'About fairness': Councils in NZ's most-tolled region back revenue sharing
Local councils in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region are advocating for a share of toll road revenue to help maintain local roads. Officials argue that motorists often use local routes to avoid tolls, increasing the maintenance burden on council-managed infrastructure.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between national infrastructure funding models and the financial strain placed on local governments by traffic displacement.
<p>Councils in and around New Zealand’s <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/05/14/nzs-most-road-tolled-region-faces-more-tolls-under-10-year-deal/" target="_blank">most-tolled city,</a> Tauranga, are backing an idea to receive a share of <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/04/01/stop-off-pay-extra-new-sh2-toll-labelled-unfair-to-locals-businesses/" target="_blank">tolling revenue</a> to put towards wear on local roads.</p> <p><b>By Ayla Yeoman of Local Democracy Reporting</b></p> <p>Parliament is considering legislation that would allow toll revenue to be used to maintain free alternative routes as the Government signals tolling will play a bigger role in funding future transport projects.</p> <p>Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty councils say motorists may choose local roads to avoid tolls, potentially increasing pressure on council-owned infrastructure.</p> <p>The Bay of Plenty already has two of New Zealand’s three toll roads and is expected to gain more as major transport projects, including the Takitimu North Link, are completed.</p> <p>Western Bay of Plenty District Council infrastructure general manager Brad Singh said motorists would sometimes choose local roads, but the council had not done a detailed study to…
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