Government's Transport Goals and Objectives - National Rail Strategy

Policy Context

New Zealand Transport Strategy

The New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) outlines the Government's vision for transport in New Zealand, and provides the framework within which transport policy is developed.

The NZTS outlines how an integrated mix of transport modes can contribute to economic growth, increased safety and personal security, improved access and mobility, improved public health, and the enhanced environmental sustainability of transport in New Zealand.

Legislative framework

A new legislative framework has been established to give effect to the Government's transport goals and objectives.

The Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) provides the framework for a more integrated approach to the funding and management of land transport. The LTMA provides for funding flexibility to achieve greater consistency in long-term planning of the transport networks, and a multi-modal approach, in order to achieve a more integrated transport infrastructure.

Separate legislation, the Rail Network Bill, will provide the structure and management framework for the national rail network owner and operator, the New Zealand Railways Corporation (ONTRACK).

Links to other government strategies

Transport, including rail transport, is identified in a number of government strategies as contributing towards achieving the economic, social, and environmental outcomes that government desires for New Zealand in the 21st century. Further, some of these strategies will contribute to the objectives of the National Rail Strategy.

Government strategies that link to, or have informed the development of, the National Rail Strategy include: the Crime Reduction Strategy, National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, National Civil Defence Emergency Management Strategy, Growing an Innovative New Zealand, New Zealand Climate Change Programme, New Zealand Disability Strategy, New Zealand Health Strategy, New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy, New Zealand Tourism Strategy, Oceans Policy, Positive Ageing Strategy, Road Safety to 2010 Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Programme of Action.

Vision for transport 

By 2010 New Zealand will have an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system.

Principles

• Sustainability
• Integration
• Safety
• Responsiveness

Objectives

Assisting economic development

New Zealand's economic development relies on a coherent, affordable, efficient, and effective transport system that improves the flow of people, goods, and services, both within New Zealand and to and from other parts of the world.

Assisting safety and personal security

The NZTS seeks to improve the safety and personal security of those who use or are affected by the transport system. Significant efforts to improve the long-term safety performance of all transport modes are under way, including the development of long-term modal safety strategies.

Improving access and mobility

Transport systems give people mobility and provide access to a range of work and other opportunities. Accessible, affordable, and reliable transport services and infrastructure, both within and between communities, make an important contribution to better access and mobility.

Protecting and promoting public health

The transport system contributes to positive health outcomes when the negative health impacts of transport arising from transport-related emissions (noise, waste, and other pollutants) are minimised, and the use of active transport modes, such as walking and cycling, is supported.
 
Ensuring environmental sustainability

A transport system that supports environmental sustainability will make more efficient use of resources and shift, over time, to using renewable resources and minimising adverse effects on land, air, water, communities, and ecosystems.

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