Sell Your Unwanted Car in Papatoetoe with Cash For Cars South Auckland

Have an old, damaged or unwanted vehicle taking up valuable space at your Papatoetoe property? Selling it doesn’t have to be complicated. Cash For Cars South Auckland provides a convenient way for local vehicle owners to sell unwanted cars without going through the usual hassle of finding a buyer.

Whether your vehicle is old, accident-damaged, mechanically faulty, scrap or no longer running, it may still have value. Through our Cash For Cars Papatoetoe service, you can request a competitive cash offer and arrange convenient vehicle removal from your location.

We Buy Cars in Almost Any Condition

A vehicle doesn’t need to be in perfect condition for us to consider buying it. In fact, many of the vehicles we purchase have mechanical, cosmetic or age-related problems.

Our cash for cars service covers a wide range of unwanted vehicles, including old cars, damaged cars, accident-damaged vehicles, scrap cars and non-running vehicles.

You can also contact us if your car has a failed engine, transmission problems, electrical faults, significant body damage, high kilometres or other expensive mechanical issues.

For vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life, our scrap car removal service provides another practical option.

Instead of continuing to spend money repairing a vehicle you no longer want, getting a cash offer can help you decide whether selling it as-is is the better choice.

Cars, Utes, Vans, SUVs and 4WDs

Our vehicle buying service isn’t limited to standard passenger cars.

We purchase many different types of vehicles throughout Papatoetoe, including hatchbacks, sedans, station wagons, SUVs, utes, vans and 4WDs.

If you have an old or damaged four-wheel drive, you can also learn more about our 4WD wreckers service.

We purchase vehicles from most major manufacturers commonly found on New Zealand roads. You can explore the different vehicle brands we buy, including Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, Ford, Holden, Subaru, Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia and many more.

The value of your vehicle will depend on factors such as its make, model, year, overall condition, completeness and whether useful components can be recovered.

Free Car Removal in Papatoetoe

Getting rid of a non-running vehicle can become difficult when you have no way to transport it.

Organising towing yourself can add another expense to an already unwanted vehicle.

Our car removal service covers Papatoetoe and other areas throughout South Auckland. Once your vehicle sale has been arranged, collection can be organised from an accessible location.

This makes the service particularly convenient for vehicles that have broken down, cannot be driven or have been sitting unused for an extended period.

What Happens to Old and Damaged Cars?

Not every vehicle we purchase is suitable to return to the road.

Older, severely damaged and end-of-life vehicles may instead be suitable for dismantling. Our car wreckers service focuses on recovering useful vehicle components and recyclable materials where appropriate.

A car that appears worthless because of a failed engine or accident damage may still contain usable parts.

Depending on its condition, components such as transmissions, alternators, starter motors, doors, mirrors, wheels, lights and interior parts may still have value.

This is why it can be worthwhile requesting a quote before assuming an old or broken vehicle is worth nothing.

How Does the Process Work?

Selling your vehicle to Cash For Cars South Auckland is designed to be straightforward.

Start by contacting our team and providing some basic information about your vehicle. Tell us the make, model, year, condition and any significant damage or mechanical problems.

Based on the information provided, the vehicle can be assessed and an offer provided.

If you’re happy with the offer, a suitable collection time can be arranged in Papatoetoe.

There’s no need to keep an unwanted vehicle sitting around while trying to find someone interested in buying it.

Why Sell an Unwanted Car?

It’s easy to keep postponing the decision to get rid of an old vehicle, especially when it’s sitting quietly in a driveway, garage or yard.

However, keeping an unwanted car takes up valuable space and its condition may continue to deteriorate.

If the vehicle needs significant repairs, consider how much you would need to spend to get it back on the road. An engine, gearbox, electrical or major WoF-related repair can quickly become expensive.

In some cases, selling the vehicle in its current condition may make more financial sense than continuing to repair it.

Even a vehicle that no longer runs may still have value because of its reusable parts, components and recyclable materials.

Cash For Cars Across Papatoetoe and Nearby Areas

Papatoetoe is one of the key locations covered by Cash For Cars South Auckland.

Our service also extends throughout neighbouring parts of South Auckland. Vehicle owners looking for Cash For Cars Manukau, Cash For Cars Otara, Cash For Cars Mangere or Cash For Cars Manurewa can access the same vehicle buying and removal services.

You can also browse our complete list of South Auckland suburbs we service to find information specific to your location.

Get a Cash Offer for Your Car in Papatoetoe

Don’t let an unwanted vehicle continue taking up space at your property.

Cash For Cars South Auckland buys old, damaged, scrap, accident-damaged and non-running vehicles throughout Papatoetoe. We purchase cars, utes, vans, SUVs and 4WDs across a wide range of makes, models and conditions.

Visit our dedicated Cash For Cars Papatoetoe page to learn more about our local service.

Ready to sell? Get in touch with Cash For Cars South Auckland today to request a quote for your unwanted vehicle.

Transporting New Zealand is backing Road Safety Week (4-10 May), coordinated by the road safety charity Brake with sponsorship from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Beca. The theme of the week is Be a Road Safety Hero.

"The road is the workplace for New Zealand's 30,000 truck drivers, making Road Safety Week a really important initiative for our sector," says Chief Executive of Transporting New Zealand, Dom Kalasih. "It's up to us all to make good choices on our roads to ensure we all get home safe."

Kalasih says that the death of 18 people in road crashes in just ten days last month highlights the importance of taking road safety seriously.

"The annual road toll has declined each year since 2022, that is a positive outcome, but we still need to see improvements in people's attitudes to road safety, particularly around restraints, impairment, distraction and speed (RIDS)."

"There is clear evidence that the right investments save lives. That includes safer road designs with median barriers and bypasses, tackling drug and alcohol-impaired driving, and the use of vehicle safety technologies like ABS, electronic stability control, and managing driver fatigue and distraction better."

"However, technology is no substitute for good driving. Wearing seatbelts, driving to the speed limit and weather conditions, staying focused and pulling over if you're tired are critical safety measures," says Kalasih.

"We're proud to be part of Road Safety Week and to help spread the message that road safety is everyone's responsibility, every day."

Transporting New Zealand, with support from NZTA and NZI, also lead regular rollover prevention workshops to address an issue involved in around a third of heavy vehicle crashes.

Since 2015, more than 6,000 people have taken part around the country, learning practical skills to reduce the risk of truck rollovers on New Zealand's often challenging roads. Workshops are currently being scheduled for the upper North Island and mid-upper South Island between May and July.

People are encouraged to take part in Road Safety Week by Going Yellow, recognising local Road Safety Heroes, and reminding others that small actions can save lives.

Caroline Perry, NZ director at Brake, said: "Everyone should be able to get around in safe and healthy ways, every day. There are lots of people who work to make our roads safer, to save lives when crashes happen, and to support those affected by crashes. This year in Road Safety Week we want people to join us in acknowledging all those who work to save lives on roads across the country - and recognise that we can all be road safety heroes by using roads safely and taking actions for road safety in our families, schools, communities and where we work."

Tidd Ross Todd Ltd (TRT) recently welcomed industry leaders to its Hamilton head office for an exclusive three-day House Movers customer event. The gathering served as a high-octane showcase of manufacturing excellence, cutting-edge technology, and industry collaboration.

The event provided a deep dive into TRT’s 33,000m² manufacturing facility, offering attendees a firsthand look at the scale and precision behind New Zealand’s leading heavy transport solutions.

Innovation in Action: The Gen 4 ESS House Trailer

The highlight of the week was the live demonstration of CR Taylor’s brand-new TRT 3 Axle ESS House Trailer. This latest build features TRT’s Gen 4 operating advancements, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

"Seeing the Gen 4 technology in action is about more than just showing off a new trailer; it’s about demonstrating how we are solving real-world challenges for movers," says the TRT team. "The Electronic Steering System (ESS) continues to evolve, making the transport of oversized structures safer and more efficient than ever."

A Blend of Heritage and Hospitality

Beyond the technical demonstrations, the event fostered community and celebrated the industry's roots:

Knowledge Sharing: An interactive Q&A session allowed customers to engage directly with TRT’s engineering and technical experts.

Industry Heritage: Guests enjoyed a private visit to the C&R Developments Museum, exploring the history of heavy machinery and development.

Networking: The event concluded on a high note with a trip to Waiheke Island, providing a relaxed environment for guests to connect over world-class food and hospitality.

Celebrating Our Partners

TRT would like to extend a sincere thank you to the industry stalwarts who joined us. The event was made special by the presence of:

Experience the Highlights

For those who couldn't make it, or for attendees wanting to relive the week, TRT has released an official event wrap-up video. Visit Facebook to see the Gen 4 technology in action and catch all the highlights from the island.

About TRT: TRT (Tidd Ross Todd Ltd) is a privately owned family business with over 50 years of experience in the heavy transport and manufacturing industry. Based in Hamilton, NZ, with branches across Australia, TRT is committed to innovation, engineering excellence, and providing "Made Possible" solutions for its customers.

Media Contact: TRT Marketing Department

Phone: +64 7 849 4839

Website: www.trt.co.nz

As Auckland continues to grow and intensify, the demands placed on its transport network are increasing rapidly. From residential developments and commercial projects to infrastructure upgrades and construction activity, managing traffic safely and efficiently has become a critical part of successful project delivery.

Traffic Planning Consultants, a specialist traffic engineering and transport planning firm based in Auckland, is playing a key role in supporting projects across the region. With decades of experience, the firm provides independent advice to developers, businesses, councils, and infrastructure providers navigating Auckland’s complex transport environment.

Supporting Safe and Efficient Development

Every new development impacts the surrounding road network. Whether it is additional vehicle movements, changes to access layouts, or temporary disruptions during construction, transport considerations can significantly influence approvals and timelines.

Traffic Planning Consultants works with clients from the earliest planning stages to assess potential impacts and identify practical solutions. Their services include traffic impact assessments, transport planning advice, road safety audits, travel demand management strategies, and traffic modelling.

Early engagement, the firm says, is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and avoid costly redesign later in the process.

Managing Traffic in a Busy Urban Environment

Auckland’s transport environment presents unique challenges. Dense city locations, constrained suburban streets, and heavily used arterial corridors require carefully considered traffic management strategies.

Traffic Planning Consultants prepares traffic management documentation that supports safe construction activity while minimising disruption to surrounding communities. Their experience across central Auckland, the North Shore, and wider metropolitan areas allows them to tailor solutions to local conditions.

By coordinating closely with project teams and approval authorities, the firm helps ensure that construction-related traffic impacts are managed safely and efficiently.

A Focus on Road Safety

Road safety remains a priority in Auckland’s growing urban landscape. Independent road safety audits form an important part of the firm’s work, identifying potential risks at key stages of project development.

Through structured review processes, safety risks can be identified and addressed before roads are opened or modified. This proactive approach supports safer outcomes for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users alike.

Local Knowledge Makes the Difference

Understanding how Auckland’s transport network operates in practice is essential for delivering effective outcomes. Traffic Planning Consultants’ team brings strong regional knowledge, including familiarity with Auckland Transport processes and expectations.

This local insight allows potential issues to be identified early and addressed in a way that aligns with regulatory requirements, helping projects move forward with greater certainty.

As Auckland continues to evolve, specialist traffic expertise will remain a vital component of sustainable growth. Firms such as Traffic Planning Consultants are helping to ensure that development and infrastructure projects not only meet planning requirements, but also contribute to safer and more efficient transport networks for the wider community.

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand is urging the Government to remove provisions in the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill that would allow existing roads to be tolled and enable heavy vehicles to be forced onto toll roads. Submissions on the Bill closed this week.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that they support tolling when it helps deliver new infrastructure sooner, but the Bill's proposed expansion into "corridor tolling" of existing roads risks being seen as double charging.

"Road users have already paid for existing roads through fuel taxes, road user charges, registration fees and general taxation. Tolling existing roads will be seen as double dipping," Kalasih says.

Transporting New Zealand told the Transport and Infrastructure Committee in its written submission that tolling should be reserved for new roads, where users can see a clear benefit from paying a toll, such as improved travel times, safety and resilience.

"Tolling has an important role to play in delivering safe, modern roading infrastructure. In the past 18 months we have submitted in support of tolling Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass, Ōtaki to North of Levin State Highway Project, Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and Takitimu North Link."

"However, the current Bill would allow existing roads that have their 'efficiency enhanced' by a construction of a new road to be included in a tolling scheme. The drafting is deliberately broad, and leaves Transporting New Zealand with serious concerns about what existing roads we could see proposed for tolling."

The submission also opposes proposals that would allow the Minister to prohibit heavy vehicles from using alternative routes in favour of tolled roads.

"Freight companies are already highly motivated to use faster, safer routes because time is money. Existing toll roads show that heavy vehicles largely use toll roads without any need for a mandate," Kalasih says.

"Operators and drivers are in the best position to decide what route to take. There are legitimate reasons why an alternative route may be the better fit for a particular job, including fuel use, gradient, rest and refreshment facilities, and route efficiency."

The Bill allows for freight deliveries and trucks travelling to premises located on alternative routes to occur. However, Transporting New Zealand says the proposal would create a significant compliance burden and it will be difficult for Police to identify trucks not travelling on those routes for bona fide reasons.

Transporting New Zealand has recommended corridor tolling and the power to restrict heavy vehicles from using alternative routes be removed from the Bill. If the Bill proceeds with route restrictions, Transporting New Zealand says heavy vehicle toll rates should be capped at no more than three times the light vehicle rate, to limit unreasonable fee setting.

While opposing the Bill's tolling reforms, Transporting New Zealand supports the Bill's Road User Charges modernisation package, including changes that will enable greater use of technology, more flexible payment options, and the removal of the requirement to display a RUC label.

"These RUC changes will reduce unnecessary administration and compliance costs for transport operators and motorists, and support the transition toward a universal RUC system over time," Kalasih says.

Transporting New Zealand has asked officials to clarify how the Bill will apply to in-vehicle telematics and whether intermediary service providers are captured within the RUC provider framework.

The Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee will consider submissions ahead of the Bill's second reading.

National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is welcoming an announcement from the Transport Minister confirming SH50's Fernhill Bridge will be strengthened.

The deteriorating state of the 76-year old bridge over Ngaruroro River meant speed and weight limits were introduced in 2022. This limited access to vehicles of a maximum 31 tonnes over eight axles, at a maximum speed of 30km/h.

In August, Transporting New Zealand called attention to the costly inconvenience these limits have imposed. To avoid the bridge, heavy vehicles must take a 40km detour to make deliveries. Some local transport operators are travelling this detour route six or more times a day.

A survey of six transport companies in the region found that the detour was costing them and their customers an estimated $2.36 million a year and producing an additional 500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

"This is a huge win for those in the Hawke's Bay region who have been waiting for the bridge to be strengthened for three years now," said Transporting New Zealand's Membership Manager for the Lower North Island, Lindsay Calvi-Freeman.

"Transporting New Zealand are pleased that Minister Bishop, along with local MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd have pushed for this crucial freight corridor to be restored. The region produces a significant amount of primary products - including 60 per cent of the country's apples and 12 per cent of our beef.

"These strengthening works will therefore be essential to unlocking the region's full economic potential."

The Government's announcement also confirmed that, once strengthened, Fernhill Bridge will be able to accommodate High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) and 50MAX configurations. The works are expected to begin in 2026 and take 11 months to complete.

The news comes just one day after Minister Bishop announced the one-lane Pekatahi Bridge on SH2 will be replaced by a new two-lane bridge.

Taranaki Regional Council is making it easier for people to get their last‑minute Christmas shopping done with free bus travel across all services on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December.

With the busiest shopping days of the year approaching, carparks filling up, and traffic increasing, the initiative aims to reduce Christmas stress and give the community an affordable, convenient way to get around.

No Bee Card or cash is needed – all services will be completely free.

Council Transport Engagement Manager, Cheryl Gazley, says the free travel is designed to give people a simple alternative to driving during the festive rush.

"We know the days leading up to Christmas can be hectic. Offering free buses means people can get into town without worrying about parking or extra costs, especially when budgets are tight at this time of year."

"It's also a great opportunity for those who rarely or never use public transport to give it a go – if your shopping is all done, why not relax and go for a ride somewhere new."

All Citylink, Connector and Southlink routes will be included.

Key details:

• Free bus travel on 23 & 24 December 2025
• All bus routes included
• No Bee Card or cash required
• Perfect for shopping, visiting whānau, errands and Christmas travel

For bus timetables and route information, visit: https://www.trc.govt.nz/buses-transport

National Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is welcoming Transport Minister Chris Bishop's announcement that a new two-lane bridge will be built on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, replacing the existing one-lane Pekatahi Bridge.

Construction of the new two-lane bridge is likely to begin in mid-2027, taking around 18 months to complete. The total estimated cost to deliver the new bridge is expected to be between $64 and $69 million.

Transporting New Zealand and local road freight operators have been advocating for a replacement throughout the year, noting that up to 2,300 vehicles use the bridge daily, 900 of which are trucks. Surfacing issues were causing a bone-juddering ride that damaged vehicles and freight.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that it was unacceptable to have the main State Highway 2 route between the Port of Tauranga and the East Coast and Gisborne falling to bits.

"Transporting New Zealand estimates that bridge closures caused by surfacing issues and repair work cost operators and freight customers approximately $100,000 a day in detour costs. This bridge replacement will be a big boost to the East Coast economy and community."

"We'd like to thank local MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her strong advocacy for the bridge replacement, and the Minister of Transport Chris Bishop for his commitment to supporting a resilient and fit for purpose roading network."

"This is a good news story about the community and local businesses speaking up on a local transport issue and getting results, and Transporting New Zealand are happy we could provide support through our national membership team and advocacy in Wellington."

Northland Regional Council's BusLink team are celebrating Christmas again this year, with free travel on all BusLink bus services running on Friday 19 December 2025.

CityLink Whangārei and Far North Link buses will be free all day, so passengers can go Christmas shopping, visit friends and whānau and spread some Christmas cheer.

BusLink services do not operate on public holidays, so passengers need to be aware there will be no BusLink or CityLink buses on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December 2025 and Thursday 01 and Friday 02 January 2026. Rose Street bus hub in Whangārei will also be closed on those dates.

CityLink buses will be running as usual on Saturday 27 December and Saturday 03 January. All regional BusLink services will operate according to their standard timetables, outside the public holidays.

More information at buslink.co.nz or on CityLink's Facebook page.

As the mercury rises and the summer holidays are approaching, thousands of New Zealanders will be clocking up more kilometres on the road as they head to beaches, baches and barbecues. But with more vehicles on the move comes more risk.

In the Driver's Seat with Greg Murphy, a podcast series hosted by motorsport legend Greg Murphy (Murph), is encouraging people to think differently about how they drive - from daily habits to long‑haul decisions. Across ten episodes, Murph interviews some of New Zealand's most recognisable names about their driving quirks, cautionary tales, and the lessons that have stuck with them over the years.

Guests include Rocket Lab's Sir Peter Beck, Dame Susan Devoy, Sir Peter Leitch aka The Mad Butcher, wellness advocate Art Green, comedian Paul Ego, fishing expert Matt Watson, parenting expert Nathan Wallis, sports presenter Laura McGoldrick, radio hosts Jay Reeve and Duncan Heyde, former Silver Fern Jenny‑May Clarkson.

Produced by driver safety experts AutoSense, the series blends entertainment with impact and has become a surprising source of practical wisdom and behind‑the‑scenes stories.

Each episode begins with a drive around Auckland's city fringe in the guest's own car and then moves into a studio for deep conversations ranging from childhood memories to serious crash stories.

One of the most powerful moments in the series is when Murph recounts to Laura McGoldrick the late‑night crash that changed his life — tired, with alcohol still in his system, on a road he'd driven "heaps of times before." He lost control, spinning 180 degrees and sliding down a bank into trees, his Datsun 1200 colliding with a tree just inches behind the passenger seat.

"I thought the passenger was dead. I thought I'd killed her," he says, recalling the pitch‑black silence, no streetlights, no mobile phones, and the sheer luck of a passing car finding them and raising the alarm.

"It was a significant moment...a wake‑up call in a big way...fate just gave me a second chance," he said.

Murph's guests all share their own stories and advice, while sometimes light‑hearted, they have a serious edge for anyone planning a road trip this summer.

Here are ten of their driving tips from the In the Driver's Seat with Greg Murphy series:

Laura McGoldrick – "It's a limit, not a target," underscores her Dad's philosophy about speed restrictions, and how she still regards speed limits. These days Laura treats drive time as meaningful connection time with her kids. "Some of my favourite moments happen in the car."

Jay Reeve and Duncan Heyde – Stay alert by staying curious. Jay changes his school run routes just to mix it up: "I'm an inquisitive driver." He pre‑sets his playlist before each trip - but his kids often hijack the aux cord from the back seat. Still, he uses the steering wheel skip button to regain control.

Jenny‑May Clarkson – Stay mentally engaged. Jenny‑May uses podcasts to stay focused, especially on long drives. A former police officer who attended her first fatal crash at just 20, she's now raising four children - including two daughters who have recently learnt to drive. "I'm always saying to them: don't be a dick... make the right decisions... think about how you protect yourself."

Sir Peter Beck – Take young drivers to a racetrack to learn car control. "Everybody needs to go to the racetrack to see what a car is capable of, even just to understand what happens if you get into a drift or a slide."

Matt Watson – Assume someone will be on the wrong side of the road. "Always expect someone to be on the wrong side of the road, especially around blind corners".

Nathan Wallis – Parents lead by example. "Adults set the emotional tone in the car. Stay calm - they're learning from you, even before they start driving."

Dame Susan Devoy – Remove phone temptation. "I lock it in the console so I can't use it."

Sir Peter Leitch – Block out distractions early on. "When you first get your licence, don't even have the radio on. Just focus."

Art Green – Prioritise sleep — don't let yourself get drowsy. "I would never let myself get to that point... sleep is my number one thing."

Paul Ego – Short naps and fresh air work. "Windows down, cold air in the face... five‑minute nap. Bam. It works."

AutoSense CEO, Charles Dawson says the podcast was designed to spark honest conversations about how we drive, especially over the busy summer season. "New Zealanders will travel thousands of kilometres this summer, often on unfamiliar roads, with passengers in the car, and with a lot on their minds. These stories remind us that even experienced drivers can lose focus. But they also show that making small changes like putting away your phone out of reach or staying calm with your kids, can make a big difference."

All episodes of In the Driver's Seat with Greg Murphy are now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Highlights and bonus content are available via AutoSenseNZ on Instagram and Facebook.

Road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is recommending transport operators prepare for random roadside drug testing, which is being gradually being rolled out across New Zealand from mid-December.

A recent amendment to the Land Transport Act gives Police similar powers to random breath tests, by requiring drivers to undergo a saliva test to check for the presence of four illicit drugs.

If two saliva test are positive (a fail), the driver is prohibited from driving for 12 hours and a sample is sent to a lab for analysis. If those results show an impairing level of drugs, then the driver will receive a minimum of a $200 fine and 50 demerits. Refusal to undertake the test incurs a $400 fine and 75 demerits, as does the presence of two or more drugs.

The four drugs being screened in the roadside saliva test are THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine.

"Transporting New Zealand supports the introduction of roadside drug, which has been running in other countries including Australia," says Policy & Advocacy Advisor Mark Stockdale.

"Crash data shows that around 30 percent of all road deaths in New Zealand involve the consumption of an impairing drug, which is on a par with drink driving. Evidence from Victoria, Australia shows their roadside drug testing regime saves more than 30 lives and almost 80 serious injuries every year."

Transporting New Zealand says the Police expect about 12 percent of all roadside drug tests to be a positive result (fail).

Stockdale advises transport operators to ensure they have up-to-date drug and alcohol policies, including random workplace substance testing, and to have honest conversations with any staff that may have a substance problem.

"We want road freight businesses to be proactive, rather than risk a driver being stood down at the roadside and putting other road users at risk."

Stockdale also recommends that transport operators update their employment agreements and policies, to require drivers to disclose any private offending (drug driving infringements occurring in personal vehicles outside of work hours).

"If you employ a truck driver who has failed or refused a random roadside drug test, in their own time and vehicle, it's important to be notified of that."

• A recording of a webinar covering this topic, hosted by Transporting New Zealand and the Bus & Coach Association, can be viewed on our website.

National Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the certainty provided by Minister Peter’s announcement on the Cook Strait ferry project, saying it will allow the Government to focus on the timely delivery of the supporting port infrastructure by 2029.

Transporting New Zealand Head of Policy and Advocacy Billy Clemens said that it was essential the landside infrastructure, including modifications to the existing Aratere berth in Wellington and a new dual-level linkspan in Picton are delivered before the new vessels arrived.

"Our road freight members want to see the party politics get parked, and a bipartisan focus on delivery".

"The Cook Strait is an extension of SH1, so having a competitive connection with adequate capacity is essential to our road freight members and the national supply chain. Approximately $30 billion of freight crosses that Cook Strait each year, with Interislander capturing roughly 45% market share and Bluebridge on 55% (according to 2024 MoT estimates)."

"The Government’s focus needs to be avoiding the delays and cost blowouts that have plagued Project iReX and many other major transport and infrastructure developments around the country."

"The Government’s decision to procure rail-enabled vessels, against the advice of the Government’s Ministerial Advisory Group, presents an additional risk of cost escalations, as the Ministry of Transport noted back in 2023. This risk will have to be closely monitored."

"Ferry Holdings Limited, and the shareholding Ministers of Transport, Rail and Finance all need to be focussed on prompt delivery of the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Work Programme. We are reassured to see Ferry Holdings has a clear statement of intent and performance indicators, and look forward to meeting with their CEO shortly."

Clemens says that freight companies want to see Interislander and Bluebridge taking steps to ensure adequate freight capacity over the next four years, including prioritising time-sensitive freight over passenger transport where necessary.

"With only four ferries currently operating, Interislander and Bluebridge are going to have to carefully manage freight capacity, or we will see price hikes and costly delivery delays for businesses and consumers."