September 18 2008
Media Release For Immediate Use
New freight study to help transport decision-makers
New Zealand’s most comprehensive study on freight movement to date has been released by the Ministries of Transport and
Economic Development today.
The study provides the government and individual organisations with a more accurate picture of how freight is being
moved around New Zealand, plugging some of the previous gaps in what was known about such movements.
According to the study total freight moved nationally in 2006/07 was about 225 million tonnes. An estimated 70% of that
freight was found to be moved via roads compared to the previous figure of 67% in 2005. Rail was found to have a
slightly lower freight share at 15% (compared to 18% in 2005) and coastal shipping had about the same freight share of
15%. These figures do not necessarily mean that freight movement on our roads is increasing rapidly. This study captured
a lot more data compared with previous studies and provides a more comprehensive picture of how freight is being moved.
The study also suggests that total tonnes of freight moved in New Zealand may grow by 75% from 2006 to 2031.
Informed policy to accommodate the predicted growth in freight and deliver an efficient and effective freight network is
critical for New Zealand’s economic development. By providing a picture of what’s happening at a regional level as well
as a national level the study will help guide central and local government decision-making.
To read the study: http://www.transport.govt.nz/national-freight-demands-study-1/
ENDS