Climate crisis demands better transport options

The Green Party said the Government’s decision to scrap the Northern Pathway highlights the need for urgent, people-centred transport options.

“We are in a climate crisis and urgently need to work with our communities to provide ways of getting around safely without a car,” says Green Party spokesperson for Transport Julie Anne Genter.

“Cars, vans and utes have been the fastest growing source of climate pollution in New Zealand because successive governments have not provided practical and safe alternatives. This is not going to change unless government changes its planning and investment in transport infrastructure.

“The Government is soon to release a consultation document on the development of an Emissions Reduction Plan. This will need to include options that make it possible for more people to get out of their car and to walk, cycle, or use public transport.

“There is clear public support for clean and active transport in Auckland, as in other parts of the country. The Green Party would have preferred a new bridge that could carry rapid transit as well as walking and cycling. This would be much faster to deliver, and lower emissions, than a tunnel.

“Aucklanders still need a connection for active travel across the harbour. The New Zealand Transport Agency has dragged its feet and failed to deliver a viable solution. Opening a lane on the existing bridge is more urgent than ever. Other cities like Vancouver, New York and London have all proven this approach can be extremely successful.

“The climate crisis means we can’t keep doing what we have always done. Now is the time for bold leadership from this Labour Government.”

ENDS

Latest Transport Announcements

Story

Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix

The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the...
Read More

Story

Greens launch petition against speed limit increases

The Green Party has launched a petition urging the Government not to push ahead with blanket speed limit increases that will come at an incredible ...
Read More

Story

Govt takes transport system further down dead end road

The Government’s Land Transport GPS is another example of short-term thinking that will hurt our climate and communities. 
Read More

Story

Aratere grounding highlights urgent need for replacement ships

The grounding of the Aratere Interislander Ferry is a wake-up call to the Coalition Government; they need to front up with a realistic long term so...
Read More

Story

Risks far outweigh rewards in speed limit increases

The coalition’s careless approach to speed limits will come at the cost of community safety and see our road toll continue to climb. 
Read More

Story

Coalition of climate deniers have heads buried in potholes

The Government’s move to pour billions into potholes whilst remaining inactive on climate change does nothing to solve our transport system's core ...
Read More

Latest Auckland Issues Announcements

Story

Waka Kotahi miss the boat on community needs for Waiheke ferry services

Auckland Central Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, this morning received a long awaited OIA with official advice and consultants’ reports on whether to re...
Read More

Story

A new life for St James Theatre

After years of community organising, Green MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick is thrilled to announce today alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ho...
Read More

Story

Auckland flood response report requires urgent action

Auckland Central Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick welcomes the findings of the Auckland Flood Response Review and urges Council to not delay implementing t...
Read More

Story

Greens launch submission guide for Auckland Council budget

The Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council bu...
Read More

Story

Greens launch petition to stop Auckland Council climate action cuts

The Green Party has today launched a petition to stop Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed cuts to climate and environmental programmes that prote...
Read More

Story

Hauraki Gulf in urgent need of protection

The Green Party backs the demands of Forest and Bird and calls on the Government to take urgent action to restore the health of the Hauraki Gulf/Tī...
Read More