But minister David Parker says Mr Brown simply does not know the process and his comments show how unfit National is for office.
Fulton Hogan has applied for a plan change around its Parkburn quarry. When the quarry comes to an end the company wished to convert 118ha of land, between State Highway 6 and Lake Dunstan, into a development with about 500 residential sections with retail and industrial areas.
The proposal is going through a Central Otago District Council plan change process.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had submitted on the plan change, opposing the development.
It raised concerns about climate change, the lack of cycling and walking infrastructure and the relatively isolated location of the development.
Mr Brown said the stance taken by the transport agency shed light on a significant shift in the agency priorities under Labour.
"Instead of focusing on improving connectivity in our regions, NZTA is opposing crucial residential development sites because motorists are choosing to drive their own private vehicles," he said.
"Labour has focused NZTA on dictating to New Zealanders where they can and can’t live based on the transport choices they make.
"Rather than wasting time and money on interfering in residential development projects, NZTA should be focused on improving transport infrastructure and connectivity across New Zealand, allowing our regions to thrive."
He called on Mr Parker to front up and explain to New Zealanders why the NZTA was telling them where they could and could not live based on their transport preferences.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean has also criticised the NZTA, saying it could not dictate where people lived and how far they were allowed to travel.
Mr Parker said, when contacted, he could not comment on what was an operational matter. He said Mr Brown should know that and the fact he did not showed the level National was at.
"Simeon Brown’s demand that I get involved with this decision shows how unfit for office his party is. He clearly doesn’t understand the separation of roles here," Mr Parker said.
— Staff reporter
