The Government's RUC reforms lay down a measured and staged process to bring all registered road vehicles onto the RUC scheme. Central to this transition is the shift to digital credentials. In addition, the Government is looking to private industry to bring down the administration and compliance costs associated with compliance. The private sector are also being challenged to find ways to make electronic-RUC (eRUC) based on location enabled technologies attractive and to drive their uptake by the general public.

Although the legislative changes are subtle, the potential they create is significant. Off the shelf technologies mean the sector will be able to deliver: simple, transparent compliance that removes anxiety around the transition; real-time trip information and cost visibility; and trusted data that helps drivers make smarter decisions. Consumers will be able to access services that feels like it is working for them, not just collecting from them.

The downstream public policy benefits of this infrastructure and the connections it will sustain with road users will extend far beyond mere tax collection. Network investment and design, road safety, and road pricing improvements will all be supportable. This is what we see coming. The question is whether New Zealand will see it sooner or later.