All “MoT” topics

After six and half years, Dr Simon Kingham shares his views on his time as the Ministry of Transport’s first Chief Science Advisor.

Transport is not an end in itself – it interacts with New Zealand society in many ways. It is critical to our economy, our health and our social and cultural fabric.

In February 2018 I was appointed the first (and only) Kaitohutohu Matua Pu-taiao | Chief Science Advisor to the Te Manatu- Waka | Ministry of Transport. So what is this role and what do I do (and/ or am meant to do)?

The Ministry of Transport and its road safety partners are working on developing a new road safety strategy and action plan for the next 10 years.

The 2018/19 season will see 228,000 cruise ship passengers visit Wellington. However, long after the tourists have spent millions of dollars, and commercial ships have delivered their goods – emissions remain long after vessels leave Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour).

New Zealand’s approach to fatigue management, particularly for commercial and heavy vehicle drivers, may soon go under the microscope, according to the Ministry of Transport.