The final Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS 2024) has been released, outlining a $22 billion transport plan that focuses on pothole prevention on state highways and local roads.

“Upon being elected, the Government was clear that we wanted to make good on our transport promises to New Zealanders and that is what we are doing with our Government Policy Statement on land transport,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

The GPS 2024 will see a 91% boost for NZTA Waka Kotahi to fix and prevent potholes on state highways, as well as a 50% boost across local councils to fix and prevent potholes on local roads.

“Since we announced the draft Government Policy Statement on land transport, an additional $1 billion has been confirmed for the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) through Budget 2024.

“This will accelerate our transport plan and support the delivery of Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and major public transport projects,” said Brown.

“Over the next three years, the Government will invest around $7 billion per year to build and maintain a transport system that enables Kiwis to get to where they need to go quickly and safely.

“GPS 2024 sees the return of the successful RoNS programme that was stopped under the previous government. Previous National-led governments delivered a pipeline of modern, high-quality, safe road projects under the RoNS banner, and we are bringing it back with 17 projects. These will be joined by 11 Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS) to create stronger transport connections throughout New Zealand that supports productivity and economic growth,” he said.

For the first time, GPS 2024 is ring fencing road maintenance funding towards resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to prevent potholes on state highways and local roads.

The government also confirmed significant investment into New Zealand’s public transport infrastructure and services.

“Disruptions have been felt widely across our rail networks in recent years and have highlighted how important it is that we continue to invest in our networks,” said Brown.

“Investing in metropolitan rail and the Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga freight triangle is a priority.

“Road safety remains a strategic priority, with GPS 2024 directing investment toward road policing and enforcement, new and safe roading infrastructure, and targeting the highest contributors to fatal crashes,” added Brown.

“As part of our plan to improve road safety and restore law and order, we will introduce workable legislation this year to implement roadside drug testing and will require Police to conduct 3.3 million alcohol breath tests every year.”