The early reopening of the cyclone-ravaged State Highway 25A on the Coromandel Peninsula increased GDP in the region by almost $86 million.
That's according to a new report out by Infrastructure New Zealand, which argues planning and consenting attitudes have to change for wider economic gain.
The report from the lobby group also recommends regional, or even a national, emergency panel be established to respond to other emergencies.
Nick Leggett is chief executive of Infrastructure NZ, and he spoke to Corin Dann.
