The Driving Change Network acknowledges today’s announcement establishing the new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), and the intent to improve coordination across major reforms.

However, National Director Wendy Robertson says the changes also create a clear risk: that driver licensing and road safety become “smaller” functions inside a very large, reform-heavy ministry — and lose the focus, ownership and delivery momentum they urgently need.

“Driver licensing is too important to be a small part of a big portfolio,” says Robertson. “It sits at the intersection of transport, employment, education and justice. If clear accountability isn’t protected through the transition, licensing access and road safety outcomes could be overshadowed by larger infrastructure and planning priorities.”

The Network is calling for Government to make driver licensing and road safety a visible, named priority within MCERT from day one, with:

• clear responsibility at senior level

• measurable targets and public reporting

• an explicit work programme that protects delivery through the transition to July 2026

Proposal: An Associate Minister of Driver Licensing

To strengthen accountability and cross-agency coordination, the Driving Change Network is also proposing the creation of an Associate Minister of Driver Licensing (via a ministerial delegation).

“This isn’t about creating a new bureaucracy — it’s about ensuring someone is accountable for outcomes,” says Robertson. “We need a minister who wakes up every day thinking about how to get New Zealanders safe, licensed, and able to access work and education — not just about roads and major build projects.”

The Network says an Associate Minister delegation would help:

• stop licensing and road safety being crowded out within a large portfolio • drive joined-up action across agencies (including MSD, Justice and Education) • prioritise practical system improvements that directly affect learners and communities

• elevate licensing as a public good essential for social and economic wellbeing

The Driving Change Network will be seeking early engagement with Ministers and the MCERT transition team to ensure driver licensing and road safety retain clear ownership, strong governance, and a protected delivery pathway through to MCERT’s July 2026 launch.

Note:

Driving Change Network is a nationwide network advocating for an equitable driver education, training and licensing system that improves road safety and supports access to employment, education and opportunity.

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