Today FTMP held a small event on Auckland’s Ponsonby Rd, not far from the SPQR bar. The event was livestreamed on his social media.

“Kia ora koutou, today I’d like to talk briefly about transport. In this past term we were able to make all public transport in New Zealand free. This is an important step towards decarbonising our transport and moving away from cars as our primary form of transport. But there are many more steps to take.”

“In another term of government, the Greens will implement a ‘feebate’ scheme for all imported vehicles. This will take the form of a subsidy for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and a charge on low efficiency ICEVs. This will make it easier for people to afford cars that are more efficient, cheaper to run and better for the environment. It will play an important role in making our fleet carbon neutral by 2050.”

“Another important aspect of our transport plan is increased funding for cycling infrastructure. Although we already have some fantastic cycling infrastructure in places, such as the Northwestern cycleway here in Auckland, it’s very limited. The Greens will increase funding for cycling infrastructure so that we can massively expand our cycling networks. This will make cycling a true alternative and help take cars off the road.”

“We’ll work on upgrading rail connecting the Ports of Whangarei to Auckland. This will create a fast connection carrying passengers and freight between the two cities.”

“Our transport planning must recognise that cars cannot be the main focus of our transport future. Decades of car-based planning have given us polluted, congested cities. But we can change this. We can create cities where people have genuine choice. We can build a carbon neutral transport future. But the only party with the right plans to achieve this is a Green party.”