Fuel Crisis is worsening transport poverty w/ University of Otago Associate Professor of Public Health Angela Curl: 13th July, 2026

In the latest Public Health Communication Centre briefing, researchers have warned that New Zealand's reliance on volatile fuel prices is increasing the country's transport poverty issue. The briefing outlined how households already spend an average of $252 dollars per week or 15.7% of their total expenditure on transport, and fuel price increases from recent conflict in the Middle East have added $65 a week on average to these costs. Higher transport poverty can force people to choose between essential trips, such as grocery shopping or medical appointments, leading to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. The briefing recommended several long-term, systemic solutions that focus on reducing New Zealand's reliance on private vehicles and fuels, rather than just short-term relief. To discuss transport poverty and the recommendations in the report, producer Thomas spoke to University of Otago Associate Professor Angela Curl.