The transport sector is welcoming the Government’s release of NZTA’s National Land Transport Programme 2024-2027 this week, saying it will boost economic productivity and help future-proof the roading network.

The NLTP sets out the activities and projects that NZTA will prioritise over the next three years, giving effect to the Government Policy Statement on land transport.

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Interim CEO Dom Kalasih said the investment set out in the NLTP will provide a much-needed boost to economic growth and productivity, and ensure the transport system is moving people and freight safely and efficiently.

“Transporting New Zealand has been emphasising the need to focus on transport fundamentals for a long time, and this NLTP gets the balance right,” Kalasih said.

“The NLTP will support regional connections through Roads of National and Regional Significance projects, ensure a big focus on network maintenance and resilience, and provide targeted investments in public transport, safety and network efficiency.”

Kalasih says it was also encouraging to see the NLTP emphasise the vital role of freight in delivering economic growth and prosperity.

“Ninety-three percent of all freight in New Zealand travels by road, so improving our roading network is essential if we want to get out of the current economic slump and drive real growth,” he said

“Our members are going to be really encouraged to see NLTP referencing the need for freight-friendly roads and bridges, and stronger and more weather-resilient road surfaces. That’s how we can get more efficient higher productivity motor vehicles and heavy battery-electric trucks delivering the freight task, reducing emissions and improving safety outcomes.”

Meanwhile, National Road Carriers said it is pleased to see allocated funding to Roads of National Significance and Roads of Regional Significance.

“The RONS and RORS are a welcome return to structured planned investment of the transport network and is in line with what NRC called for pre-election,” said NRC chief executive Justin Tighe-Umbers.

“A long-term plan for addressing the infrastructure deficit and providing certainty will drive down cost, enabling more to be done to return the network to a state that enables productivity and supports economic growth.

“With this increased certainty we hope to see the doors opening in terms of investment opportunities, both from local and international investors, and the contractors we need to attract to deliver the programme of work,” he said.

“This is a really positive step forward in terms of prioritising the work required, factoring in future demands, community and economic needs. We can look forward to increased resilience and productivity from the network which will benefit New Zealand as a whole.”