Truck Parking: Taking Our Case to Parliament

Most of you know truck parking is Wiri’s most persistent operational problem. What you may not know is how far WBA has taken the fight – and where things stand right now.

Since Global Security commenced patrols in July 2025, the data has been unambiguous. At its peak in November 2025, illegal and inappropriate heavy vehicle parking accounted for more than half of all recorded incidents in the precinct. By February this year that figure had reduced by 37.5% from the peak – but nearly 900 truck-related incidents in a single month is not a problem going away on its own.

18 months of engagement

WBA’s advocacy on this issue did not start with a letter. In November 2024, General Manager Gary Holmes and WBA’s Chair met with Auckland Transport representatives and the National Road Carriers Association during the consultation phase for AT’s Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw, putting them on notice about conditions in Wiri. In May 2025, AT’s Compliance Manager and Parking Designer attended a dedicated meeting at WBA’s offices, where business owners gave firsthand testimony about unlit trucks creating crash hazards overnight and operators dumping oil and coolant directly into the stormwater system.

From 1 July 2025, when the Bylaw came into force, WBA began supplying AT with empirical data. Over the following nine months, nearly 7,000 heavy truck incidents were logged and reported – with dates, times, locations, registration numbers and photographic evidence.

Parliament steps in

Late last year, the Parliamentary Regulations Review Committee formally accepted WBA’s complaint regarding AT’s failure to enforce the Bylaw, requiring the Minister of Transport to provide a formal response. On 25 March, Gary presented in person to the Committee in Wellington, with Auckland Transport appearing immediately after.

The core argument was straightforward: the Bylaw gives AT explicit powers to prohibit heavy vehicle parking where it creates danger or nuisance and to prevent the dumping of industrial fluids on public roads. AT has not passed the resolutions required to enforce those powers in Wiri.

AT made submissions to the Committee arguing they already have the tools to address the issues raised and that enforcement is a matter of discretion. WBA does not accept that characterisation. Nearly 7,000 reported incidents and 18 months of direct engagement is not a discretionary matter –  it is a failure to use powers Parliament has already granted.

Following the hearing, Gary submitted a formal evidence timeline to the Committee detailing every issue raised with AT and when. The process is ongoing.

What comes next

The Transport Governance Amendment Bill has now passed, transferring roads and parking enforcement from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council. That changes the landscape, and WBA is updating its advocacy strategy accordingly. The destination is the same; the address has changed.

If you have experienced truck parking issues affecting your business and haven’t reported them to us, please do. Every data point strengthens the case. Please email in**@*********rg.nz with any relevant details, times and photos.