The Government has unveiled the most significant reforms to Auckland’s transport system since the Super City was created in 2010, shifting key responsibilities from Auckland Transport (AT) to Auckland Council.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Mayor Wayne Brown announced the reforms this week, saying they will restore democratic accountability and ensure Aucklanders can hold elected representatives directly responsible for transport decisions.
Under the proposed Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill, Auckland Council will assume responsibility for most transport functions, including policy, planning, capital projects, and road maintenance. AT will be scaled back to focus primarily on delivering public transport services.
“The changes mean Auckland Council’s elected members will be directly accountable to the public for most transport decisions that affect the daily lives of Aucklanders,” Bishop said.
The Bill also establishes an Auckland Regional Transport Committee, made up of council members, ministerial appointees, and an independent chair. This committee will prepare a new 30-year transport plan, building on the Auckland Transport Alignment Project.
Local boards will gain new powers over local and collector roads, including setting speed limits, managing parking, creating cycleways, and approving temporary road closures for events. Arterial roads and the city centre will remain under the control of the Mayor and councillors.
Mayor Wayne Brown, a long-time critic of Auckland Transport, welcomed the reforms. “This is a major victory for the people of Auckland. The Bill finally makes it clear that AT should do what council tells it to do and hands power back to the people’s elected representatives,” he said.
Auckland Minister Simeon Brown said the changes are about ensuring Auckland gets the modern, reliable transport system it needs. “For too long, Auckland Transport has failed to listen to Aucklanders. By putting decisions back in the hands of elected representatives, we’re restoring democratic legitimacy,” he said.
The Bill will have its first reading in September and is expected to pass into law by March 2026, with a six-month transition period to follow. The new governance arrangements are expected to be fully in place by September 2026.
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