NZTD News

Those of us trying to enjoy a holiday in the upper North Island mid-Jan could be forgiven for thinking that we were experiencing Cyclone Gabrielle-level rainfall again.  In fact, you weren’t far wrong. During Gabrielle in 2023, Northland recorded 342mm over a seven-day period. 

And the rainfall this year? Northland was hit with between 300-350mm, but this time in only 48 hours. Tauranga was hit with 274mm in one day, its wettest day ever recorded, a month’s worth of rain. And East Cape was hit with a major de...

The Light Traffic Index (LTI) eased 1.1% in January but is up a solid 3.6% year-on-year. The Heavy Traffic Index (HTI) fell 2.4% in the month, but this was off the back of a 3.2% lift in December. It is up 2.0% y/y, with annual growth trending up.

Light traffic (motorbikes, cars and vans) is generally a good indicator of the state of demand, as opposed to production. It typically provides up to a six-month lead on momentum in the economy, with variation reflecting discretionary spending on outings, movement of couriers...

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 ...