Labour MP Phil Twyford has picked up the key role of transport minister in the new government.
The role ties in with his other portfolios of housing and urban development minister.
Green MP Julie Anne Genter backs Twyford up as associate transport minister, sitting outside of cabinet.
And New Zealand First’s Shane Jones also picks up associate transport to go alongside his regional economic development, infrastructure and forestry roles.
AA spokesman Barney Irvine says having three ministers involved in the transport portfolio shows it is a hugely important area for the government moving forward.
“It will be interesting to see how their different priorities and objectives come together.
“With New Zealand First, they have a really big focus on regional development. Shane Jones being appointed to the associate transport role really reinforces that.
“It will be interesting to see how that focuses with the way the Greens look at transport issues, which tends to be more about environmental issues and urban form.”
Irvine says it’s clear there will be a renewed focus on rail, cycling and walking projects under the new government, but he still expects a balanced approach.
“The vision needs to be balanced against what’s affordable.”
Care is also needed when opening up the National Land Transport Fund to rail, cycling and walking projects, he says.
“We couldn’t accept road safety projects not making the cut.”
