Lately, Hamilton has taken great strides to shake off its unwanted crown as the most car dependent city in New Zealand. Hamiltonians have a genuine interest in walking and biking, plus more people are regularly using public transport. But why aren’t we seeing a greater portion of people driving less? This session will explore some of the reasons and look at the journey Hamilton has been on over the last few years as we seek to become a city where transport choices are available to all. With continued high population growth predicted over the next 30 years+, Hamilton needs to place itself to serve the transport needs of a future city of 250,000+ and act before congestion and emissions from transport become crippling to everyday travel, health, and the economy. Matt and I will touch on HCC’s strategy around transport, focus in on the opportunities to encourage more biking, walking, and use of public transport, look at some of the infrastructure recently built through various transport programmes including the ground-breaking Transport Choices Programme. Also, we’ll talk about engagement with key stakeholders and communities, how we work with consultants, manage feedback from businesses and residents. Transport is an emotive subject, there are plenty of learnings from our experiences.
Martin Parkes
Martin is public transport and urban mobility specialist. He has spent 38 years working in transportation with various local authorities both in New Zealand and the UK. He spent several years as Head of Transport for Tauranga City Council but now works as the Urban Mobility Manager at Hamilton City Council. He heads up a team delivering infrastructure and educational programmes which support and encourage more people to walk, bike, scooter, and use public transport. Also, he leads Council’s Parking Enforcement team. Outside of work Martin is a keen cyclist, walker of Brian the dog, and an armchair sports enthusiast.
Matt Leach
Matt is the Customer Experience Team Lead for Infrastructure and Assets Group at Hamilton City Council. My team perform customer and stakeholder roles that support infrastructure activities and projects. Previously the Transport Relationship and Engagement Lead for Hamilton City Council, primarily providing support in the pre-implementation phase of projects. Former chairperson for Bike Waikato, the main advocacy group for biking within Hamilton. Transport nerd. My main mode of transport is a bike, but I walk, scooter and bus too. Don’t own a car, or have a driver’s licence anymore!