Regionally responsive - nationally consistent

The planning and investment partnership that builds and underpins the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will see the Transport Agency continue to work closely with local councils across all regions to deliver transport solutions that will help New Zealand communities thrive.

The next three years will see the National Land Transport Fund’s investment aimed squarely at improving economic growth and productivity, safety, and value for money. This reflects the strategic direction set by the 2015 Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.

The Transport Agency Board has approved this NLTP and endorsed it as giving effect to the Government Policy Statement and driving improved performance from the land transport system.

With this in mind, this three-year programme supports the development of the transport system across New Zealand’s regions and the linkages across our major cities.

The $13.9 billion forecast expenditure in the period to 2018 marks a 15% increase compared to the previous NLTP and includes more than $10 billion from the National Land Transport Fund.

This NLTP incorporates two key developments that lay the foundations for better transport investment and decision making.

Firstly, the funding assistance rates (FAR) for local government transport activities have been reviewed to target higher rates for rural and provincial areas with most need and to make the system fairer between the different types of transport activity. The 2015–18 NLTP marks the formal start of these new rates and a clear transition path for future local share contributions to the development of our land transport system.

Secondly, we have worked with local government to establish consistent, fit-for-purpose levels of service for all roads in every part of the country. This system is called the One Network Road Classification and enables consistent and fair investment decision-making in partnership with local councils. The strong level of investment in local road and highway maintenance and renewals in this NLTP ensures that the road network continues to meet the needs of users.

The 2015–18 programme also includes the implementation of the new Regional Improvements Programme. A number of road improvement projects outside the major metropolitan areas are being developed, alongside the government-funded Accelerated Regional State Highway Programme that was announced last year.

State highways continue to play a key role in the economic wellbeing of New Zealand through freight movement and predictable journey times. More than $4bn is earmarked for improvements to our trunk and regional road network and in our major cities.

At $2bn, the investment in public transport is 21% higher than the forecast spend under the previous NLTP. This reflects the increasing demand for public transport services. Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch account for 90% of expenditure.

Cycling and walking provide significant transport benefits in main urban areas, as well as health and social benefits. Direct expenditure will rise to more than $250 million – a 205% increase compared to the 2012-15 period.

The NLTP is, by its nature, a forecast of activities and expenditure. It serves to provide a snapshot, including activities’ various stages of development.

Some can be confidently included for investment, with others regarded as proposed, pending further information to confirm their priority and value for money. The final set will reflect the Transport Agency’s collaboration in planning and delivering activities to address key transport priorities and maximise the available revenue.

The role of the Transport Agency is to work with our partners and co-investors to provide a regionally responsive and nationally consistent planning and investment system – one that ensures resources are provided to areas where they will deliver outcomes and benefits.

Chris Moller and Geoff Dangerfield