NZ's tech-lite approach to public transport is failing

When it comes to New Zealand's public transport approach, the cognitive dissonance is dizzying. (Image: Getty)

Wed, 23 Jul 2025

Nobody ever accused us New Zealanders of lacking innovation, but somewhere along State Highway 1, it seems we took a wrong turn into a cul-de-sac of technophobic dithering. Let’s look at two recent episodes from the “you can’t make this up” files of NZ transport that perfectly encapsulate our struggle to handle the tech shifts needed for a low-carbon future.The first is Auckland Transport’s decision to double down on diesel-powered ferries for the Waitematā Harbour, just as every forward-looking city is sendin...

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