Northland motorists feel they've been "short-changed" as residents continue to play games of dodge the pothole.
It comes as Aotearoa's pothole problem continues to increase, last week over 30 cars were damaged by a massive pothole on the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty.
Ex-professional driver in Europe and now Northland resident Beat told AM, Northland's roads are comparable to those in Indonesia.
"Unfortunately I would rather compare them to roads in Indonesia almost. Almost third-world status up here. That's quite sad really."
Beat says potholes continue to surface "more and more" - forcing an unwelcomed game of dodge the pothole.
"As I drive these roads you can see them, they open up more and more, it gets wilder and wilder, you have to sometimes dodge them even," he said.
"Quite dangerous at the speed you drive, you know you drive at 80 or 100km/h and that can be quite dangerous."
Equally, concerned motorist, Bascha feels they've been "short-changed in the North". She says her 80-year-old father who had a suspected stroke even experienced an "ultra bumpy" ambulance drive to the hospital.
She added the stretch of road between Kerikeri and Whangārei is riddled with potholes and that Beat comes "home absolutely shattered" after driving it.
"You have to be so vigilant."
Aotearoa's growing pothole problem is something Bascha wants the Government to prioritise, but so far feels their concerns are "falling on dead ears, unfortunately".
A spokesperson for Waka Kotahi said in a statement there has been a "significant increase" in potholes across the motu, compared to the past three years.
They added this winter has been particularly bad due to intense rainfall over the last few months and added the "network condition" is to blame too.
They encouraged motorists who spot potholes to contact Waka Kotahi via 0800 44 44 49.
