This week another report was quietly released in Wellington, and given the volume of reports lately you could be forgiven for stifling a yawn and moving on to the crossword.

NRC has been paying attention, however, as this report was a performance improvement review of the Ministry of Transport, the first since 2018.

It is reassuring that a comprehensive performance review process has been undertaken of the Ministry. The Ministry of Transport is critical to the success of the transport system in New Zealand. It sets the policy direction and is responsible for setting the right framework so that New Zealanders have effective and efficient transportation to go about their business.

Transport is a critical enabler to our economy, therefore by the same logic the Ministry of Transport should be a heavy hitter in the machinery of government. We want to see a Ministry that carries the commensurate weight in Wellington that reflects the importance of transport. A modern economy cannot thrive without the fast, efficient movement of people and goods.

NRC works closely with the Ministry, they are making a genuine effort to work with industry and stakeholders. But they have a lot on their plate.

Transport is going through several once a generation transport system changes which are far reaching in their impacts and will determine how efficiently the road freight sector will operate. These include reforming how we pay for roading, lowering transport emissions, tolling of roads, and the Cook Strait ferry crossing capability. It is more important than ever that we have a Ministry of Transport that is providing strong policy advice and leadership and coordinating these major changes so that as a collective they lead to a more productive and efficient freight sector.

The report noted: “To meet these expectations, the Ministry will need to maintain its focus on delivering on the Government’s priorities, leverage opportunities in its core functions to support its leadership role in the transport system and build or source the capability it needs as an organisation.”

This can be distilled down to focus on priorities, be a strong leader, and recruit and develop capable people.

Easy to say, difficult to do, especially when you have a change agenda as large as the MOT. Add into the mix public service cuts, and restricted budgets and it starts to be very difficult indeed.

That is why fellow CEOs from across the transport sector joined me this week in calling for a well-resourced Ministry of Transport. We came together because we want to see the MOT succeed, we recognise that a thriving transport system depends on a thriving Ministry.

NRC will continue to work on your behalf working alongside MOT and other agencies advocating for the policies that make sense.

– Justin Tighe-Umbers, chief executive, National Road Carriers