Auckland Transport Needs Integrated Agency Approach

Media Statement
25 August 2009
"A strong partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the recently announced Auckland Transport Agency (ATA) will be critical to the success of transport infrastructure investment in Auckland", says the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive Stephen Selwood.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has announced that an Auckland Transport Agency is to be established within the new Auckland Council structure.

"NZCID agrees that it is critical to have a dedicated transport agency for Auckland to provide the focus, and continuity of decision making needed to meet Auckland's transport needs. 

"We also think it is right that the new Auckland Council provide the strategic direction while the ATA be responsible and accountable for delivery.

"These are positive aspects of the new structure however we would have preferred to see a joint venture arrangement between NZTA and the ATA to ensure alignment between regional and national transport investment, particularly noting that 90% of traffic on the motorway network is Auckland traffic and only 10% is traffic that crosses through the region. 

"Under the arrangements proposed by government the NZTA will manage the motorway network in Auckland while the ATA will manage the arterial local roads and passenger transport services.  It is essential that these two organisations work hand in glove to ensure effective integration of both national and regional transport networks.  To the extent that this alignment can be achieved will be critical to addressing Auckland's transport needs", Selwood says.
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