# Question 61: I run a small manufacturing business that exports and employs staff. We are considering new equipment but worry about demand, freight costs and finding skilled workers. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. Which parties address freight, ports and transport infrastructure in their plans for business?

Collected 23 October 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 5 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/5)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: a9b96eba-7d3e-4121-b123-3753208d4081

For your manufacturing and export business, the key question is which parties have specific plans to make moving goods around New Zealand more reliable and affordable, while giving businesses enough certainty to invest in equipment, hire staff and meet export orders.

As of October 2026, the main differences between the parties concern road maintenance and freight corridors, port and rail connections, coastal shipping, transport funding and the cost of employing and moving goods with heavy vehicles. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s September 2026 election comparison includes transport-policy statements from National, Labour and the Green Party. [Where the parties stand on transport | The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport](https://cilt.co.nz/magazine/where-the-parties-stand-on-transport/)

## How the parties approach freight and infrastructure

The following is a comparison of published policy positions, not a ranking or an endorsement. Election promises should be distinguished from projects already funded or under way.

![Hundreds Of Shipping Containers Trucked Into Auckland](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/wfTbzZL1NjAzOlaP9rx9ljt0NpD0ds-a8Rls_C2Rpc-0zBFy3w7pAgaqyfPwTJSWiqUwbiQpy2CRrYbnAGcpXERXB3wfIuYJ-gFZOd90XtgU81lhji7u92RF4ojTghAzL38rzz6ik9zmWpgYFytfDNkBQWJG9rQpker-Kmtmmay34fdZPEqw8RGOvaU5_Tt-?purpose=inline)

## National

Road maintenance, freight resilience and infrastructure delivery

National's published transport position emphasises maintaining roads, building major transport links and improving the reliability of connections between roads, railways and ports. It points to $400 million in Budget 2026 funding for state-highway resilience, a reinstated National Freight Demand Study and a Freight Advisory Council. It also proposes simplifying some heavy-vehicle permitting and regulatory requirements.

Business consideration: Relevant if road reliability, freight delays, vehicle operating costs and predictable infrastructure investment are priorities. National also supports a transition to electronic road-user charges, tolling and time-of-use charging, which could affect transport costs. [Where the parties stand on transport | The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport](https://cilt.co.nz/magazine/where-the-parties-stand-on-transport/)[2026 Election Policy](https://www.national.org.nz/policies)

![Aussies buy NZ transport companies | RNZ News](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/sAXz9mj4mMyQdCKo-ILmKxcQDOT9u90QKhrBQJ9DRp3h9Li02LC4XKaNcgeb1KidN4axHDJwiAzInhx5sPyq7Ebm9DFVr9pKRSWkAp0JGEWoeKu-elfbIXi18Z4r9_R5PXn1ceo8tqEMvTxy8brYYqA4osNeHJwica1OvC8VU3A?purpose=inline)

## Labour

Supply-chain continuity, ferries and long-term project certainty

Labour places particular emphasis on the Cook Strait ferry connection as a critical link in the national supply chain. Its transport spokesperson argues for completing projects that are already contracted, under way and funded, and for infrastructure designed to remain usable under future conditions. Labour also highlights the difficulty of recruiting and licensing heavy-vehicle drivers.

Labour proposes no fuel-excise increases during the next term and a public-transport fare cap. It argues that infrastructure planning should be integrated and affordable, while the National spokesperson disputes the implications of Labour's transport funding proposals for project delivery.

Business consideration: Relevant if inter-island freight, long-term infrastructure continuity, driver recruitment and limiting fuel-tax increases matter to your operations. Check how Labour would fund road maintenance and which projects it would prioritise. [Where the parties stand on transport | The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport](https://cilt.co.nz/magazine/where-the-parties-stand-on-transport/)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

![Rail](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KWi6s_uDeqiHTCu53N0FgDqPeY_P-zidVruF61-0_W-XAEXruVCNlSxoPlxHNfuk-BtmQXMOU9uHA5gKTtNsLyxCqHY9DgilT0mX9cpQsbyd3gAlNsNSZ4hwxfmvxmqN9S2ZMOzA4HTH1Jn-6MZncdAl-FKflS-B6Ztpoe4SF_s?purpose=inline)

## Green Party

Rail freight, coastal shipping and lower-emission transport

The Greens propose nationwide rapid rail for passengers and freight, investment in coastal shipping, and public funding for logistics and services as well as physical infrastructure. They also support electrifying transport, including trucks, and favour maintaining and renewing the existing road network over building more large expressways.

Business consideration: Relevant if your export supply chain could benefit from more rail or coastal-shipping options, or if fuel exposure and lower-emission freight are important. The practical questions are how quickly new capacity would be delivered and how it would connect to your actual freight routes. [Where the parties stand on transport | The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport](https://cilt.co.nz/magazine/where-the-parties-stand-on-transport/)

![Northport applies for big expansion of its Marsden Pt site - NZ Herald](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/VP58m3-DrHqDYst2zz6RCWTm-sKtI2f8wVEMtmxJOFowhLqYK3x3L4Png0bnvt_AZUYEeUm3Cgm5_OZii0C4cnVN_LdWz5h9BSHI1Dxu9zJsD0VQFmkSYfh3_YmJMjnm6nJ89O04nIPkiDbE5bDklAMdfU7YrcwCy2n4IHw0fwI?purpose=inline)

## New Zealand First

Ports, maritime industry, regional development and fuel security

NZ First proposes a Special Economic Zone at Marsden Point incorporating Northport and the former oil refinery site, with a focus on energy, maritime activities and a ship-repair dry dock. Its broader policy direction emphasises regional infrastructure, rail and national fuel security.

Business consideration: Relevant if your supply chain could benefit from port capacity, maritime services, industrial investment or more secure energy supplies. The Marsden Point zone is a proposal, so its implementation, funding and benefits for exporters elsewhere in New Zealand would need to be established. [Policy Announcement: Marsden Point Special Economic Zone](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy_announcement_marsden_point_special_economic_zone)[Our Policy](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy)

![Reliable & Fast Freight Solutions with Swanson Transport — Swanson Transport Ltd | Auckland-wide Transport Specialist](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/k2LWK6Rmq-bWQ0mQWwi42PFI6CadbuH2WQWYiavUV1hujL_YxgxQNrjsbU79vYpDQ22jQlrEujNorMdorKl4mvED9i52zMxerWdqtFYuqvduG4oC4pQxm2cNWRxsoP-Xh4by8JOAwDS3peKTY0cbwHiAWOrKx4hVzrGQpC2s3B8?purpose=inline)

## ACT

Road capacity, maintenance and infrastructure cost control

ACT's September 2026 transport policy calls for building roads ahead of growth, maintaining existing networks and getting more infrastructure from each dollar. It proposes publishing the lowest-cost safe option for major projects, alongside the preferred option, with costs, delivery times and benefit-cost ratios. It also favours reducing unnecessary rules and using user-pays funding mechanisms.

Business consideration: Relevant if road freight access, transport reliability, project delivery and regulatory costs are important. Consider how tolls, road-user charges and other funding changes could affect your firm's freight bills. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/keep-new-zealand-moving)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/keep-new-zealand-moving)

![Work begins on Bledisloe North wharf under $200m Auckland port upgrade](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GD76M_aOLnJGmuvm_tALelDz-pOS7oBF0OF7Qr3t5iKwZollyNpVqyBMzdE9g-uEEG9VNCDc3myzSmN8eBVIfKI7bI1wns27agSU9jegonQmMkmExAw5nfJ6T4efBstBZnWSyjDB-BfHPs6EVWniHYjEXtodMmswu2hMs5OyPy4?purpose=inline)

## Te Pāti Māori

Regional access, affordability and community resilience

Te Pāti Māori's transport-related priorities are less developed in the available material on freight corridors and port infrastructure. Its broader policy approach emphasises affordability, regional access and resilient communities.

Business consideration: If your workforce faces transport-access barriers or your business depends on regional connectivity, examine its detailed commitments on infrastructure, training and employment. There is less specific published detail here to assess its proposed effect on export freight costs. [NZ Election 2026 Transport Policies Compared | Roads, Rail & Public Transport](https://www.kiwicoaches.co.nz/transport-2026-news/nz-election-2026-transport-policies-compared-roads-rail-public-transport-and-infrastructure)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

## What matters most for your business?

The infrastructure question is only one part of your decision to invest in new manufacturing equipment. I'd compare the parties against these four practical tests.

| Your concern | Policies to examine |
| --- | --- |
| Freight costs and delays | Road maintenance, congestion, heavy-vehicle rules, tolls and road-user charges |
| Export access | Port capacity, port connections, rail freight, coastal shipping and Cook Strait reliability |
| Demand and investment risk | Infrastructure funding certainty, project sequencing and broader business-growth policies |
| Skilled workers | Apprenticeships, vocational training, driver licensing and access to workers |

For the skilled-worker issue, Labour's 2026 programme includes an expanded Apprenticeship Boost, while NZ First has proposed changes to work visas and skills shortages. These are separate from transport policy but could also matter when deciding whether to expand production. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Labour's 2026 Election Policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy)[2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)

## Where to check the actual commitments

- [National — 2026 election policies](https://www.national.org.nz/policies?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [Labour — 2026 election policies](https://www.labour.org.nz/policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [Green Party — 2026 manifesto](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [ACT — Keep New Zealand Moving](https://www.act.org.nz/keep-new-zealand-moving?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [New Zealand First — policy announcements](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [The Conversation — 2026 election policy tracker](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

My suggestion is to compare the specific freight routes your business uses, the funding certainty behind promised projects, and the likely impact of transport charges, rather than relying on general claims about infrastructure spending.

I can also help you  compare the parties on freight costs and export reliability or  compare small-business investment and skills policies.

## Gemini

Answer ID: 9bd8d11a-010b-4b1e-8f51-c8a7fc731d28

As a manufacturer navigating equipment investment, skilled labour shortages, and supply chain expenses, your vote intersects heavily with several core policy areas for the 2026 general election. Different political parties approach freight, infrastructure, and the underlying business pressures through distinct economic lenses:

### Freight, Ports, and Transport Infrastructure

* **National and ACT:** Focus heavily on roads, network resilience, and economic productivity. Their transport strategies prioritize major roading corridors, maintenance funding, and reducing supply-chain bottlenecks to ensure goods move efficiently from regional manufacturers to ports. They generally lean toward private-sector engagement and efficiency to manage infrastructure costs.
* **New Zealand First:** Explicitly ties transport, ports, and manufacturing together, advocating for a coordinated approach to regional supply chains. Their platform emphasizes connecting ports directly with robust road and rail infrastructure, protecting national fuel security, investing in long-term rail freight networks, and developing regional industrial hubs (such as proposals around Northport and Marsden Point).
* **Labour and the Greens:** Tend to place a stronger emphasis on a balanced multimodal transport network—integrating rail, coastal shipping, and public transport alongside roading. Their infrastructure frameworks place a high priority on climate-resilient assets and lower-emission freight options, though they typically face criticism from business groups for potentially under-weighting heavy commercial road investment.

### Addressing Equipment Costs and Business Investment

Beyond transport, your consideration of new equipment ties directly into current party tax and incentive proposals:
* **National:** Highlights mechanisms like the "Investment Boost" scheme (allowing businesses to deduct a percentage of the cost of new machinery, equipment, and assets) aimed directly at lowering the capital barrier for manufacturers upgrading technology.
* **New Zealand First:** Campaigns on lowering the company tax rate for small and medium businesses (with turnovers under a certain threshold) and expanding R&D or high-tech investment tax credits to support productivity. 

### Skilled Labour and Workforce Pressures

* **Right-leaning parties (National, ACT, New Zealand First):** Generally advocate for more flexible immigration settings to help sectors facing acute skills shortages quickly fill critical gaps, alongside industry-led or targeted vocational training reforms.
* **Centre-left parties (Labour, Greens):** Tend to focus heavily on domestic workforce development, strengthening polytechnic and industry-training institution funding, and tying immigration settings tighter to local workforce upskilling.

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 31a77091-d1db-4f05-a9a5-77a161cad4d4

For a small manufacturing business navigating export logistics, domestic freight, and workforce pressures, the major political parties approaching the 2026 general election offer distinct philosophies on transport infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and business support.

The primary party positions relevant to your concerns break down as follows:

 * * **National Party** : Focuses heavily on expanding and upgrading core road and rail connections to boost economic productivity and supply chain efficiency. Their approach includes major regional and arterial road investments, alongside targeted freight logistics funding—such as commitments toward intermodal freight hubs (e.g., backing projects like the Rolleston freight hub) to streamline how goods move between ports, rail, and roads.

 * **Labour Party** : Emphasises a mixed modal approach, arguing that freight congestion and regional access cannot rely on roads alone. While much of their prominent 2026 transport announcements centre on cost-of-living relief via public transport fare caps, they also support integrated rail and domestic supply chain considerations, alongside proposals like an industrial future fund aimed at co-investing in domestic industry and regional infrastructure.

 * **ACT New Zealand** : Concentrates on cost-saving reforms and cutting red tape for infrastructure delivery. They advocate for protecting and prioritising maintenance and renewal funding within the National Land Transport Fund to ensure existing freight routes don't degrade, while rolling back specific vehicle/emissions regulations that they argue add operational costs to transport and logistics operators. [RNZ]

 * **Green Party** : Advocates for a significant pivot toward intercity and regional rail connectivity for both passengers and freight network relief. Their transport frameworks look to expand rail capacity to take heavy pressure off regional highways, alongside broader public transport accessibility initiatives. [RNZ]

 * **New Zealand First** : Emphasises regional supply chain and connector resilience, advocating for regional rail trials and restoring key South Island rail freight/passenger links to improve regional economic integration. [RNZ]

 *

Industry groups like _Transporting New Zealand_ have actively pressed all parties in 2026 around broader supply chain pillars—specifically calling for robust Cook Strait ferry connection security, stable long-term road maintenance pipelines, and diesel reserve security to insulate manufacturers from global fuel shocks.

If you'd like to narrow this down based on your specific operations, tell me:

 * Are you primarily shipping via **road, rail, or coastal shipping/ports**?
 * Are your main bottlenecks **regional road quality** or **inter-island/export port access**?

I can share more specific details on how these party policies align with your supply chain model.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: ecb0346e-776c-4b44-8c9d-fe8d2047f38d

Ahead of the **November 7, 2026, New Zealand general election** , transport infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain resilience are critical focal points for businesses managing freight costs and looking to invest in capital equipment.

The main political parties address freight, ports, and transport infrastructure with distinct approaches:

1\. The National Party

National traditionally approaches transport through the lens of economic growth and asset delivery. Their platform emphasizes large-scale state highway building to move goods efficiently.

 * **Roading Focus:** Prioritizes the **National Land Transport Fund** exclusively on road infrastructure and road maintenance. They support the "Roads of National Significance" project delivery model to resolve bottlenecks.

 * **Port Infrastructure:** Fast-tracked key structural approvals, such as the Port of Tauranga expansion, to handle increased export volumes.

 * **Business Target:** Aims to double New Zealand’s total export values by 2034.

2\. The Labour Party

Labour promotes an integrated, **multi-modal transport system** that balances roads with heavy rail and coastal shipping to distribute freight pressure.

 * **Targeted Supply Chain Investments:** Commits **$50 million for the _Rolleston intermodal freight hub_** to improve regional logistics links.

 * **Freight Costs:** Proposes to protect business margins by scrapping planned 2027 fuel-excise duty hikes.

 * **Infrastructure Pipeline:** Supports creating an independent **New Zealand Future Fund** to buffer domestic industry and ensure stable, long-term infrastructure investment.

 * **Skilled Workers:** Backs the continuation of the **Apprenticeship Boost** program to help manufacturers retain and train skilled operators.

3\. The ACT Party

ACT centers its platform on reducing regulatory delays, structural reform, and alternative funding mechanisms to speed up construction.

 * **Private Funding:** Strongly advocates for **public-private partnerships (PPPs)** , tolling, and direct electronic road-user pricing to build networks faster without loading debt onto general taxes.

 * **Policy Certainty:** Supports binding **30-year infrastructure agreements** between central government and local councils to ensure major transport corridors are not cancelled during election cycles.

 * **Efficiency:** Focuses funding strictly on movement, safety, and supply chain resilience while slashing non-essential spending (like roadside art).

4\. New Zealand First (NZ First)

NZ First approaches infrastructure through regional development and local production security.

 * **Rail over Heavy Trucks:** Has historically opposed expanding heavy truck weight limits on roads, heavily favoring moving bulk freight onto upgraded rail networks.

 * **Regional Freight Hubs:** Pushing for a **$100 billion Future Fund** , a Marsden Point rail link, and an injection of **$1.2 billion into rejuvenating rail infrastructure**.

 * **Skilled Labor:** Offers funded trades training and expanded vocational pathways outside traditional school structures to buffer local engineering and manufacturing workforces. facebook.com

5\. The Green Party

The Greens look to shift freight away from carbon-intensive modes to help businesses meet international environmental standards.

 * **Rail Network Expansion:** Prioritizes substantial capital investments into the nation's rail network to connect major manufacturing zones and handle bulk logistics sustainably.

 * **Unclogging Roads:** Uses steep public transport subsidies to clear commuter congestion from arterial routes, freeing up road corridors for commercial logistics.

* * *

Policy Comparison for Exporters

Policy Focus| National| Labour| ACT| NZ First| Greens
---|---|---|---|---|---
**Primary Freight Mode**| Roading & Highway Expansions| Multi-modal (Road, Rail, Shipping)| Efficient Roads via User Charges| Heavy Rail & Regional Links| Heavy & Intercity Rail
**Funding Strategy**| Land Transport Fund re-focus| Public capital & Future Fund| Private investment & Tolls| $100B Future Fund / State| Wealth tax & Carbon revenue
**Regulatory Approach**| Streamlined consenting| Centrally managed planning| Reforming Resource Management| Regional economic zones| Strict emissions limits

To help evaluate how these platforms affect your machinery investment, could you share if your product is **high-weight or high-volume** , and whether you rely primarily on **domestic roads or rail** to get your goods to port?