All transport modes considered for decarbonisation

Transport minister Michael Wood didn’t give any specifics around time lines but says the New Zealand government is considering all transport modes in its decarbonisation proposals.

While Wood also didn’t rule out tax considerations such as fringe benefit tax removal to incentivise e-mobility, he says no decisions have yet been made and that these will come in due course, he told about 150 people at the eworld conference on May 7 at The Trusts Arena in West Auckland.

Wood says the proposed Clean Car Import Standard outlining emissions targets is due to “kick in” from next year and will mean New Zealand is no longer among three OECD countries with no emission standards.

He says all factors – including a “feebate” scheme – are under consideration.

“The decarbonising movement is not about only one mode of transport and is fundamental reflection of how people and freight move about our towns and regions,” Wood says.

The minister is obviously passionate about the transition from diesel and petrol power for passengers and freight across multiple transport modes – having attended events such as the launch of the “Dame Whina Cooper” tunnel boring machine for Auckland’s City Rail project and NZ Rail’s 10-year plan while adding more is coming with the Karangahape cycleway and the Puhinui rail station opening.

Asked whether plans include a second Waitemata Harbour crossing in Auckland, presenter Rod Oram suggesting it might cater for cyclists, e-mobility and pedestrians, Wood indicated using the existing harbour bridge for such purposes is unlikely because of the risk of compromising the asset so that other options were being considered.

He also says cycleways are included in a $700 million connected communities programme.

Wood adds it’s clear to him that the clean transport network needs to be built up at pace.

He says the government has challenges ahead in reducing emissions.

Whether any further assistance for clean transport will be offered in the government’s May 20 budget was dodged by Wood.

He adds that he believes aviation will transition to cleaner fuels (possibly including biofuels and hydrogen) but that it’s “challenging at this point”.

Wood believes moves to reduce transport emissions must be a collaborative effort.

Later in the conference session some in the audience voiced concern about government delays in deciding on measures to reduce emissions.

Drive Electric chair Mark Gilbert asked why it’s taking so long = adding that the government has talked about greening the fleet for years. “Nothing is happening”.