New Plymouth's mayor is hitting out at those opposing the Mount Messenger bypass project.

A decision by Waka Kotahi to give construction workers pies has been under the spotlight and deemed wasteful by the Taxpayers Union.

Waka Kotahi prices the pies at $400 a month.

But mayor Neil Holdom says the pie criticism is a storm in a teacup.

"And it's a reflection of the desperation, because most New Zealanders have moved on and realised- actually it's happening, it's a good thing and we should look after the workers that are on site."

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