Members appointed to Auckland’s new Regional Transport Committee

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have confirmed appointments to the newly established Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC), an important step in strengthening Auckland’s transport governance.

“The ARTC will play a critical role in aligning central and local government priorities and

ensuring Auckland has a transport system that meets the needs of a growing city,” says Mr Bishop.

“For too long, Auckland’s transport system has suffered from fragmented decision-making and a lack of clear long-term direction.

“These reforms are about putting in place stronger governance, greater accountability and a clear strategic focus for Auckland’s transport future.

The ARTC is made up of three Ministerial appointees, three Auckland Council appointees and a jointly appointed Chair.

Daniel Williams will serve as Chair for a one-year term from 14 September 2026 to 13 September 2027. The three Ministerial appointees will also serve for the same term.

The three Ministerial appointees are:

• Carl Blanchard
• Bronwyn Coomer-Smit
• Stuart Shepherd

The three Auckland Council appointees are:

• Cr Andy Baker
• Cr Shane Henderson
• Mayor Wayne Brown (to be replaced by Cr Maurice Williamson*)

The appointments are the next step in implementing changes made by the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Act 2026, which came into force on 7 May 2026.

Mr Bishop says Mr Williams brings more than 30 years of experience across master-planned communities, major infrastructure and commercial developments in New Zealand and the Pacific.

“His extensive experience will be of significant value to the ARTC as it takes on its strategic role, and I am pleased to see him appointed as Chair.

“Alongside Daniel, the Ministerial appointees bring complementary expertise across infrastructure investment, transport planning, economics and spatial planning.

Mayor Brown says the appointments are an important step towards a more integrated approach to transport planning for Auckland.

“This is a significant milestone and an important step forward in finally delivering a more integrated and coordinated approach to transport planning for Auckland,” says Mayor Brown.

“The ARTC is a unique committee, established through transport reform that formed one of my cornerstone policies to fix Auckland's transport system and improve how major transport decisions are made.”

The committee reflects the importance of genuine partnership, a key principle of the Auckland Regional Deal, and will play a critical role in bringing together local and central government to align priorities and provide long-term certainty for Aucklanders.

“Daniel Williams is a suitable chair. It has been an extensive search because we wanted a strong, experienced and credible chair for this important role.

“Major projects don't go wrong overnight, they start wrong. That's why it's critical the committee gets the foundations right from day one and provides the governance and oversight needed to make good decisions early.

“Daniel brings significant real-world experience and is already well known to Auckland Council through his work as the independent Chair of the Regulatory Review Committee, where he successfully helped council and industry work together to resolve complex regulatory issues.

“His proven ability to build consensus, tackle challenges and drive outcomes will serve the ARTC and Auckland well as it begins this important work.”