So, you want to be the Minister: Election 2026 Transport Priorities Panel

The sizzling final transport election debate of 2026

Yesterday, all the political parties polling above 5% debated transport priorities in front of a live audience at a packed-out Wellington event co-hosted by the AA, Transporting New Zealand, and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

The lively discussion, humorously facilitated by MC and former Newshub journalist Charlotte Shipman, revealed several areas of common ground across National, Labour, the Greens, NZ First, ACT and the Opportunity Party.

Prioritising road maintenance, introducing time-of-use charging in Auckland and Wellington, and the need for a new road funding model were unanimously agreed upon by the parties. There was also a strong degree of consensus that NZTA is not currently performing effectively as a regulator.

However, there were still plenty of issues up for debate. Read more.