The Government’s Role In Regulating Rideshare And Taxi Services In New Zealand

Wednesday, 21 May 2025, 3:14 pm
Press Release: YourRide

Wellington, New Zealand – May 2025

As New Zealand’s transport landscape shifts, industry experts are calling for greater clarity, fairness, and consistency in how the government regulates taxi services and rideshare platforms. With growing public reliance on app-based mobility, questions are mounting around licensing, safety standards, driver conditions, and the future of equitable, sustainable transport in Aotearoa.

“This is a pivotal moment for how we move people across New Zealand,” says Conrad Heaven, Chief Marketing Officer at YourRide, New Zealand’s leading taxi booking app.

“Technology has outpaced regulation—and now’s the time to ensure the rules are fit for purpose, fair for all, and prioritise public safety and accountability.”

One Sector, Two Systems

Rideshare and taxi services operate under different rules despite often providing near-identical services to passengers. Traditional taxi operators must adhere to strict licensing requirements, including police vetting, in-vehicle cameras, signage, and fare transparency. In contrast, rideshare and independent taxis —classified as "Small Passenger Services" under current legislation—face fewer restrictions, often without mandated safety equipment or transparent fare structures.

“It’s not about over-regulating innovation,” Heaven explains.
“It’s about ensuring a level playing field, where passengers are protected, and all drivers operate under fair, clear expectations.”

The Case for Balanced Oversight

Industry voices are urging the government to revisit the Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing 2007, which has not kept pace with the rise of global app-based transport providers.

Key areas under review or discussion include:

• Standardised safety requirements (e.g. cameras, signage, visible ID)
• Transparent fare structures and surge pricing regulation
• Clearer definitions around driver status (employee vs. contractor)
• Sustainable operating practices and carbon reporting
• Improved data sharing and compliance mechanisms

Without harmonised oversight, critics warn of an uneven market where traditional, community-based services risk being crowded out despite providing safer, more sustainable alternatives.

“We’re not saying rideshare and independent operators shouldn’t exist,” says Heaven.
“But we believe all transport providers should meet the same baseline of safety, accountability, and ethical standards. If we get that right, passengers, drivers, and the public all benefit.”

A Need for Long-Term Thinking

Taxis—especially those using platforms like YourRide—are already adapting. YourRide, for example, works exclusively with registered and police-vetted drivers and integrates with TaxiCharge to offer safe, trackable travel for corporate and government clients.

As policy evolves, industry players like YourRide urge the government to support local, sustainable, and socially responsible models that contribute to—not undermine—New Zealand’s long-term goals.

“We’re ready to work with regulators,” Heaven notes.

“But we need policy that protects passengers, enables innovation, and supports providers who play by the rules. Let’s not wait until there’s a crisis to act.”

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