This page last modified 4 November 1999
1. Write a submission on Government's 'Better Transport Better Roads' discussion document by 30 April 1999. If you can't meet this deadline, notify them and send in a late submission. Send a copy to local MPs and ask for their position on the 'reforms'.
In your own words tell Government what to do with their so-called reforms. Even one sentence will do -- you don't need to be familiar with all the detail.
Or pick up the key points from our revelations and analysis.
Or say you support the PANZ submission.
Numbers do count, particularily in an election year. Its the only time politicians are likely to take any real notice of you!
'Better Transport Better Roads'
Ministry of Transport
P O Box 3175
Wellington
2. Write letters to the editor. If newspapers see this as a major issue they may start publishing our press releases. Keep letters short and punchy. Best to deal with just one aspect per letter. Encourage others to follow-up on your published letter or raise other aspects of concern [see guide to letter writing]
3. [Ask the Minister of Transport why he is scared of public discussion of the issues we raise. Since last October Maurice Williamson hasn't added any new public responses to his fossilised 'forum' on this subject. ]
In response to your pressure, on 21 June 1999 the Minister finally updated his [former] site with responses, including from PANZ.
4. Make this an election issue. Don't just attack the Government. Also demand concrete policies from other parties --
Let PANZ know the results...
... of course holding them to their word is another matter...
5. Draw to the attention of other web sites the existence of these pages. Ask them to provide a prominent link to us.
6. Print these pages and spread them around! Yes, we have considered the possibility of defamation action arising from calling the Government liars -- they would be fools to try!
7. Lobby MPs, local government, other national recreation and sporting organisations, Automobile Association, private property advocates etc. Ask them why they are not taking a strong stand against these 'reforms'. Let us know the results.
Local Government New Zealand
P O Box 1214
WellingtonAutomobile Association of NZ
P O Box 1
WellingtonNZ Institute of Surveyors
P O Box 813
WellingtonNZ Institute of Valuers
P O Box 27-146
WellingtonNZ Property Investors Federation
P O Box 3931
ChristchurchReal Estate Institute of NZ
P O Box 5663
Parnell
Auckland
8. Become a PANZ Supporter, if you aren't already. We are the only body we know about that has done this research into Government's plans. We need $$$ to continue our work.
9. Ask political parties what they will do about road 'reforms'. Just because the Government has run out of time to go ahead with its deranged plans, doesn't mean the threat is over. All the other parties are remaining silent. After the forthcoming election, and even with a new Government, we could end up with much the same. Ask them the central questions -- will the road network (formed AND UNFORMED) be retained in public ownership AND will existing public rights of unhindered passage be retained? Please let us know their replies.
'Compilation of materials in relation to electronic road tolls'. A useful insight into what may be ahead, drawn from overseas examples. Available for $10 incl. GST from --
Office of the Privacy Commissioner
P O Box 466
AucklandVisit his web site (look under 'transport' subject area)
Want to see an electronically tolled highway in action? Visit Toronto's Highway 407. Unlike the proposed New Zealand model, an alternative toll-free road network exists the length of the highway and overhead cameras can only photograph the rear of vehicles -- front seat passangers cannot be identified -- they are only interested in identifying registration plates.
In New Zealand the roading companies will be free to photograph you any way they like. How does this tie in with the huge database of digitised images resulting from new driver licences?
Privacy was an issue that was "capable of being addressed" during the drafting of the Roads Bill. However Government chose not to.
Other links to electronic roads-
Under automotive house arrest
Spies in the sky that are able to keep track of where you park
up -- where will it all end? Go to 'The
Press' and search for David Moore & the heading above.
He takes an exploratory spin down the much-vaunted electronic
route.