AA urges political certainty to deliver safer, smarter transport
25 June 2026
Short-term politics has been holding New Zealand’s transport network back says the AA, who are appealing this election for sustained cross-party cooperation to deliver the long-term projects the country needs.
Putting an end to the stop-go on large transport projects is one of the AA’s five 2026 Election Calls, being launched today. These are five practical changes the Association would like whoever forms the next Government to make for more efficient, safer and affordable transport over time.
The stop-start cycle of new Governments making u-turns on major transport projects has delayed progress, driven up costs and undermined road safety for New Zealanders says AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen. Parliament’s recent backing of a 30-year infrastructure plan is a step toward better certainty.
“We need politicians to work together on a plan that outlasts election cycles. We’ve got a good idea of what needs to be done to make our roads safer and our transport system smarter. What has been missing is the political certainty to deliver it.
“Delays in improving transport infrastructure are costing New Zealanders their lives, draining money, and wasting time. New Zealanders are tired of hearing about new roads or public transport projects that take years to get off the ground. AA survey results show people want a decisive transport plan supported by all political parties and to have confidence it’s going to be delivered on time and on budget.”
The AA’s other election calls are:
Put maintenance first. Always.
Maintenance and renewals should be treated as the top funding priority, tackling a long-standing backlog and improving road safety.
Belts on. Phones down.
The AA is urging stronger enforcement to reduce dangerous driver behaviour, including the use of cameras to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance.
Reward drivers doing the right thing.
To incentivise safer driving, the AA proposes a ‘rewards for safety’ approach, offering reduced costs for motorists who maintain good driving records and complete refresher learning.
Make it easy to get to public transport.
We need greater investment in access to public transport hubs, making it easier for more New Zealanders to connect with trains and buses.
Together, these five actions aim to deliver safer roads, better value for money, and a more reliable and efficient transport system.
“These are practical, achievable steps that will make it easier for people to get where they need to go – critically, a clear vision of long-term commitments will allow us to build a transport network that works better for everyone,” Dylan says.
The AA’s 2026 Election Calls are available at: aa.co.nz/election-calls
Attached is a summary of results from the AA’s Election Calls surveys. Full results are available at: aa.co.nz/surveys
ENDS
For more information contact:
Dylan Thomsen
AA Road Safety spokesperson
027 703 9935
dthomsen@aa.co.nz
Founded in 1903, the Automobile Association (AA) is one of New Zealand’s largest membership organisations offering a wide range of products and services to its 1.1 million personal Members and roadside support for an additional 1 million vehicles through business relationships. The AA represents Members’ interests, championing road safety and advocating for road users in Government and the media.