Spotlight on transport spending

The AA has set out five election calls for the next government as the organisation seeks “less politics, smarter spending and safer roads”.

It says the priority areas respond to the funding and delivery challenges transport faces and have been built on surveys of its members and the views of community-based AA district councillors.

Number one on its list is to “put maintenance first. Always”. The AA adds spending on maintenance and renewals should be treated as the top budgeting priority in transport and have the first call on funding.

It is also seeking no more stop-go on big transport projects and explains New Zealand needs a long-term programme of major transport projects that are delivered no matter who is in power. 

“This programme must cover both roads and public transport and treat them as parts of one connected system,” it notes.

Its third call is summarised as “Belts on. Phones down” as the AA wants safety cameras introduced that can detect drivers who are not wearing seatbelts or those using their phones, with such technology already in widespread use in Australia.

The AA also recommends a “rewards for safety” programme that lowers the cost of registration and licence renewals for people who stick to the rules and keep improving their skills.

Its final plea is for the next government to prioritise funding to improve access to major public transport hubs and make it easier to use such services.

Simon Douglas, AA chief policy and advocacy officer, says transport shapes how, when and what can be done on any given day and each election is a chance to improve New Zealand’s transport system. 

“These election calls are practical changes, shaped by our members’ views, aimed at making transport safer, more efficient and more affordable over time,” adds Douglas, pictured. 

“Over the last decade, AA Election Calls have helped deliver significant increases in road maintenance funding, more roadside drug and alcohol testing, speed camera signage, devices that stop drunk drivers being able to start their car and a scheme to environmentally dispose of old tyres. 

“Our 2026 Election Calls… set out a focused package of actions that can improve safety, protect the quality of our transport infrastructure and make the system work better for everyone – no matter who forms the next government.” 

For more details on the 2026 AA Election Calls, visit: www.aa.co.nz/election-calls