In Transit April 1995 No. 62 - Restructuring of Transit New Zealand

 

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The April 1995 edition of In Transit focused on internal restructuring of the agency into six divisions, which essentially foreshadowed the pending split of its land transport funding functions into Transfund New Zealand.  At the time Transit New Zealand was very much opposed to losing its funding functions, and this restructuring was, in part, designed to demonstrate to Ministers and MPs that it wasn't essential to set up a new land transport funding agency when Transit New Zealand could structurally separate internally.  Ultimately Ministers weren't convinced, as it was seen that there was a conflict of interest between Transit New Zealand being the largest recipient of National Land Transport Programme funds and also being the entity deciding on the allocation of those funds.  

The language used in this newsletter clearly indicates the intention of General Manager Robin Dunlop "Dr Dunlop is confident that this will remove any potential conflict of interest that may have been perceived to exist within Transit's previous structure".  Today Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency is once again an integrated state highway manager and funding agency, as well as land transport regulatory authority.

Elsewhere this newsletter highlights:

• Completion of the SH1 Tamahere Deviation south of Hamilton, one of the first parts of the Waikato Expressway
• Noting the Authority visiting Waikato where it discussed the Pokeno Bypass, four-laning of SH1 from Ohinewai to Cambridge, Kopu Bridge (ultimately replaced over a decade later) and the Morrinsville Bypass (never built).
• All state highways to be tested for skid resistance
• Celebration of the completion of sealing of SH6 Haast Pass