Transport management

Roles and responsibilities

The Ministry of Transport is responsible for transport policy development and advice to the Government. The Ministry is also responsible for the administration of a number of Crown entities. Three key transport agencies are:

Transit New Zealand is responsible for the State highway network.
Land Transport New Zealand allocates funds to provide a safe and integrated road network and is responsible for promoting land transport safety.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Local government also have transport responsibilities. Regional councils are responsible for developing regional land transport strategies and for public transport. District councils are responsible for local roads. You can find contact details for your local council on the New Zealand Local Government Online website.

Legislation

Resource Management Act 1991. The RMA provides the framework for local authorities to manage the environmental effects of activities. Land transport infrastructure projects (such as road construction or rail track laying) require resource consents.
Local Government Act (1974 – under review). This specifies the roles and responsibilities of local authorities.
A full list of Transport Acts is available from the Ministry of Transport. These include Land Transport Act (1998) and the Transit New Zealand Act (1989).

Last updated: 17 September 2007