With the election just around the corner, it is worth reflecting on where each of our major political parties sit on the issues that matter most to the road transport industry.
The provision of transport infrastructure is one of the important policy debates in the campaign and, with stark differences in each party’s philosophies, the election outcome could have far reaching consequences for the future of road transport in New Zealand.
A couple of months ago I wrote to each party represented in Parliament to broadly ascertain their position on key areas of concern for the industry.
I have picked out three of the most critical questions and have included the parties’ responses to them. These are mostly in their own words but I have paraphrased where necessary.
1. Do you support the notion that the various transport modes should be left to compete on the basis of comparative advantage or do you prefer policy that promotes one mode over another?
National claims not to favour one mode over another, instead aiming for a transport system that makes the best of all modes and exploits the strengths of each.
Labour supports a balanced, integrated transport system that reduces congestion, carbon emissions and the road toll while improving productivity. Labour does not think the current model is achieving that.
The Greens believe roading projects should compete for funding alongside rail and coastal shipping. If a roading project is able to support the movement of more people or freight at the lowest cost and with the least impact on the environment, then it should be funded.
New Zealand First’s land transport strategy is designed to make the most efficient use of road and rail to enhance regional and national economies. Freight that can go more efficiently by rail will be redirected, with roads used only for freight more efficiently transported by road.
The Maori Party does not want to promote one mode of transport over another as they each have a role to play. However, it notes the roading network provides access to and from ports as well as servicing the needs of communities and tourists and therefore the Maori Party supports further investment in it.
ACT understands the advantages of road freight transport and strongly supports transport modes competing on their own merits free from government interference. Government policy should not “pick winners” by promoting one mode over another.
2. How will you ensure the continual improvement of roading infrastructure, including upgrading and easing congestion on critical freight routes such as Onehunga to Mt Wellington?
For National, the Roads of National Significance and Accelerated Regional Roading Programmes are designed to accelerate significant roading projects to keep the economy growing. These are projects like Auckland’s Western Ring Route and East-West Link, the Waikato Expressway and the Mount Messenger and Awakino Gorge bypasses.
Labour is committed to completing roading projects now underway and supporting future projects based on the benefits identified by comprehensive business cases.
The Greens would rebalance investment towards local roads, public transport and rail where it can be more effective. They see an additional third main rail line as potentially a higher priority for improving freight movements than the East-West Link.
New Zealand First will balance the roading needs of the main centres, especially Auckland, with the need to reduce the ever-growing dependence on cars. It will pay particular attention to the need to upgrade highways serving ports, airports and other major generators of heavy transport, while seeking to make better use of the country’s railway network.
The Maori Party believes more investment is needed in the construction, maintenance and renewing of highways in New Zealand, including upgrading and easing congestion on critical freight routes such as Onehunga to Mt Wellington. They also support further investment in rail networks such as the Gisborne to Napier line, which the party is keen to see re-established.
ACT supports projects like the East-West Link that ease congestion and also backs the immediate introduction of congestion pricing to help manage traffic demand in Auckland.
3. How will you assist in alleviating the current shortage of truck drivers and would you consider changing immigration settings to add truck drivers to the essential skills lists?
National wishes to ensure the right balance is struck between enabling employers continued access to migrant labour when there are genuine skills shortages and controlling both the number and quality of people migrating to New Zealand.
Labour is keen to work with the sector to address skill shortages by improving access to training, lifting wages and improving working conditions. It has a policy of three years’ free post-compulsory education, which will pay the fees for those entering the sector through training avenues.
The Greens support initiatives that up-skill New Zealanders to fill demands in the labour markets. They would take advice from government officials on whether truck drivers should be included in the essential skills list.
New Zealand First would ensure Kiwis who are able to do so are trained to be available to meet the demand and, where demand exceeds what is available, immigration settings would enable work visas to fill the gap for as long as necessary.
The Maori Party supports changing immigration settings for a brief period – one to two years – to add truck drivers to the list to alleviate the immediate shortage. But it would prefer a more long-term solution such as truck driver training opportunities in the form of cadetships.
ACT understands the industry needs continued access to skilled migrant workers. It is a pro-immigration party and favours making it easier for businesses to get the skilled workers they need. It’s therefore open to adding truck drivers to the essential skills list.
