1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

1.1 This submission on the Land Transport Management (Time-of-Use Charging) Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. In combination, our members employ more than 150,000 people.

1.2 The Initiative undertakes research that contributes to developing sound public policies in New Zealand. We advocate for the creation of a competitive, open and dynamic economy and a free, prosperous, fair and cohesive society.

1.3 The Initiative’s members span the breadth of the New Zealand economy; an enabling and efficient regulatory regime for transport infrastructure is important for economic growth and prosperity. The views expressed in this submission are those of the authors rather than the New Zealand Initiative’s members.

1.4 The Initiative has long advocated for congestion pricing in New Zealand’s cities as an economically efficient solution to traffic congestion. The Land Transport Management (Time-of-Use Charging) Amendment Bill represents a significant step forward in and we strongly support its progression.

1.5 The New Zealand Initiative submits that the Bill should proceed.