Source: New Zealand Government
Auckland’s new transport governance, planning and delivery arrangements will be in effect from tomorrow, restoring democratic accountability and resetting how transport decisions are made in Auckland, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.
“These reforms deliver on the Government’s commitment to restore democratic accountability and give Auckland Council the responsibility it needs to lead transport planning and decision-making for the city,” Mr Bishop says.
“For 16 years, Auckland Transport has performed transport functions that local councils manage elsewhere in New Zealand. That has meant Auckland Council hasn’t had the say it needs to set the direction for Auckland’s transport system.
“Once the transition is complete, responsibility for most local transport functions will be shifted to Auckland Council, including transport policy and planning, delivery of transport projects, maintenance of transport infrastructure, and road controlling authority responsibilities.
“Auckland Transport will become a smaller and more streamlined council-controlled organisation focused on providing public transport services in Auckland.
“These changes mean elected members will once again be directly responsible for the decisions that shape Auckland’s transport system. Aucklanders will have a clearer line of sight between transport decisions and the elected representatives responsible for them, and will be able to hold those elected members accountable at the ballot box.
“The reforms also give Auckland’s local boards new responsibilities, bringing decision-making closer to local communities. They will make decisions on local and collector roads, including setting speed limits, closing roads for events, managing parking and creating cycleways.
“Key transport decisions should be made by the people who are accountable to Aucklanders. These reforms put that principle back at the heart of Auckland’s transport system.
“The Government is also working closely with Auckland Council to ensure transport priorities are aligned between central and local government. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and economic engine, and getting the transport system right is critical to economic growth, productivity, housing development and quality of life.
“The reforms have also established the Auckland Regional Transport Committee, bringing together representatives appointed by Auckland Council and the Government to set the long-term direction for Auckland’s transport system.
“The Committee will be responsible for developing Auckland’s first 30-year transport plan, providing a stronger and more coordinated approach to transport planning and a closer partnership between central and local government.
“Aucklanders now have a clearer system of accountability and a stronger foundation for making the transport decisions needed to support the city’s growth.
“I acknowledge the significant work undertaken by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, officials and stakeholders to make this transition happen.
“Major governance reforms require careful planning and collaboration, and I thank everyone involved in delivering this change.
“The focus now turns to delivery. Aucklanders expect a transport system that is reliable, efficient and capable of supporting the city’s continued growth.
“These reforms put the right governance structures in place to deliver that.”
Mayor Wayne Brown says Auckland’s elected members will finally have the authority to shape the city’s transport future.
“For years Aucklanders expected elected members to fix transport problems, with limited ability to influence decision-making. That’s changing,” says Mayor Brown.
“This is about accountability. It is what I was elected to do: get control of transport back where it belongs, with elected members, where Aucklanders expect it to be.
“I’m proud we’ve achieved that by taking charge of Auckland’s roads and bringing decision making back under democratic oversight.
“For the first time in the Super City era, Auckland Council can bring transport and planning for how land will be used together, set clear priorities and work with central government to deliver a transport network that supports Auckland’s growth.
“We’ve already made a start with my Quick Fix campaign launched to identify and solve everyday transport problems that cause unnecessary congestion and delays.
“I’m focused on practical improvements that can be delivered quickly, without waiting years or spending millions of dollars on mega projects. It’s showing Aucklanders that practical action can deliver visible results.
“At the same time, Auckland Transport can focus on what it does best: delivering a high-quality transport system and building on the momentum created by City Rail Link to keep Auckland moving.
“With the City Rail Link off to a strong start, we now have the governance, the oversight and the opportunity to build a better-connected city, grow public transport patronage, and deliver better, faster and more cost-effective transport outcomes for Aucklanders.”
Notes to editors
- The reforms to Auckland’s transport system are a result of amendments to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, made by the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Act 2026, which came into force on 7 May 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/30/new-era-begins-for-aucklands-transport-system/