Transport minister Phil Twyford has earmarked $48 billion over the next 10 years in the Draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2021 on land transport.
This is on top of the $6.8 billion boost announced from the NZ Upgrade Programme which will see a total $54 billion go to various transport projects.
Twyford says there is no proposal to raise petrol tax and the spend will provide the industry with “certainty during the current global economic headwinds”.
“This GPS shows our Government is putting the pedal to the metal on our balanced transport policy while committing to a massive infrastructure spend over 10 years.
“Alongside the historic $12.1 billion Covid-19 economic response package and the $12 billion NZ Upgrade programme, this transport investment will make a real difference to New Zealand’s economic recovery,” he says.
The GPS includes $10 billion which will go towards the Government’s safety programme to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road by 40%.
“In the first three years alone, Road to Zero will invest nearly $3 billion in safety infrastructure like median barriers, safety campaigns and road policing.
“The regions will get an extra $1.2 billion in road upgrades through Road to Zero in the first three years, more than double the amount for regional improvements under GPS 2018.
“We’re taking climate change seriously through unprecedented investments in public transport and walking and cycling improvements.
“Given how both rail and coastal shipping help take pressure off our roads and produce less emissions, we are looking to fund both in GPS 2021.
“Building alternative transport options for people and freight is a vital part of achieving the Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” Twyford says.
The Government is now seeking feedback from local government, the transport sector, community groups and the wider public on the draft GPS 2021.
*Go to transport.govt.nz/gps to read the draft and provide feedback.
Edit: An earlier version of this story reported a total $54b would go to the transport construction industry but it also includes all activity classes such as funding for road safety (Road to Zero, road policing), public transport services and others.
