overview

As the government's principal transport policy adviser, the Ministry both leads and generates policy. The government's New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) provides the framework within which transport policy is developed.

More information about the Ministry of Transport and our role is contained in this brochure (PDF, 464kb).

The Ministry of Transport acts as the Minister of Transport's agent for managing the interface with the transport Crown entities, the Aviation Security Service, and the National Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

The Structure of the Government Transport Sector

The government transport sector includes five Crown entities and one trust:

These agencies are responsible for the day-to-day hands on management of our daily traffic, aviation, rail and maritime activities. The roles they play, and the composition of their Boards, are set out in legislation.

The Ministry negotiates an annual Performance Agreement with each entity on behalf of the Minister (excluding the Road Safety Trust which operates under a trust deed); monitors the entities' performance against that agreement; and recommends appointments to the entities' governing bodies.

The Ministry provides policy advice to the Minister, in collaboration with the Crown entities, including the making of transport rules.

As well, the Ministry negotiates, on behalf of New Zealand, bilateral and multilateral air services agreements and is the licensing authority for foreign international airlines operating services to and from New Zealand.

The Ministry also:

administers, on behalf of the Minister, the contract with the Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd for the provision of public weather warnings and forecasts
manages the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) and revenue collection functions which includes the collection and refund of motor vehicle registration and licensing fees, road user charges and fuel excise duty, and the maintenance of the MVR. The Land Transport NZ is contracted to provide these services under an agreement with the Secretary for Transport.
has responsibility for the operation of the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Aerodrome, and oversees the Crown's interest in joint venture airports.

Note: the Ministry of Transport does not have a hands-on-role in daily traffic, aviation, rail or maritime matters.

For all traffic and speed camera enquiries, contact the New Zealand Police..

For all vehicle compliance, warrant of fitness, child restraint, transport licencing, road safety, driver licencing, road user charges, motor vehicle registration and general licencing enquiries contact Land Transport New Zealand.