Concerns growing again about the state of New Zealand's roads

The AA says shiny new roads shouldn't come before proper road maintenance. 

An annual survey of its members has found more than half have had a safety issue because of the state of the roads. 

Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says problems include potholes, debris and unclear road signs and markings.

He told Andrew Dickens it should be a political priority to make sure existing roads are safe. 

Thomsen says while it's not as exciting as massive new roads it's essential.