Authored by: Robin Martin
Published on: 4 November 2023
Published by: RNZ
Headline: Waka Kotahi puts funding for cycling, walking and public transport initiatives on hold
Summary of key information in the article:
- The New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) puts a pause on Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) contracts as the winds of change blow through Parliament.
- The Transport Choices Programme, budgeted at $305 million, is being put on hold.
- The Programme is “…where the transport agency was working with councils to deliver cycleways, walkable neighbourhoods…” and public transport.
- RNZ reports that 46 councils applied for funding through the Transport Choices Programme.
- VKT (Vehicle Kilometres Travelled) reduction schemes may also be affected by the pause.
- Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is reported to have a balance of $3.6 billion and has been the co-funder, via NZTA (Waka Kotahi), on many proposed roading changes around New Zealand.
- Mayor of New Plymouth District Council is concerned for a $17 million in CERF funding going towards a cycle & walking routes project and is quoted by RNZ as saying “So, we’ve been advised by Waka Kotahi that they’ve put a pause on any contracts being written for the Transport Choices package until they’ve heard from the incoming government.”
- Shane Deviln was pleased with the pause. He has criticised the cycleway proposal in New Plymouth on the grounds that it is removing hundreds of carparks and is unsafe. He is reported to have led the collection of 7000 signatures in a petition opposing the project.
