Dean Kimpton has announced he is stepping down after three years as CEO of Auckland Transport (AT). Bike Auckland’s Co‑Chair, Karen Hormann, has worked alongside AT throughout his tenure, sometimes collaboratively, sometimes contentiously. From the perspective of a cycling advocate, she reflects on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past three years.
Highs, lows, and lessons
There were genuinely positive moments. Chief among them was Kimpton’s support for the Inner West project. It’s a significant and lasting contribution to safer, more joyous streets for all people. It stands as a wonderful legacy Kimpton can be proud to have backed.
Other areas were more mixed. Raised crossings, for example, are a proven safety tool, yet AT struggled to back them with confidence. Decisions caved to short‑term public pressure rather than long‑term safety outcomes.
The most difficult chapter was the handling of the Speed Rule. Many advocates hoped AT would take a principled stand on reducing harm on our roads. Instead, the organisation stepped back from its own evidence‑based position. For families who continue to lose loved ones in preventable crashes, this retreat was a profound mistake.
The missed opportunity to educate
Looking more broadly, AT has a well‑resourced communications team, yet public education about how modern transport systems work – and why cities worldwide are shifting away from single‑occupancy car dependence – has remained limited. This gap has made it harder for Aucklanders to understand the benefits of safer, more sustainable street design.
Kimpton himself often appeared uncomfortable engaging with cycling and walking advocates, and at times seemed to conflate concepts like accessibility and safety. These moments highlighted the ongoing need for leadership that is confident in contemporary transport thinking and willing to champion it publicly.
At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the wider context. Political interference has been considerable, and AT has been left trying to meet its active transport targets with severely reduced funding. These pressures would challenge any chief executive.
Haere rā, Dean. We thank you for your service in what has undoubtedly been a demanding role, and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours.
