Party vote

Transport and infrastructure

After decades of underspending on transport infrastructure, and with widespread dissatisfaction with the country's urban planning laws, all the parties agree that the way we design our cities and transport systems needs to change. Some say the emphasis should be on making it easier for developers to build, while others say we need a clearer plan for preparing our cities for a changing climate.

Transport and infrastructure

After decades of underspending on transport infrastructure, and with widespread dissatisfaction with the country's urban planning laws, all the parties agree that the way we design our cities and transport systems needs to change. Some say the emphasis should be on making it easier for developers to build, while others say we need a clearer plan for preparing our cities for a changing climate.

Key policiesCars and roadsConstructionEnergyInfrastructure funding and planningInternet and telecommunicationsPublic transport, cycling and walkingRail transportUrban planning and resource management

  • Increase the production of high-quality off-site manufactured homes

    Provide an underwrite to support community housing providers building new rental homes

    Ensure climate adaptation planning affirms tino rangatiratanga

    Ensure planning frameworks give effect to the need for climate adaption

    Ban new extraction of fossil fuels

    Install solar panels on public buildings

    Reform the electricity market to encourage renewable energy

    Use dividends from energy companies to invest in clean energy

    Prohibit new fossil fuel gas connections in most cases

    Collaborate with industry to replace industrial coal and gas use

    Ensure resource management or local government system changes uphold tino rangatiratanga

    Provide grants and loans for home energy efficiency improvements

    Make clean energy improvements tax deductible for rental properties

    Expand programme that installs solar electricity in social housing

    Broaden the scope of Warmer Kiwi Homes to include more zero carbon upgrades

    Support community energy initiatives

    Allow rivers to follow their natural course

    Restore waterways and control freshwater pests

    Provide training for careers in clean energy

    Increase resilience of local telecommunications and transport networks

    Expand digital connectivity in rural areas

    Provide funding for purhcasing electric buses and improving frequency and reliability

    Develop a nationwide rapid rail system for passengers and freight

    Increase the accessibility of e-bikes for low-income individuals

    Provide free public transport for young people, students, apprentices, low income earners and people with mobility cards

    Support the direct provision of public transport by local and regional councils

    Ensure schools have walking and biking access

    Require transport authorities to consider alternative transport options when undertaking road maintenance

    Set waste reduction targets for the building and construction sector

    Require councils to restore and expand urban green spaces

    Encourage climate resilience in urban planning

    Increase funding for walking and cycling infrastructure

    Fund the restoration and protection of nature in urban areas

    Build light rail in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

    Prioritise cycle and walking infrastructure over roads

    Expand energy efficiency scheme for low income households

  • Replace all place names with their original Māori names by 2026

    Introduce free public transport for all students

    Fund Māori owned community energy projects

    Develop a national Māori strategy for renewable energy and clean technology

    Maintain target of 100% renewable energy by 2030

    Phase out industrial coal burning by 2030

    Require all new houses to be fully accessible

  • Establish a national infrastructure agency

    Negotiate partnership agreements with local and regional governments

    Establish a fast-track consent process for infrastructure projects

    Introduce a new exemption to RMA processes for large infrastructure projects

    Create a 30-year infrastructure plan

    Abolish the Auckland regional fuel tax

    Abolish the Clean Car Discount

    Require councils in major towns and cities to release more land for housing development

    Retain rules requiring councils to zone for six storeys close to public transport

    Remove some protections for undeveloped land near cities

    Standardise infrastructure funding process for councils at their debt limits

    Use targeted rates to fund infrastructure for when developing on greenfield land

    Fund infrastructure projects using levies on land improved by the project

    Ban gang patches in public and on social media

    Reform the planning rules for renewable energy generation

    Issue a new national policy statement on renewable electricity generation

    Introduce a national policy statement on hydrogen

    Introduce a national policy statement on electricity distribution

    Reform planning rules for electricity distribution and transmission

    Reform cost recovery rules for electricity transmission infrastructure

    Reverse water infrastructure reforms

    Require councils to produce a plan for water infrastructure

    Establish a water infrastructure regulator

    Narrow the scope of Significant Natural Areas

    Allow more activities on highly productive land

    Limit the scope of wetlands protections

    Build a four-lane highway between Whangārei and the Port Marsden highway turnoff

    Build a four-lane expressway between Walkworth and Wellsford in Northland

    Extend the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere

    Upgrade a section of State Highway 29 near Tauranga

    Build the East-West Link highway in Auckland

    Build a four-lane highway between Manukau and Alfriston in Auckland

    Upgrade roads south of Hamilton

    Build a four-lane road between Tawa and the Hutt Valley in Wellington

    Build a four-lane road between Huapai and Waimauku north of Auckland

    Build a four-lane extension to State Highway 2 from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa in the Bay of Plenty

    Build a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington

    End the Let’s Get Wellington Moving programme

    Build a four-lane road to bypass Hope in Nelson-Tasman

    Extend the motorway north of Christchurch to Belfast

    Make housing growth a priority for transport funding

    Use a tender process to fund a rapid transit system through west and northwest Auckland

    Extend the Eastern Busway to Botany in Auckland

    Build a bus rapid transport route between Auckland Airport and Botany

    Continue upgrades to lower North Island passenger rail services

    Start building a second or improved bridge over the Ashburton River within three years

    Upgrade roads in the Queenstown area

    Upgrade road bridges in Otago and Southland

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Allow the use of congestion charging in cities

    Prioritise road projects in disaster-affected areas

    Investigate making the O Mahurangi–Penlink road four-lanes instead of two

    Consider using private funding for the development of second crossing over Waitematā Harbour

    Maintain the Winter Energy Payment

    Ensure that businesses making less than $60,000 are exempt from GST

    Require online gambling services to register in NZ for tax purposes

    Remove public transport discounts

    Reverse resource management reforms

    Work with the construction sector to improve access to mental health services

    Reform the Building Code to speed up the consent process

    Clarify the definition of a minor variation for building consents

    Transfer consent processing for buildings over 10 metres tall to dedicated teams

    Encourage accredited building organisations to play a greater role in the consenting process

    Allow remote inspections for building consents

    Expand the types of building and construction workers who can self-certify

    Require building compliance certificates to be issued within five working days

    Allow building materials approved in equivalent countries to be automatically approved in NZ

    Continue to support building and construction apprenticeships

    Make it easier for the construction sector to access skilled migrant workers

    Support more research on the construction sector

    Encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly building standards

    Expand building material approval to accredited organisations

    Promote competition in the building regulatory system

    Review rules for scaffolding

    Consider establishing a specialised procurement function in the government

    Investigate reducing council liability for building performance

    Review the use of phoenix companies in NZ

    Increase funding for public electric vehicle charging infrastructure

    Remove consenting requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

    Set minimum standards for electric vehicle chargers

    Require electricity distribution companies to share information with electric vehicle charging providers

    Reduce funding for programme encouraging people to use public transport, walk or cycle

    Install e-bike charging infrastructure on the NZ Cycle Trail

    Remove most consent requirements for building water storage on farmland

    Remove most consent requirements for expanding commercial fruit and vegetable production

    Remove consent requirements for creating wetlands

    Establish a minister for technology

    Stop work on the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme

    Freeze petrol taxes for three years

    Reverse the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration

    Increase the speed limit on Transmission Gully

    Increase the speed limit on the Kāpiti Expressway

    Consider increasing the speed limit on the Pūhoi to Walkworth motorway

    Reverse speed limit reductions

    Reduce the use of traffic management and temporary speed limit restrictions

    Speed up consent process for wood processing facilities

    Remove consent requirements for new forestry

    Require government agencies to share satellite images

    Encourage government agencies to use satellite and drone data

  • Oppose the introduction of a digital currency

    Abolish the Auckland regional fuel tax

    Require revenue from fuel and road user charges to be reinvested in road infrastructure

    Restrict land banking

    Reform the Resource Management Act to free up land for housing

    Review all current and planned major infrastructure projects

    Introduce a a 10-year guarantee on new builds

    Allow insured builders and designers to self-approve some work

    Re-establish the Marsden Point oil refinery

  • Upgrade electricity transmission

    Make Northport a key port of entry for Auckland

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Build a rail connection to Marsden Point

    Build a four-lane highway alternative for the Brynderwyns in Northland

    Build a four-lane motorway from Whāngarei to Marsden Point

    Build a four-lane highway from Puhoi to Whāngarei

    Consider reopening the oil refinery at Marsden Point

    Ensure the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter stays open

    Abolish the Electricity Authority and establish a Ministry for Energy

    Create a fuel security plan

    Remove Te Mana o te Wai from freshwater resource consenting

    Create a fund for regional infrastructure

    Reverse resource management reforms

    Increase penalties for drivers who flee Police

    Expand access to driving training for secondary school students

    Expand access to driving training for prisoners

  • Provide free public transport to under 30s

    Provide a $1500 credit for bikes and e-scooters to under 30s

    Introduce a card and app for citizens and residents up to the age of 30

    Replace all urban buses with electric buses by 2030

    Create a fund for repairing roads and footpaths in Christchurch

    Fund car parking improvements at Christchurch Hospital

    Support more housing density in central cities and around transport nodes

    Create a 30-year infrastructure plan

    Reform infrastructure funding system

    Reform regulations for artificial intelligence

    Provide grants to small businesses for digital upgrades

    Review planning systems to ensure they consider climate adapation

  • Retain current public transport discounts

    Continue renewable energy funding partnership with BlackRock

    Investigate a fast-track process for recognition of Māori landmarks and street names

    Support Māori to better access funds to install sustainable infrastructure on marae and papakainga

    Upgrade major roads in Northland

    Prioritise investment in infrastructure, science and innovation

    Build a rapid transit system through west and northwest Auckland

    Build a fourth main line in Auckland

    Build a rail link between Avondale and Onehunga in Auckland

    Upgrade and remove some level crossings in Auckland and Wellington

    Extend the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere

    Upgrade a section of State Highway 29 near Tauranga

    Build a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington

    Build a mass rapid transit system in Wellington

    Make the highway between Napier and Hastings four-lanes

    Build a walking and cycling path on Rocks Road in Nelson

    Build a road to bypass Hope in Nelson-Tasman

    Extend the motorway north of Christchurch to Belfast

    Build a second bridge over the Ashburton River

    Continue to aim for 100% renewable energy

    Continue fund for building and upgrading infrastructure

    Support small businesses to make digital upgrades

    Continue work on the national infrastructure plan

    Continue recent resource management reforms

    Continue transformation plan for construction industry

    Provide tax rebates for improving energy efficiency in existing houses

    Provide rebates for installing rooftop solar and battery storage

    Increase funding for community renewable energy projects

    Continue programme that installs solar panels on social housing

    Rebuild Hawke’s Bay Hospital

    Establish a centre to train renewable energy workers

    Work with the private sector to expand electric vehicle charging network

    Provide grants for low-emissions heavy vehicles for freight

    Develop artificial intelligence plan

    Decarbonise the public transport network by 2035

    Improve the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure

    Electrify the main trunk line between Papakura and Te Rapa

  • Reverse speed limit reductions

    End the Let's Get Wellington Moving programme

    Reverse water infrastructure reforms

    Abolish the Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard

    Share half of GST revenue from new residential building with local councils

    Replace the Building Act with compulsory building insurance

    Restrict access to the winter energy payment

    Reform resource management laws to reduce restrictions on private property

    Replace fuel taxes with user-pays road pricing

    Create new state owned enterprise to manage state highways

    Increase the speed limit on Transmission Gully

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Allow more development projects to be fast-tracked through resource consent

    Fund conservation initiatives on private land

    Introduce a market-based system for managing water pollution

    Introduce a pricing system for water allocation

    Partially privatise the rail network

    Abolish the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

    End initiatives to improve industrial energy efficiency

    Reverse the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration

    Stop the development of the Lake Onslow hydro scheme

    Encourage the use of carbon capture technology

    Speed up approval for offshore wind projects

    Remove Te Mana o te Wai from freshwater resource consenting

Key policiesCars and roadsConstructionEnergyInfrastructure funding and planningInternet and telecommunicationsPublic transport, cycling and walkingRail transportUrban planning and resource management

  • Increase the production of high-quality off-site manufactured homes

    Provide an underwrite to support community housing providers building new rental homes

    Ensure climate adaptation planning affirms tino rangatiratanga

    Ensure planning frameworks give effect to the need for climate adaption

    Ban new extraction of fossil fuels

    Install solar panels on public buildings

    Reform the electricity market to encourage renewable energy

    Use dividends from energy companies to invest in clean energy

    Prohibit new fossil fuel gas connections in most cases

    Collaborate with industry to replace industrial coal and gas use

    Ensure resource management or local government system changes uphold tino rangatiratanga

    Provide grants and loans for home energy efficiency improvements

    Make clean energy improvements tax deductible for rental properties

    Expand programme that installs solar electricity in social housing

    Broaden the scope of Warmer Kiwi Homes to include more zero carbon upgrades

    Support community energy initiatives

    Allow rivers to follow their natural course

    Restore waterways and control freshwater pests

    Provide training for careers in clean energy

    Increase resilience of local telecommunications and transport networks

    Expand digital connectivity in rural areas

    Provide funding for purhcasing electric buses and improving frequency and reliability

    Develop a nationwide rapid rail system for passengers and freight

    Increase the accessibility of e-bikes for low-income individuals

    Provide free public transport for young people, students, apprentices, low income earners and people with mobility cards

    Support the direct provision of public transport by local and regional councils

    Ensure schools have walking and biking access

    Require transport authorities to consider alternative transport options when undertaking road maintenance

    Set waste reduction targets for the building and construction sector

    Require councils to restore and expand urban green spaces

    Encourage climate resilience in urban planning

    Increase funding for walking and cycling infrastructure

    Fund the restoration and protection of nature in urban areas

    Build light rail in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

    Prioritise cycle and walking infrastructure over roads

    Expand energy efficiency scheme for low income households

  • Replace all place names with their original Māori names by 2026

    Introduce free public transport for all students

    Fund Māori owned community energy projects

    Develop a national Māori strategy for renewable energy and clean technology

    Maintain target of 100% renewable energy by 2030

    Phase out industrial coal burning by 2030

    Require all new houses to be fully accessible

  • Establish a national infrastructure agency

    Negotiate partnership agreements with local and regional governments

    Establish a fast-track consent process for infrastructure projects

    Introduce a new exemption to RMA processes for large infrastructure projects

    Create a 30-year infrastructure plan

    Abolish the Auckland regional fuel tax

    Abolish the Clean Car Discount

    Require councils in major towns and cities to release more land for housing development

    Retain rules requiring councils to zone for six storeys close to public transport

    Remove some protections for undeveloped land near cities

    Standardise infrastructure funding process for councils at their debt limits

    Use targeted rates to fund infrastructure for when developing on greenfield land

    Fund infrastructure projects using levies on land improved by the project

    Ban gang patches in public and on social media

    Reform the planning rules for renewable energy generation

    Issue a new national policy statement on renewable electricity generation

    Introduce a national policy statement on hydrogen

    Introduce a national policy statement on electricity distribution

    Reform planning rules for electricity distribution and transmission

    Reform cost recovery rules for electricity transmission infrastructure

    Reverse water infrastructure reforms

    Require councils to produce a plan for water infrastructure

    Establish a water infrastructure regulator

    Narrow the scope of Significant Natural Areas

    Allow more activities on highly productive land

    Limit the scope of wetlands protections

    Build a four-lane highway between Whangārei and the Port Marsden highway turnoff

    Build a four-lane expressway between Walkworth and Wellsford in Northland

    Extend the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere

    Upgrade a section of State Highway 29 near Tauranga

    Build the East-West Link highway in Auckland

    Build a four-lane highway between Manukau and Alfriston in Auckland

    Upgrade roads south of Hamilton

    Build a four-lane road between Tawa and the Hutt Valley in Wellington

    Build a four-lane road between Huapai and Waimauku north of Auckland

    Build a four-lane extension to State Highway 2 from Te Puna to Ōmokoroa in the Bay of Plenty

    Build a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington

    End the Let’s Get Wellington Moving programme

    Build a four-lane road to bypass Hope in Nelson-Tasman

    Extend the motorway north of Christchurch to Belfast

    Make housing growth a priority for transport funding

    Use a tender process to fund a rapid transit system through west and northwest Auckland

    Extend the Eastern Busway to Botany in Auckland

    Build a bus rapid transport route between Auckland Airport and Botany

    Continue upgrades to lower North Island passenger rail services

    Start building a second or improved bridge over the Ashburton River within three years

    Upgrade roads in the Queenstown area

    Upgrade road bridges in Otago and Southland

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Allow the use of congestion charging in cities

    Prioritise road projects in disaster-affected areas

    Investigate making the O Mahurangi–Penlink road four-lanes instead of two

    Consider using private funding for the development of second crossing over Waitematā Harbour

    Maintain the Winter Energy Payment

    Ensure that businesses making less than $60,000 are exempt from GST

    Require online gambling services to register in NZ for tax purposes

    Remove public transport discounts

    Reverse resource management reforms

    Work with the construction sector to improve access to mental health services

    Reform the Building Code to speed up the consent process

    Clarify the definition of a minor variation for building consents

    Transfer consent processing for buildings over 10 metres tall to dedicated teams

    Encourage accredited building organisations to play a greater role in the consenting process

    Allow remote inspections for building consents

    Expand the types of building and construction workers who can self-certify

    Require building compliance certificates to be issued within five working days

    Allow building materials approved in equivalent countries to be automatically approved in NZ

    Continue to support building and construction apprenticeships

    Make it easier for the construction sector to access skilled migrant workers

    Support more research on the construction sector

    Encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly building standards

    Expand building material approval to accredited organisations

    Promote competition in the building regulatory system

    Review rules for scaffolding

    Consider establishing a specialised procurement function in the government

    Investigate reducing council liability for building performance

    Review the use of phoenix companies in NZ

    Increase funding for public electric vehicle charging infrastructure

    Remove consenting requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

    Set minimum standards for electric vehicle chargers

    Require electricity distribution companies to share information with electric vehicle charging providers

    Reduce funding for programme encouraging people to use public transport, walk or cycle

    Install e-bike charging infrastructure on the NZ Cycle Trail

    Remove most consent requirements for building water storage on farmland

    Remove most consent requirements for expanding commercial fruit and vegetable production

    Remove consent requirements for creating wetlands

    Establish a minister for technology

    Stop work on the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme

    Freeze petrol taxes for three years

    Reverse the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration

    Increase the speed limit on Transmission Gully

    Increase the speed limit on the Kāpiti Expressway

    Consider increasing the speed limit on the Pūhoi to Walkworth motorway

    Reverse speed limit reductions

    Reduce the use of traffic management and temporary speed limit restrictions

    Speed up consent process for wood processing facilities

    Remove consent requirements for new forestry

    Require government agencies to share satellite images

    Encourage government agencies to use satellite and drone data

  • Oppose the introduction of a digital currency

    Abolish the Auckland regional fuel tax

    Require revenue from fuel and road user charges to be reinvested in road infrastructure

    Restrict land banking

    Reform the Resource Management Act to free up land for housing

    Review all current and planned major infrastructure projects

    Introduce a a 10-year guarantee on new builds

    Allow insured builders and designers to self-approve some work

    Re-establish the Marsden Point oil refinery

  • Upgrade electricity transmission

    Make Northport a key port of entry for Auckland

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Build a rail connection to Marsden Point

    Build a four-lane highway alternative for the Brynderwyns in Northland

    Build a four-lane motorway from Whāngarei to Marsden Point

    Build a four-lane highway from Puhoi to Whāngarei

    Consider reopening the oil refinery at Marsden Point

    Ensure the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter stays open

    Abolish the Electricity Authority and establish a Ministry for Energy

    Create a fuel security plan

    Remove Te Mana o te Wai from freshwater resource consenting

    Create a fund for regional infrastructure

    Reverse resource management reforms

    Increase penalties for drivers who flee Police

    Expand access to driving training for secondary school students

    Expand access to driving training for prisoners

  • Provide free public transport to under 30s

    Provide a $1500 credit for bikes and e-scooters to under 30s

    Introduce a card and app for citizens and residents up to the age of 30

    Replace all urban buses with electric buses by 2030

    Create a fund for repairing roads and footpaths in Christchurch

    Fund car parking improvements at Christchurch Hospital

    Support more housing density in central cities and around transport nodes

    Create a 30-year infrastructure plan

    Reform infrastructure funding system

    Reform regulations for artificial intelligence

    Provide grants to small businesses for digital upgrades

    Review planning systems to ensure they consider climate adapation

  • Retain current public transport discounts

    Continue renewable energy funding partnership with BlackRock

    Investigate a fast-track process for recognition of Māori landmarks and street names

    Support Māori to better access funds to install sustainable infrastructure on marae and papakainga

    Upgrade major roads in Northland

    Prioritise investment in infrastructure, science and innovation

    Build a rapid transit system through west and northwest Auckland

    Build a fourth main line in Auckland

    Build a rail link between Avondale and Onehunga in Auckland

    Upgrade and remove some level crossings in Auckland and Wellington

    Extend the Waikato Expressway from Cambridge to Piarere

    Upgrade a section of State Highway 29 near Tauranga

    Build a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington

    Build a mass rapid transit system in Wellington

    Make the highway between Napier and Hastings four-lanes

    Build a walking and cycling path on Rocks Road in Nelson

    Build a road to bypass Hope in Nelson-Tasman

    Extend the motorway north of Christchurch to Belfast

    Build a second bridge over the Ashburton River

    Continue to aim for 100% renewable energy

    Continue fund for building and upgrading infrastructure

    Support small businesses to make digital upgrades

    Continue work on the national infrastructure plan

    Continue recent resource management reforms

    Continue transformation plan for construction industry

    Provide tax rebates for improving energy efficiency in existing houses

    Provide rebates for installing rooftop solar and battery storage

    Increase funding for community renewable energy projects

    Continue programme that installs solar panels on social housing

    Rebuild Hawke’s Bay Hospital

    Establish a centre to train renewable energy workers

    Work with the private sector to expand electric vehicle charging network

    Provide grants for low-emissions heavy vehicles for freight

    Develop artificial intelligence plan

    Decarbonise the public transport network by 2035

    Improve the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure

    Electrify the main trunk line between Papakura and Te Rapa

  • Reverse speed limit reductions

    End the Let's Get Wellington Moving programme

    Reverse water infrastructure reforms

    Abolish the Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard

    Share half of GST revenue from new residential building with local councils

    Replace the Building Act with compulsory building insurance

    Restrict access to the winter energy payment

    Reform resource management laws to reduce restrictions on private property

    Replace fuel taxes with user-pays road pricing

    Create new state owned enterprise to manage state highways

    Increase the speed limit on Transmission Gully

    Stop the development of light rail in Auckland

    Allow more development projects to be fast-tracked through resource consent

    Fund conservation initiatives on private land

    Introduce a market-based system for managing water pollution

    Introduce a pricing system for water allocation

    Partially privatise the rail network

    Abolish the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

    End initiatives to improve industrial energy efficiency

    Reverse the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration

    Stop the development of the Lake Onslow hydro scheme

    Encourage the use of carbon capture technology

    Speed up approval for offshore wind projects

    Remove Te Mana o te Wai from freshwater resource consenting

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