Transporting New Zealand Calls for Action on Freight and Productivity

Transporting New Zealand has launched its Election Platform 2026 in Wellington, calling on all political parties to support practical transport policies. The platform focuses on five priority areas: fuel and supply chain resilience, infrastructure, safer roads, workforce development, and lower-emission freight.

The road freight industry is crucial to New Zealand's economy, moving approximately 93% of the country's freight by tonnage and employing around 33,000 people. Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih emphasized the importance of a reliable and efficient transport system for economic success.

The platform recommends increased investment in road maintenance, improving fuel security, accelerated driver licensing pathways, and policies to support fleet renewal and freight productivity. It also calls for stronger enforcement against drug driving and mobile phone use, as well as targeted action against transport operators who flout the rules.