How Good are Our Roads? Analysing New Zealand’s Road Quality Score

Roads are the unsung heroes of our daily lives—connecting us to work, family, and those essential weekend getaways. But what happens when the quality of those roads falls short? Enter the Road Quality Index (RQI), a global yardstick that ranks countries based on how smooth or not-so-smooth their journeys are.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at New Zealand’s road quality score and how it compares to the rest of the world. We’ll also explore why road quality matters for safety and transport efficiency and what we can learn from the global frontrunners.

Understanding New Zealand’s Road Quality Score

What is the Road Quality Index?

The Road Quality Index (RQI) is essentially a global leaderboard for roads. Published as part of the Global Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum (WEF), it’s based on an extensive survey of over 14,000 business leaders across 144 countries. These leaders rate their country’s roads from 1 (underdeveloped and downright frustrating) to 7 (extensive and efficient by international standards). The results are aggregated to create a single score for each country, offering a clear snapshot of how their roads stack up.

New Zealand’s score? A solid 4.5, which puts us in 48th place worldwide. Not the worst, but when countries like Singapore (6.5) and Switzerland (6.3) are cruising ahead, it’s clear we’re not as far along as we should be. We’re holding steady, but there’s definitely room to climb the rankings.

Global Road Quality Rankings

How Does NZ Compare Globally?

Globally, we’re kind of middle-of-the-pack. Singapore is the gold standard at 6.5; its roads are famously flawless. Even our close rivals, Australia (4.9), have managed to edge ahead of us. Sure, we’ve got spectacular scenery, but when your drive gets interrupted by rough patches and potholes, it takes the shine off the experience.

For a country that markets itself as the ultimate road trip destination, our roads don’t always live up to the hype. It’s like having a flash car but forgetting to polish it. We can do better.

Historical Context and Trends

New Zealand’s road quality score hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s been pretty stable, which sounds okay, but does that bode well for New Zealand? With more cars on the road putting pressure on our highways, standing still could mean falling behind.

Our roads have some tough environmental challenges to face, too. Wild weather, coastal erosion, and the odd earthquake don’t exactly help. But that’s all the more reason to invest in infrastructure that can handle what Mother Nature throws at us.

At the end of the day, we’re not in a terrible spot, but there’s plenty of room to lift our game. Let’s dig into why road quality matters and how it affects more than just the smoothness of your ride.

How Road Quality Impacts Safety and Transport Efficiency

Unmaintained Roads can be Hazardous

Dodgy roads aren’t just an inconvenience – they’re downright dangerous. Uneven surfaces, potholes, and poor drainage can turn a routine drive into a risky venture. Smoother, well-maintained roads mean better grip for tyres, fewer surprises for drivers, and shorter braking distances. On the flip side, a worn-out road with faded markings or hidden hazards can easily cause a crash, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists who are more vulnerable.

It’s not just the drivers who need to worry, however. Pedestrians and roadside workers are also at greater risk when road conditions don’t meet safety standards. So, when we talk about fixing our roads, we’re talking about saving lives, plain and simple.

Poor Quality Roads Create Hidden Expenses

Bad roads slow you down and cost you money. Whether it’s the extra fuel you’re burning because of constant stop-and-start driving or the wear and tear on your car’s suspension, poor road quality is a sneaky expense we all end up paying for. Those extra costs can add up fast for businesses relying on the road, like couriers or freight companies.

Unpacking the Urban-Rural Gap

Not all roads are created equal. The road network tends to get a bit more love in cities. After all, that’s where most of us live. But head out to rural areas, and you’ll find roads that haven’t seen an upgrade in years. These roads are often narrower, less maintained, and much more dangerous.

For rural communities, it’s about access as much as convenience. Good roads mean faster response times for emergency services, easier routes to schools and hospitals, and better opportunities for local businesses. Closing the gap between urban and rural road quality isn’t just fair. It’s essential.

What Can Be Done to Improve New Zealand’s Roads?

Learning from the Best Overseas Roads

If we want world-class roads, we need to take a page out of the playbook from countries at the top of the Road Quality Index. Take Singapore, for example. Their roads are famous for being smooth, safe, and meticulously maintained. Throwing money at the problem will only get us so far. Smart planning, regular maintenance, and advanced technologies to keep roads in tip-top shape are all part of the solution.

Across the ditch, Australia’s slightly higher score (4.9) shows what’s possible with consistent investment and a focus on connecting remote areas with reliable infrastructure. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. We just need to adopt strategies that are already working elsewhere.

Investing in Innovative Technology

New Zealand’s unique geography and weather challenges mean we need roads that can handle the heat, rain, and even the odd earthquake. That’s where innovative materials and technologies come in. For example, self-healing asphalt (yes, that’s a thing!) could reduce the need for constant repairs by using heat or sunlight to close up cracks. It’s not science fiction. It’s already being tested and approved in other countries like the Netherlands!

Smart road systems, like sensors embedded in the pavement, can also help detect problems before they become serious, saving money in the long run. These systems could even provide real-time updates on traffic and weather conditions, making roads safer and more pleasant for everyone to use.

Expanding Funding and Long-term Policy: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

None of this happens without proper funding and political will. Fixing our roads isn’t just about big projects; it’s about prioritising consistent maintenance over flashy upgrades. A pothole left unchecked today becomes a much bigger (and more expensive) issue tomorrow.

To really move the needle, we need a long-term commitment to funding and policies prioritising road quality in cities and across the entire country.

Paving the Way Forward

New Zealand’s roads may not be the worst in the world, but they’re far from the best. We're stuck in the middle of the pack with a Road Quality Index score of 4.5 and a global rank of 48th. For a country that thrives on tourism, exports, and good old-fashioned road trips, our roads deserve more love and attention.

Our roads are the backbone of our everyday lives. Let’s make sure they’re not holding us back but driving us forward—safer, smoother, and stronger. Because at the end of the day, we all deserve a better road ahead.

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