bill, which changes funding and road toll frameworks, simplifies planning and allows partnerships between councils and public transport operators.
The Greens' transport spokeswoman, Julie Anne Genter, says the bill gives the Transport Agency the power to borrow large amounts to build motorways, and to fund projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
"After cutting or freezing funding for everything else, National is now putting the cost on the nation's credit card," she said.
"The Government is seeking to borrow more and use PPPs as a form of back door borrowing... New Zealanders will be shackled with interest and that's irresponsible."
NZN