Simon Douglas talked about transport issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand and how they advocate for members at election time.
Simon Douglas is head of policy and advocacy at Automobile Association of New Zealand. The AA was founded in 1903, and it is one of the largest advocacy groups supporting 1.1 million personal members across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Every election AA draws up a set of priorities based on member input to advocate on behalf. He talked about their 2026 priorities and their efforts to use social media as an effective communication tool.
The AA is non-partisan and they work with any government of the day. Advocacy and policy are part of the bigger picture and Simon has a team of 12 most having come from other government departments.
The principles that inform election calls are canvassed across their 4500 representative members to socialise and define their focus up to 6-7 times per year to test their response. It is important to choose something likely to succeed and ensure its supported by evidence, so after running survey results through their panel the following made up this year’s priorities (taken directly from the AA Website):
Short summary of our 2026 Election Calls
5 ways the Government can make transport better.
- Put maintenance first. Always.
Spending on maintenance and renewals should be treated as the top budgeting priority in transport. It should have the first call on funding.
- No more stop-go on big transport projects.
New Zealand needs a long-term programme of major transport projects that are delivered no matter who is in power. This programme must cover both roads and public transport and treat them as parts of one connected system.
- Belts on. Phones down.
The AA wants the introduction of safety cameras that can detect drivers who are not wearing seatbelts or those using their phones. This technology is already in widespread use in Australia.
- Reward drivers doing the right thing.
Introduce a ‘rewards for safety’ programme that lowers the cost of rego and licence renewals for people who stick to the rules and keep improving their skills.
- Make it easy to get to public transport.
The AA wants the next Government to prioritise funding to improve access to major public transport hubs.