NZTD News

Driver licensing changes

On Tuesday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced changes to the driver licensing scheme. Not unexpectedly, the removal of the second practical driving test has been a polarising issue, particularly for driver licence testers and road safety advocates. It is complex, but we are supportive of the changes, and I firmly believe they will help get more New Zealanders travelling safely on the road. 

There is no substantive research establishing that the second test im...

The Government has committed a $2.84 million grant through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to clear bottlenecks on State Highway 1, unlocking major commercial development and new jobs. 

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says the congestion has been putting real pressure on locals, slowing down daily travel, making it harder for businesses to move goods, and affecting the flow of people across the region.

“This investment will remove a major choke point on State Highway 1, making it easi...

The Government is updating New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) to make it cheaper and easier for young people to get their driver’s licence, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“These will be the first major changes to the driver licensing system since 2011, when the learner licence age was increased from 15 to 16,” Mr Bishop says.

“Driver licences are essential for helping people access jobs, education, and healthcare. For many young Kiwis, gaining a licence is a rite of passage, but the cur...

Daimler Truck has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck, marking a major step forward in hydrogen-powered long‑haul transport. Building on the company’s first-generation fuel cell trucks, the NextGenH2 introduces key technological upgrades, enhanced safety features, and a clear roadmap toward small‑series production starting at the end of 2026. 

As part of this initial production run, Daimler Truck plans to manufacture 100 units of the fuel cell semi‑trailer tractor at its Wörth plant. These vehicles will be ...

Subsequent to the closing of the Karioi pulp and paper mill, the logs that would have been processed there are now being exported through Napier Port. Despite the previous product being successfully railed to Napier Port for over 45 years the loggers were keener to have the logs trucked to port via the Taihape to Napier (“Gentle Annie”) route which is not a state highway and therefore is the responsibility of the District Councils it passes through. 

TRAINZ estimates that this would put an extra 15 to 20 more truc...

Hutt City Council has today officially unveiled a heavy electric vehicle charging hub at Silverstream Landfill in its drive to cut emissions, transition to lower-carbon waste services and make its infrastructure fit for the future. 

A dedicated Heavy EV Charging Hub at a landfill is a first in New Zealand and is a smaller version of initiatives overseas where heavy electric vehicles are the new normal.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ken Laban opened the charging hub alongside councillors, project partners and sector repre...