#national: FUEL CRISIS SPARKS PUSH FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHIFT

A growing fuel crisis is prompting renewed calls for investment in public and active transport, with health experts warning the current reliance on cars is leaving New Zealand vulnerable.

The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine says rising fuel prices and global supply risks linked to conflict in the Middle East highlight the need for urgent change in how people move around the country.

The College is urging stronger support for walking, cycling and public transport, arguing these options would reduce pressure on households while improving health and environmental outcomes.

It says the current situation exposes how dependent New Zealand remains on imported fuel, leaving communities exposed to international disruptions and price shocks.

The call comes as the Government rolls out measures to manage the crisis, including financial support for households, while maintaining that the country is still in the early stages of its fuel response plan.

Health experts say investing in alternative transport systems would not only reduce fuel demand but also build long-term resilience, particularly during future global shocks.

Recent data shows rising fuel costs are already driving more people toward public transport, with usage increasing as driving becomes more expensive.

The College maintains that prioritising active and public transport would deliver multiple benefits, easing cost-of-living pressures, improving public health, and cutting emissions.

The growing pressure adds to wider debate over how New Zealand should respond to the fuel crisis, with calls mounting for more sustainable and equitable transport solutions.