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PM's cycleway falls far short of job estimates

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Tue, 07 Dec 2010 5:46p.m.

The national cycleway has so far generated just 215 jobs

The national cycleway has so far generated just 215 jobs

The national cycleway has so far generated just 215 jobs - well short of Prime Minister John Key's expectation of 4000.

In May, Mr Key said he expected the $50 million project, which involves building 18 cycleways throughout the country, to generate 4000 jobs.

However, when asked in Parliament today how many full-time, permanent jobs had so far been created, Mr Key said just 215 people had been employed.

"Officials do not hold the number of hours worked by each individual worker on the 18 separate projects around the country, nor do they record the number of volunteer workers."

Mr Key still appeared confident job numbers would be boosted once construction had been completed.

"The early advice I have had is that there will be about 500 jobs in relation to construction," he said.

"Of course, once the 18 rides around New Zealand are established, there will be, as we have seen with the Otago Central Rail Trail, many hundreds, if not thousands, of other jobs to support them."

NZPA

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10 Dec 2010 09:09p.m.

James Read wrote:

Having been involved with a 640 mile coastal footpath/cycleway in Britain ( The Southwest Way ), I feel that some folk here have missed the advantages these paths offer. Tourism now provides jobs at small hotels in villages all along the way. In my own former electorate, the M.P. reckons the path is the biggest earner for his rural electorate. I wish the N.Z. cycleway every success.

10 Dec 2010 09:09p.m.

James Read wrote:

Having been involved with a 640 mile coastal footpath/cycleway in Britain ( The Southwest Way ), I feel that some folk here have missed the advantages these paths offer. Tourism now provides jobs at small hotels in villages all along the way. In my own former electorate, the M.P. reckons the path is the biggest earner for his rural electorate. I wish the N.Z. cycleway every success.

08 Dec 2010 09:34p.m.

Warren Matthews wrote:

To those who think John Key has failed or more importantly have insinuated he is stupid, please consider this: Do not suggest in any way that this man is stupid, or has no idea what he is doing. Why? By suggesting he is incompetent you subconsciously make the recommendation that the economic assaults committed against New Zealand are forgivable, because he didn't know any better. He knows exactly what he is doing, he just doesn't work for you or I, thus his actions appear demented. To throw a scenario into left field: if a Bank considers debts assets, and credits liabilities, then a Bank lets call it hmmmm... the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Bank had a customer lets call it hmmm... New Zealand then in order to maximise said Banks profits it is most beneficial for said customer to be in debt, and if you wanted debt why would you 'invest' in anything that would actually make any money? Its probably a dumb analogy... but I don't know, ask Ireland?

08 Dec 2010 04:59p.m.

Kim wrote:

@Lightseed
I dont see anyone complaining about the idea behind the cycleway. What they are commenting on is key promising things he couldn't deliver.
maybe he should have done his homework around consents etc before he took credit for a pipe dream.

08 Dec 2010 09:25a.m.

Deane wrote:

The cycleway was a flop from the start. It was a weak and nieve answere to the growing rate of unemployment.

The job talk was a joke, a beatup of unions, that as well as the 90 day trial period will never create more jobs.

Its a fast and so is this government.

08 Dec 2010 08:33a.m.

Aron wrote:

Did the workers who were on minimum wage lose their jobs after 90 days John ?

08 Dec 2010 07:54a.m.

Lightseed wrote:

ah the non intelligent commenting again. Anyone with a brain would realise that the cycle ways have been held up by councils and that when they are all up and running will emply more people. Having living near a cycleway and knowing the tourists they bring into the area, the jobs they create, and the millions they bring into the local economy the ones who fail are those who are against these

07 Dec 2010 08:37p.m.

Kim wrote:

Well this should be no surprise to anyone. Key really has no idea what to do. And never did. he lives in a fantasy world with his millions insulating him from the real world and pops his head up at every photo op but carn't answer a simple question unless he has advance warning he will be asked. Lets see him debate with winston in the next election campaign that would be a blood bath.

07 Dec 2010 06:19p.m.

TWE wrote:

Heh, who didn't see this one coming?

07 Dec 2010 06:06p.m.

Deadly_NZ wrote:

OOPPSSS what happened John???? oh yes you did not do your sums again!!!!!!!!!!1 FAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!