"We'd be much better off investing in some of those neglected regional roads, and in urban areas some alternatives to roading as well," Ms Ardern said.
She said Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter would meet with local mayors to discuss which regional roads would be prioritised.
Regional Transport Committee chairman John Bain said Northland did need more money for rural roads, and in particular the unsealed roads. However, he wants Government to also continue with the four-lane highway, for Northland's economic benefit.
"We're really happy for that to happen but not at cost of our main economic route."
Mr Bain said an economic highway into Northland, particularly around the Twin Coast area, would bring tourists, and in turn the economy would benefit. He said from this, an opportunity arose for employment both for those in part-time jobs and those unemployed.
He said the four-lane highway has advantages for transporting freight and better and safer tourism.
Whangarei MP Shane Reti said the petition was to get the Government to commit to completing the Warkworth to Whangarei four-lane highway.
He said the project was announced by the National Government, but funding had not been allocated.
Mr Reti said Northland needed an efficient highway to get people and products to and from Auckland. It would have safety and freight benefits.
"All of the key stakeholders identified it as the most important economic driver. That was what framed the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan."
He said if the project was wiped, the proposal to four-lane the highway from Whangarei to the Ruakaka roundabout would also be lost.