About AA Member transport surveys

Transport affects everyone  - whether you're driving, cycling, walking, or using public transport. Member views help us advocate for safer roads, fairer costs, and smarter planning.

Survey results are used to support AA submissions to government and help our 18 District Councils raise local concerns. These councils, made up of elected AA Members, represent their communities and respond to regional transport priorities. Member feedback also informs proposals for improving the transport system nationwide.

Member feedback has informed our advocacy on:

• Driver licensing reform
• Traffic fines and penalties review
• Transport system funding and user-pays models
• Vehicle safety and inspection standards
• Sustainable mobility and accessibilit

AA transport surveys are designed solely to support advocacy and policy—not any commercial interests. Responses are anonymous and drawn from large, representative groups to ensure fairness and credibility. We use Member feedback to understand what matters most when it comes to improving transport in New Zealand.

Panel members complete regular surveys on transport topics to seek their views on topics that include road safety, fuel prices, public transport, and local transport projects.

Survey results help the AA speak up on behalf of our Members on national and regional transport issues; from speed limits and parking charges to climate change and emissions.

The panel reflects the wide range of AA Members across New Zealand, ensuring we hear from different regions, age groups, and lifestyles.

The AA Member Voices Panel is designed to be representative of the 1.2 million New Zealanders who are part of the AA. It reflects a broad cross-section of AA Members from across the country; urban and rural, younger and older, drivers, public transport users, pedestrians, and people who cycle.

While our surveys are not designed to be representative of New Zealand's views, when we compare our results to national public surveys, such as the NZTA Public Attitudes to Road Safety Survey, we find that our Panel’s views are often very similar.

For example:

• Road safety consistently ranks as a top concern for both AA Members and the general public.
• There is strong support for improving driver licensing, modernising vehicle safety standards, and reducing impaired and distracted driving.
• Our Panel’s feedback on fines, penalties, and sustainable transport options aligns closely with broader public sentiment.

This gives us confidence that the panel provides a credible and valuable lens into what everyday transport users think -helping ensure the AA’s advocacy is grounded in real-world perspectives.

“AA has a collective voice and can make a difference.”

“It's a way to have input on issues/ideas relating to transport, road safety issues and the environment - all of which affect every New Zealander.”

“It’s about having disparate voices heard.” 

The AA Member Voices panel is a closed group made up of randomly selected AA Members. This ensures a fair and representative mix of voices. Survey results are weighted to reflect the demographics of our Membership, so every voice counts equally.

This approach helps us hear from all corners of the motoring community -from urban commuters to rural drivers, young people to retirees.

 If you're invited, we strongly encourage you to take part. Every response helps us understand what Members think about key transport issues, and ensures those views are heard where it matters.

In addition to our Member Voices Panel, we sometimes conduct large, randomised surveys with the wider AA Membership. Going out to a wider amount of Members ensures we can provide detailed information on issues such as local transport issues. 

Keep an eye out on your emails from the AA if you would like to take part; your views can play a meaningful role in improving transport for all New Zealanders.

We alo sometimes commission surveys of the wider New Zealand public on topics of high interest to the public. This includes understanding what New Zealanders want future governments to prioritise in decision-making for the transport system (e.g. road maintenance, user pays options). 

AA transport surveys aren’t sent to all Members. Instead, they’re sent to large, randomly selected groups that reflect the diversity of our Membership. This approach ensures we hear from a wide range of voices -across regions, age groups, and driving habits - so the results genuinely represent Member views.

If you get a survey invitation from us, we encourage you to share your thoughts with us. Your voice  can help shape the future of transport in New Zealand..

Make sure your contact details are up to date so you don’t miss the chance to have your say.

You are always welcome to share your views on transport with our Transport Policy and Advocacy team at membervoices@aa.co.nz.