The Upper North Island Freight Action Plan was launched a few weeks ago. This plan is a collaboration between economic development agencies Te Waka (Waikato) and Priority One (Western Bay of Plenty) alongside major industry players.

We collectively wanted this work to be done because despite various upper North Island port/ freight studies, the actual businesses involved in freight and logistics haven't had a voice. As always, the customer will determine what the future looks like, rather than political aspirations.

Kaimai tunnel

The report has a few takeaways we should all be aware of. Firstly, demand is only going to get larger through the Waikato/BOP corridor – led by increases in demand from Auckland and spread of industrial sites southward into the Waikato and here, and the growth of industry in our regions. Capacity of our network therefore needs strong action by completion of projects that account for this extra demand – State Highway 29 is an excellent example locally. It also places focus on resilience of our network and potential risks to the New Zealand supply chain over time. The Kaimai tunnel is an example of that risk to New Zealand's supply chain.

Decarbonisation

In addition to the transport network-related areas of focus, the report also highlights other items that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. In particular, support for talent shortages in the industry, where truck drivers are scarce. Also important is the move towards decarbonisation – look for hydrogen to play a big role in heavy transport in future, more on this in the next few weeks.

The report highlights the importance of freight to NZ's wellbeing, something often forgotten in the current drive towards public transport, cycleways and safety via slower speeds – all of which are worthy of course. Tauranga's importance to the NZ supply chain is underlined by the need for the Port of Tauranga to be freed up to commence construction on their container berth extension – something that will place our country at risk if not done quickly.

Ferries

While the focus on freight in the upper North Island is very worthy, we must take a balanced approach to our transport system more locally – building bigger roads alone won't work. We must take more active steps in reducing peak travel, increasing public transport usage and encouraging alternatives such as cycling. One area that needs to be explored with urgency is ferries; most of our transport system is stymied by our geography and ferries represent an opportunity to use this to our advantage at potentially a very low cost compared to alternatives. The business case needs to be proven of course, and this should be done as a matter of urgency for the good of our entire transport system.