Auckland Transport Summit with Infrastructure NZ

Infrastructure New Zealand and the Committee for Auckland recently co hosted the Transporting Auckland Forward: A Call to Action summit at B:Hive, Smales Farm, bringing together more than 60 senior leaders from across government, business, infrastructure and the civic sector to discuss Auckland’s long term transport priorities.

Our Executive Director, Rupert Hodson, opened the summit, welcoming participants and setting the tone for a constructive, solutions focused working session. In his remarks, Rupert highlighted the importance of aligning Auckland’s transport decisions with the city’s long term role as New Zealand’s global and economic engine, the need for greater local leadership and autonomy, and the urgency created by Auckland’s infrastructure deficit, congestion challenges, and rapid population growth. He also emphasised the value of cross sector collaboration, noting that unlocking Auckland’s potential requires coordinated action across central government, local government, iwi, and industry.

The summit featured contributions from key political leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Hon David Seymour, Minister for Auckland Hon Simeon Brown, Mayor Wayne Brown, and Shanan Halbert MP, who shared perspectives on the reforms, investment decisions and delivery models needed to support Auckland’s growth. Participants engaged in table based workshops exploring priority transport projects, the sequencing of growth, funding models, and opportunities for improved governance and delivery.

The session reinforced broad agreement on the need to accelerate delivery, focus investment where infrastructure already exists, and strengthen Auckland’s partnership with central government to enable long term planning. A summary report and recommendations will be compiled and shared with stakeholders and media to help influence the city’s transport agenda.