Foreword - New Zealand Transport Strategy

We all use transport in our daily lives – that is a reality. The challenge we face is to improve the way we travel, so we cause as little damage as possible to the environment and minimise harmful effects on others. At the same time, we need a transport system that will assist economic development, be more accessible to all New Zealanders and that remains affordable.

Since the launch of the first New Zealand Transport Strategy in 2002, we have made progress towards achieving our vision of having ‘an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system’.

However, greenhouse gas emissions from transport are still responsible for a significant proportion of New Zealand’s total emissions and will continue to increase if we do not make further improvements to the way we move around. Urban congestion is increasing, and the number of transport-related deaths that occur each year, despite improvements over the past 30 years, is still far too high.

This updated Strategy introduces targets to address what has become a very different operating environment from the one that existed when the initial Strategy was launched – new challenges will require new measures to address them. Your feedback on the discussion paper leading to this update helped determine the new goals needed to have a truly sustainable transport system – economically, socially and environmentally.

The revised Strategy provides direction for the transport sector over the next 30 years, in line with the government’s sustainable development, energy and climate change agendas. It translates that direction into defined targets for the transport sector, sets
out actions for achieving those targets and provides context for decisions about funding allocations. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to further refine these actions and targets over the next couple of years – any new developments will be included in future revisions of the Strategy.

Over time, achieving the targets will result in a reduction of emissions because of an increase in the number of hybrid and full electric vehicles on our roads; more people using public transport, walking and cycling; and more transportation of freight by rail and sea. There will also be increased use of renewable fuels, more fuel-efficient technology and improved operating practices. Together these will help achieve the major goal to address climate change: to halve per capita domestic greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 2040.

Another goal is to enhance safety on our roads through improvements to the vehicle fleet and road networks, road safety education and the enforcement of road safety rules. The target is to have no more than 200 road deaths per annum, and no more than 1,500 serious injuries, by 2040. Safety is also vital within the maritime, aviation and rail sectors.

Better transport networks will support and assist long-term economic growth. Key to New Zealand’s continued economic prosperity will be maintaining international links, for example by continuing to negotiate new ‘open skies’ agreements with other countries, and maintaining our commitment to international standards for aviation and maritime security.

Domestically, the focus will be on investment in infrastructure which will improve journey times and journey time reliability on critical routes (particularly for freight). Congestion issues will also continue to be addressed by managing the demand for travel; providing better public transport systems; and encouraging greater use of public transport, walking and cycling. The need to reduce congestion in Auckland is particularly important in fulfilling its potential as a world-class city.

Across all modes, in both domestic and international transport, we intend to take action to tackle shortages of skilled workers.

We must remember too that transport is a means to an end, providing people and freight with access to services, facilities and markets, and not an end in itself. We wish to ensure that all members of the community have access to the services they need and that the transport system supports these needs.

It is a challenging time ahead. Meeting the needs of different industries and people in all communities (from freight movers and vehicle owners to public transport users and those who walk or cycle) is a difficult task.Understanding the issues, collaboration and integration of planning processes will be the key to success.

Ultimately, it will be the willingness of all New Zealanders to make different transport choices that will determine whether or not we meet our goals. Each and every one of us can make a difference.

Hon Annette King
Minister of Transport

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• The New Zealand Transport Strategy 2008 (PDF v7.0 4,687KB)