November 2025
Tēnā koe,
Restaurant Association of New Zealand submission on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand (the Restaurant Association) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill.
Since 1972, the Restaurant Association has worked to offer advice, help and assistance in every facet of the vibrant and diverse hospitality industry, covering the length and breadth of the country. We’re passionate about our vibrant industry, which is full of interesting, talented and entrepreneurial people.
The Restaurant Association supports the intent of the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill. We are supportive of increasing democratic accountability for transport decision making in Auckland and ensuring a long-term cohesive view shared between central government, Auckland Council, and agencies delivering transport services.
Increasing democratic accountability
The Restaurant Association submits that Aucklanders need to have a stronger voice on transport decisions. The current system, which has many of the transport functions ordinarily performed by local authorities controlled by Auckland Transport (AT)—a council-controlled organisation, governed by an unelected board—leaves key stakeholders with no voice in decision-making processes.
Previous experiences
The Restaurant Association previously voiced our disappointment with the failure of AT to adequately consult and communicate with key stakeholders. One occasion was when making changes to parking fees in the Central City Parking Zone (CCPZ). Another occasion was closing the Wynyard Quarter pedestrian bridge.
In May 2024, AT decided to implement immediate 24/7 parking fees and increase the existing fees in the CCPZ. This decision was made without consultation with key stakeholders and was communicated to them through media announcements of the changes. The Restaurant Association was extremely dissatisfied with this outcome. It advocated that AT reconsider the decision and the negative impact on key stakeholders, such as our members.
Following this, AT delayed the changes to city centre overnight parking to 1 October 2024 and expressed that they would consult stakeholders and consider mitigation for those impacted. We found it concerning that they had already set a new date for the parking fee changes to be implemented before following the appropriate consultation process. This also did not excuse the fact that the correct consultation process wasn’t followed in the first place.
During a similar timeframe, we also experienced AT being a law unto themselves when the Wynyard Quarter pedestrian bridge was stuck in the up position. This cut off many hospitality businesses from CBD patrons, with no clarity on when it would reopen. AT did exempt Wynyard Quarter from the parking fee changes. However, this did not compensate for the losses our hospitality businesses were experiencing.
Impact on hospitality businesses
These two decisions had far-reaching consequences for the hospitality industry. The increased parking fees increased costs for diners who choose to drive into the city. This could lead to a decline in overall patronage to restaurants and cafés. To top this, the added financial burden fell on employees. Many rely on their vehicles and work late hours when public transport options are limited. This exacerbated existing challenges faced by the industry.
Many businesses and employees within the affected areas were blindsided by these changes, which is simply unacceptable. The hospitality industry, in particular, felt the brunt of these changes. This raises questions about the fairness and equity of AT’s policies. Common sense would suggest that best practice engagement by organisations that are meaningfully committed to the community they seek to serve includes direct communication with those impacted by the proposed changes, however this is not our experience.
These examples are a clear example of the lack of democratic accountability and long-term cohesive view shared between central government, Auckland Council, and agencies delivering transport services. Even the Mayor, Wayne Brown, claimed he was not aware of the changes.
In summary
We submit that these examples point to a wider systemic problem of accountability within AT. The failure to adequately involve stakeholders in decision-making processes points to a disconnect between the organisation and the community it serves. It raises fundamental questions about whose interests AT is truly prioritising in its decision-making.
AT has a duty to the community it serves. We believe this Bill will work towards providing assurances that the voices of the community are being heard and considered in decision-making processes. Central government, Auckland Council, and agencies delivering transport services must work together to ensure the vitality and prosperity of our city while holding our transport authorities accountable.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill.
Ngā mihi nui,
Marisa Bidois
Chief Executive
Restaurant Association of New Zealand
More submissions by the Restaurant Association can be accessed here.