The transport sector’s operational functions are delivered through Crown entities with specialist functions. Each Crown entity is governed by a Board of Directors.
We work in close partnership with the Crown entities as we develop advice to Governments on transport priorities and implementing Government policies.
We monitor the performance of the transport Crown entities to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively. Monitoring these entities is important because they are owned by the public, and deliver key services. In some cases, those services involve significant amounts of public money.
Monitoring arrangements for transport sector Crown entities
We also advise the Minister of Transport on appointments to transport Crown entity boards, setting and clarifying expectations for each entity, and reviewing board performance.
If required, we carry out reviews on transport Crown entities on behalf of the Minister of Transport. We may also commission external agencies to review matters, for example to identify best practice and how to improve performance.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi allocates funding for land transport infrastructure and services, and manages access to the transport system through driver and vehicle licensing, vehicle inspections, driving tests and road user charges. It also manages the state highway network.
While we manage and maintain the Motor Vehicle Register and revenue collection functions, which include collecting and refunding motor vehicle registration and licensing fees, road user charges and fuel excise duty, Waka Kotahi provides these services under an agreement with our chief executive.
Waka Kotahi is accountable to the Minister of Transport for its performance. It is accountable to the Ministry of Transport for the delivery of some contracted services, such as rules development. For certain key functions it has statutory independence.
Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency
Maritime New Zealand
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) promotes commercial and recreational vessel safety, marine environment protection standards and monitors port and ship security. It controls entry to the maritime system, advises on international conventions and investigates maritime accidents and leads response to major maritime incidents.
MNZ is governed by a 5-member Board appointed by the Minister of Transport.
Civil Aviation Agency
The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) has 2 key functions: regulatory and security.
It regulates civil aviation in New Zealand by establishing and monitoring civil aviation safety and security standards, carries out air accident and incident investigations, and promotes aviation and personal security.
It provides aviation security services at security-designated airports through the Aviation Security Service (Avsec).
The CAA is governed by a 5-member board appointed by the Minister of Transport.
Civil Aviation Authority and Aviation Security Service
Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC)
TAIC independently investigates the circumstances and causes of significant sea, air and rail accidents and incidents, looking at how to avoid similar events in the future. TAIC does not investigate road events.
TAIC is an independent Crown entity.