Mobility in New Zealand - background knowledge for decision-makers

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to open the debate on the future mobility of New Zealanders based on oil depletion and Green House Gas discussions, the environmental and social impacts of private motor vehicles, the latest technological highlights and some of the outstanding policy statements made by the New Zealand (NZ) government. The main part compares the NZ situation with relevant technical improvements in Europe as a consequence of the first oil crisis and how it has developed since. New Zealand has taken a different approach over the last 10-15 years by providing affordable individual accessibility to its population without a strong focus on the environment, something the current government is seeking to fix through energy and emission control measures. This review needs to be seen as an opinion piece that provides information from the past and outlines current developments to provide basic understanding to decision-makers in New Zealand.