Transporting New Zealand is calling on all political parties to support policies aimed at improving freight productivity and strengthening supply chain resilience.
The road freight industry association launched its Election Platform 2026 in Wellington with five priority areas covering fuel and supply chain resilience, infrastructure, safer roads, workforce development and lower-emission freight.
Road transport moves around 93% of New Zealand’s freight by tonnage and the sector employs around 33,000 people across over 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of around $6 billion.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says improving transport infrastructure and freight efficiency could help lift New Zealand’s economic performance.
“If we want a more productive and competitive economy, we need a transport system that is reliable and efficient,” Kalasih says.
“Our platform is not about favouring one transport mode over another. It is about ensuring investment decisions are evidence-based, deliver value for taxpayers and support a resilient freight network that keeps New Zealand moving.”
Key recommendations include increased investment in road maintenance, improved fuel security and faster driver licensing pathways.
The association is also seeking policies that support fleet renewal, freight productivity and the uptake of lower-emission vehicles.
Road safety is another major focus with Transporting New Zealand calling for stronger enforcement of drug driving and mobile phone offences.
It wants roadside drug testing tripled to bring enforcement closer to Australian levels along with expanded camera-based enforcement of mobile phone use and seatbelt offences.
The association is also seeking targeted action against transport operators that fail to comply with regulations.
“Our members see dangerous driving every day, and too often there are few real consequences,” Kalasih says.
“If we’re serious about reducing deaths and serious injuries, enforcement and penalties need to send a much stronger message.”
Transporting New Zealand says its election platform is intended to inform political parties, policymakers and voters ahead of the 2026 general election.
