NZTD News

$2.84M Grant for Timaru intersection upgrade to unlock growth
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

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...

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Changes To The Driver Licensing System Announced
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

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...

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Daimler Truck to start limited production of NextGenH2 Hydrogen Truck this year
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

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 ...

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‘No Logging Trucks On The Gentle Annie’ says TRAINZ
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

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...

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NZ’s First EV Charging Hub At A Landfill Opens In Silverstream
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

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...

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SH1 Work To Impact Traffic Near Kaikōura
Posted on 04-Feb-2026

Work coming up next week on State Highway 1, south of Kaikōura, will likely mean delays which road users are encouraged to plan for.

The helicopter and crane work by North Canterbury electricity distributor MainPower is scheduled to take place just north of the Raramai Tunnel, near Peketā, from 6am on Tuesday 10 February through to 8pm on Wednesday 11 February. SH1 will be reduced to one lane and road users will be asked to stop on demand. Road users should be prepared for delays of up to 20 minutes. Parking bays and t...

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