The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is getting up to $45 million injected into its regulatory function after a review found it isn't up to scratch.
An independent review by Martin Jenkins has found NZTA failed to properly regulate the transport sector under the previous National-led Government.
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The review said while there is no single cause for the regulatory failure at NZTA, a lack of underlying factors evolved over time.
The review described NZTA's regulatory model as "dispersed,'' with a "weak focus", and that regulatory responsibilities were "overshadowed by priorities within its other roles and preoccupations".
It also found there were conflicts of interest among the three functions of its role as a regulator, infrastructure deliverer and investor that "need careful management".
NZTA's regulatory functions were described as "inadequate", had structural constraints, a lack of clear regulatory strategy, and "weak regulatory leadership and expertise".
It follows the NZTA board's announcement in October 2018 that NZTA had not been performing its regulatory function effectively, and was too focused on education and self-regulation.
Martin Jenkins interviewed around 70 people and reviewed 250 documents for its review.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford said on Wednesday the Government plans to adopt all of the review's recommendations, including the $45 million cash injection.
A Director of Land Transport role will also be created, who will be responsible for carrying out the NZTA's regulatory functions and powers.
The NZTA board will also be instructed to develop a new regulatory strategy, and the Ministry of Transport will need to update NZTA's regulatory objectives, functions and powers.
Newshub.
