# MP Profile: Andy Foster (NZ First) **Party:** New Zealand First **Electorate:** List MP **Parliament URL:** https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/foster-andy/ _(Radware-blocked — inaccessible via automated scraping)_ **Current Roles:** - Chair, Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee - Member, NZ First Caucus **Relevance to Seniors:** 🟡 **MEDIUM** — _Chair of Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee — scrutinises public transport accessibility, SuperGold Card transport concessions, Total Mobility scheme, and transport infrastructure for older people._ --- ## Public Background Andy Foster was elected as a NZ First list MP in 2023. Before entering Parliament, he had a long career in local government — he served as a Wellington City Councillor for 16 years (including as Portfolio Leader for Transport and Infrastructure). He holds a degree in geography and has worked in transport planning and policy. His background in local government transport gives him deep knowledge of public transport, roading, and community transport issues. As Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, he presides over scrutiny of transport legislation, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), KiwiRail, and infrastructure policy. The committee examines transport accessibility for older people, including public transport concessions, Total Mobility funding, and age-friendly transport infrastructure. His NZ First affiliation aligns with the party's older voter base and its commitment to SuperGold Card concessions. --- ## Public Positions Relevant to Older New Zealanders | Policy Area | Stated Position / Activity | | ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Public Transport for Seniors** | Committee oversight of public transport — SuperGold Card off-peak concessions, service frequency, and route coverage for older users. | | **Total Mobility Scheme** | Scrutiny of Total Mobility — subsidised transport for people with disabilities (a high proportion of older users). Funding levels and eligibility criteria. | | **Transport Accessibility Standards** | Accessible transport infrastructure — low-floor buses, accessible stations, audio/visual announcements, and footpath connectivity. | | **Community Transport** | Rural and community transport services for older non-drivers — minibus services, volunteer driver programmes. | | **Older Driver Safety** | Older driver licensing, licence renewal processes, and road safety for older motorists. | | **Infrastructure for Age-Friendly Communities** | Footpath maintenance, pedestrian crossings, street seating, and public toilet facilities — all part of age-friendly urban design. | | **SuperGold Card Transport** | NZ First policy commitment to retaining and expanding SuperGold Card transport concessions. | | **Wellington Region Transport** | Former Wellington city councillor — understands urban transport needs of older residents. | | **Rail Accessibility** | KiwiRail and rail transport — accessible trains and stations for older passengers. | --- ## Voting & Bill Relevance - **Land Transport Management Amendment Bills:** Transport funding — public transport, Total Mobility, road maintenance. - **NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) Bills:** Transport agency functions — accessible transport, concession schemes. - **SuperGold Card (Transport) Legislation:** Legislative recognition of SuperGold Card transport benefits. - **Rail (Accessibility) Bills:** Rail transport accessibility for older and disabled passengers. - **Infrastructure (Funding) Bills:** Infrastructure investment for age-friendly communities. - **Civil Aviation (Accessibility) Bills:** Airport and air travel accessibility for older passengers. --- ## Business Implications - **Public Transport Operators:** Concession fare reimbursement, SuperGold Card administration. - **Total Mobility Operators:** Subsidised transport for older disabled passengers. - **Community Transport Providers:** Rural and community transport contracts. - **Transport Infrastructure Contractors:** Accessible infrastructure projects — footpaths, crossings, stations. - **Vehicle Manufacturers:** Low-floor buses, accessible vehicle design. - **Rail Operators:** KiwiRail accessibility investments. --- ## Campaign Relevance - **List MP (NZ First):** Foster's re-election depends on NZ First reaching the 5% threshold. His local government background gives him credibility on transport. - **NZ First's Seniors Base:** Transport concessions for seniors are a core NZ First policy commitment. - **Transport Accessibility:** Age-friendly transport is a growing issue as the population ages — Foster can be a voice for older passengers. - **Local Government Experience:** Practical governance experience that resonates with voters. - **2026 Election:** SuperGold Card, public transport, and rural transport will feature in NZ First's campaign. --- ## Source List - Parliament.nz — MP profile, Transport Committee page _(Radware-blocked)_ - Beehive.govt.nz — Transport announcements - Ministry of Transport — Public transport data, Total Mobility, SuperGold Card transport - Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency — Transport accessibility, road safety for older drivers - New Zealand First — Transport policy, SuperGold Card policy - Official Hansard — Transport estimates, Question Time - NZ Herald, RNZ, Wellington media — Transport and infrastructure coverage --- _Profile last updated: June 2026_