Towards zero carbon? Constrained policy action in two New Zealand cities

Abstract

ABSTRACTTransportation was Aotearoa/New Zealand’s fastest-growing sector in terms of carbon emissions over the last two decades. This article investigates mitigation policies for transportation emissions in the two most prosperous cities, Wellington and Auckland. Analysing local government policy documents, we dissect commitments and examine the gap between aspirations and outcomes. Neither city’s emissions are falling significantly despite trends towards housing intensification, which can cut emissions via shorter journeys. The mode share of motor vehicles in total commuting trips is only gradually diminishing, while the share of walking and cycling is only marginally increasing. We explore possible explanations for the slow progress in achieving aspirations. Our main findings are: first, there is a significant ambition gap between councils’ stated goals, on the one hand, and measures adopted by councils, on the other; and second, ‘business as usual’ policies of central government are dampening these cities’ will and ability to adopt more sustainable policies. We conclude that city mitigation performance will likely be modest until the central government’s stance changes, but there is nevertheless a strong case, and clear opportunities, for Auckland and Wellington to strengthen their emission reductions.