MTA welcomes new minister

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is urging Chris Bishop to pick up where Simeon Brown has left off as Minister of Transport.

Lee Marshall, the MTA’s chief executive, believes Brown proved to be strong and effective when he held the portfolio by working with industry, making “pragmatic calls” and taking “decisive action”.

“We built a strong mutual respect and relationship with Simeon Brown when he was in opposition, and realised we shared the same visions and goals for the sector,” says Marshall, pictured.

“He listened to the MTA and built a lot of our calls and thinking into his campaign. Since taking office just over a year ago, we have enjoyed frequent and productive contact. He’s put many of the things we wanted into reality.”

Marshall adds Brown’s “bold steps” included realigning New Zealand’s emissions targets, phasing out the clean car discount and introducing road-user charges for electric vehicles.

“While these have not been universally popular, they are steps that we argued needed to be taken,” adds Marshall. 

“His commitment to improving and building roads, and recognising the importance road transport will have for the foreseeable future, is also praiseworthy.”

Marshall says the MTA will be reaching out to Bishop to congratulate him on his appointment and share the association’s blueprint for the industry.

“We look forward to enjoying the same productive relationship with Chris Bishop. Appropriately for our industry, he is a political powerhouse and we’re confident he’s just as committed to the sector as Minister Brown.”