Election 2026: Labour to require NZ Transport Agency to potentially give up spare land for petrol stations

The Labour Party would require the country’s transport agency to potentially give up surplus land for new petrol stations. The idea is found is a new policy document released by the Opposition party today, which is aimed in part at improving competition at the petrol pump. There’s little detail attached, but one of the proposals is to “require [the New Zealand Transport Agency] to consider making surplus land available for independent unmanned petrol stations and EV chargers”.“The Commerce Commission has found local fuel prices can fall by around 3 cents a litre when an unmanned independent station opens nearby,” the Labour policy document says. Elsewhere in Labour’s policy offering is requiring the Commerce Commission to report weekly on fuel prices to examine whether falling prices are passed on to drivers. It also wants to allow independent retailers “fairer access to fuel supplies and stronger protection against restrictive contracts”.The party’s price gouging ban and tests would be extended to the wholesale and retail fuel market. That policy would make it illegal for large companies with significant market power to charge excessive prices for essential goods and services.There is also a policy to help mechanics to have the information they need to repair vehicles. “Currently independent workshops have to turn away work because they can’t access the information they need to make repairs,” commerce and consumer affairs spokeswoman Arena Williams said.“Labour will fix this. Australia already did this in 2022 and has led to independent mechanics there able to repair cars 25% cheaper on average than dealerships.”It means car makers would have to give local mechanics access to information, software and tool. The Commerce Commission will be required to make sure car makers follow the rules.“This election is about the cost of living. For most Kiwis, a car is a necessity, it’s how we get to work, drop the kids at school, and get on with life,” Labour leader Chris Hipkins said.“But under National, the cost of getting around keeps climbing. Labour will give drivers a fair go, whether they’re buying a car, fixing it or filling it up.“We’ll crack down on price gouging, freeze fuel tax for three years and make it easier for independent mechanics and petrol stations to compete.”