New Zealand Government releases transport policy direction statement

On 31 August 2011 the New Zealand Minister of Transport, Hon. Steven Joyce, released a new 44-page transport policy direction statement, Connecting New Zealand.

In contrast to the previous coalition government's 2008 New Zealand Transport Strategy (see previous post), Connecting New Zealand includes three pages specifically focussed on civil aviation.

Road safety continues to be a major priority. Also featured are the Roads of National Significance, a programme of investment in the road network around New Zealand's three main centres, and major investment in rail.

European Commission publishes its vision for Europe's transport future

On 28 March 2011 the European Commission published a white paper Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area - Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system.

The start of the Iditarod dog race in Alaska - Standard Poodles banned!

The 2009 Iditarod dog race is just starting in Alaska with Reuters reporting competitor numbers down because of the recession. The Anchorage Daily News provides comprehensive coverage.

The race commemorates the transport of urgent medical supplies to Nome in 1925 following an outbreak of diphtheria in the days before bush flying. A web site, Balto's True Story, has more details.

One interesting fact about the race is that in 1989, 1990 and 1991 a competitor, John Suter, raced a team of Standard Poodles and achieved credible results. The breed was subsequently banned perhaps more for image reasons than anything else? Blatant discrimination?!? Okay, I have to concede that their fur coats are probably not as well suited as the "northern" breeds and dogs have died out in the cold on this very testing race.

New Zealand Commerce Commission taking action on international air cargo

On 15 December 2008 the New Zealand Commerce Commission issued a media release on legal action it is taking against 13 airlines:

• Air New Zealand Limited
• British Airways plc
• Cargolux International Airlines S.A
• Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
• Emirates
• PT Garuda Indonesia
• Japan Airlines International Co Limited
• Korean Airlines Co Limited
• Malaysian Airline System Berhad Limited
• Qantas Airways Limited
• Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited
• Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
• United Airlines Incorporated

relating to pricing practices and international air cargo.

This follows similar action by competition authorities in other jurisdictions.

Air New Zealand almost immediately issued a media release in response to the announcement.