Brief to the Minister of Transport 2008

November 2008

Current directions and future challenges for transport

The current direction:
Throughout the world the transport sector is facing a number of common challenges (including energy security and climate change) that must be overcome if national and international transportation systems are to become more efficient and effective.

New Zealand is no different from other developed countries in having to address these challenges. Indeed, as a small, geographically isolated trading nation, access to secure, reliable and affordable transport networks is crucial to our future. The efficiency of our supply chain (including the transport component of that supply chain) is essential to the competitiveness of our firms in international markets. Equally, the smooth functioning of our local transport systems is important to the social connection of our communities and families.

Key challenges:
1. Global financial crisis and boosting economic growth
2. Funding investment in infrastructure and services while keeping transport affordable
3. Increases in the impacts of transport
4. Responding to climate change, energy security and cost
5. Land-use development and its impact on transport demand
6. Changing demands arising from an ageing population
7. Global terrorism

Download the Brief to the Minister of Transport: November 2008 (PDF v7.0, 565kb)