29483 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Transport

29483 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Transport: Further to WPQ 28030, has the Minister asked Waka Kotahi to reassess the Desert Road for safety‑camera installation in light of the six fatal and eight serious crashes since 2023; if not, why not?

Hon Chris Bishop: I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 29481 (2026). I have not asked NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to reassess the Desert Road for installation of safety cameras. NZTA is responsible for operational decisions on the placement and operation of safety cameras. NZTA installs safety cameras at locations where evidence shows there is a higher risk of people being killed or seriously injured in a crash. More information on how locations are selected is available here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/travelling-on-our-roads/safety-cameras/about-safety-cameras/how-we-choose-new-safety-camera-locations I encourage you to raise your concerns directly with NZTA regarding safety on the Desert Road.