Legislation overhauling Auckland’s transport governance has passed its third reading, returning greater control to Auckland Council and reshaping how decisions are made.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the reforms are aimed at restoring democratic accountability and improving how the city manages its transport system.
“These reforms deliver on the Government’s commitment to reset transport governance and restore democratic accountability to Auckland Transport,” Bishop says.
He says Auckland Transport has held powers for 16 years that are typically managed by councils elsewhere in New Zealand, limiting Auckland Council’s ability to set direction.
Under the changes, responsibility for most transport functions will shift from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, including policy, planning and capital project delivery. The council will also become the road controlling authority.
A new Auckland Regional Transport Committee will be established, bringing together central and local government to develop a 30-year transport plan aligned with the Auckland City Deal.
Local boards will gain new powers over local and collector roads, including setting speed limits, managing parking and approving road closures for events, while key arterial and city centre roads will sit with Auckland Council’s governing body.
Auckland Minister Simon Watts says the reforms are designed to improve accountability and deliver a more effective transport system.
“For too long, Auckland Transport has failed to listen to Aucklanders and take their views into account. That’s why we’re changing the law,” Watts says.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the changes return decision-making to elected representatives.
“I was elected to take back control of Auckland Transport, and today we have delivered. We are returning decision-making to the people Aucklanders actually voted for,” Brown says.
Brown says Auckland Transport will become a smaller organisation focused on delivering public transport services, while other roading functions return to the council.
The Government says the reforms are intended to improve coordination between central and local government and support long-term transport priorities, including major projects outlined in the Auckland City Deal.
