ONTRACK is guided by two high level government strategies, the New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) and the National Rail Strategy to 2015 (NRS). Both strategies focus on the same strategic areas.
Assisting economic developmentThe national strategy aims to enhance rail’s contribution to sustainable economic development. Initiatives to support this goal include:
- upgrading the national rail network
- improving rail’s contribution to regional development
- encouraging more freight to be carried by rail
- optimising use of the rail network within the wider transport network.
Assisting safety and personal securityThe national strategy aims to improve rail safety and personal security. To support this goal we undertake continual improvements to enhance safety and security levels around the rail system.
Improving access and mobilityThe national strategy aims to maintain and develop access to rail passenger services. We support this goal by encouraging more use of urban rail passenger services.
Protecting and promoting public healthThe national strategy aims to promote positive health outcomes through better use of rail. We support this goal by ensuring the public health impacts of rail transport are incorporated into transport planning and decision making.
Ensuring environmental sustainabilityThe national strategy aims to enhance rail’s contribution to an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable land transport system. We support this goal by promoting the idea that transport choices should take into account the environmental benefits that rail can provide.