Labour proposes using surplus NZTA land for unmanned fuel stations and EV chargers

In a policy document released today, the Labour Party urges the New Zealand Transport Agency to consider offering its surplus land for the development of independent, unmanned petrol stations and electric-vehicle charging stations, a move intended to increase price competition. The party cites a Commerce Commission finding that nearby unmanned stations can lower local fuel prices by roughly three cents per litre. Labour also proposes weekly fuel-price reporting by the Commerce Commission and an expansion of price-gouging prohibitions to cover the entire fuel supply chain.

The platform includes measures to compel car makers to provide repair data, software and tools to independent workshops, referencing an Australian reform that cut repair costs by about 25 %. Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Arena Williams highlighted the need for better access to repair information, while Labour leader Chris Hipkins framed the policies as a response to rising transport costs for New Zealanders.