And the “winner is:”

From Auckland Council:

Transport survey: more than half support Auckland Plan transport network

A majority of Aucklanders support the proposed Auckland Plan transport network, according to the results of a quantitative survey of more than 5,000 of the region’s residents, it has been revealed today.

Conducted between February and March, the independent Colmar Brunton survey revealed 58 per cent of people supported the Auckland Plan transport network, with 32 per cent in favour of the basic option.

On types of funding, 57 per cent preferred a motorway charge to pay for the network, while 31 per cent opted for a fuel tax and rates increase.

It comes following the close of Auckland Council’s 10-year budget consultation process, which received more than 27,000 submissions and also asked which transport network Aucklanders preferred, and how it should be paid for.

Matthew Walker, General Manager Financial Plan, Policy & Budget says the results back up the consultation findings.

“From a statistical perspective, the numbers show that Aucklanders are in favour of an enhanced transport network that will support the future growth of the region,” he says.

“In fact, the survey results come out stronger in favour of the enhanced network than our own consultation, which shows that Aucklanders have recognised the significant issues the region faces.”

The survey results will now be considered, along with feedback collected on council’s 10-year budget, by elected members before they make decisions on what goes into the final budget in May.

………..

Further Information

1. 5,022 survey respondents were contacted by telephone between 24 February and 30 March 2015 based on a sample that is demographically representative of Auckland’s population.
2. The University of Auckland has conducted an independent peer review of the survey to ensure the statistical reliability of these results, which will be released in the coming weeks.
3. An estimate of the margin of error (at the 95% confidence level) on a sample size of 5,022 is +/-1.4%, pending a review of the methodology by the University of Auckland. See attached results breakdown for further details.
4. The Auckland Plan transport network includes new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways and would cost an additional $12 billion over the next 30 years. The basic transport network will maintain the transport infrastructure as it is, in addition to adding some priority projects.

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For those who like details (like me) you can read the full report on the survey and its results below:

More analysis next week