I think you've hit the nail on the head - these projects weren't being done for fun. They are needed, there is clearly a demand for them worth millions, and now they are held or canceled.

Personally, I also don't believe more power should be returned to council because its not just that area that uses it - Whangarei depends on Auckland airport and the northern corridor, Hamilton relies on Port of Tauranga. We need wider plans and integration, not less.