The goal was to produce a highly detailed, anonymised dataset of freight movements to underpin agent-based simulations, giving the Ministry an evidence-based foundation for scenario testing and long-term infrastructure planning.
Our Approach:
- OD Matrix Development – Processed GPS freight trip data to create an SA2-level Origin–Destination matrix, showing the intensity and direction of freight movements between regions.
- Data Privacy Protections – Implemented strict anonymisation measures, ensuring that no customer home-base locations could be identified from the dataset.
- Integration with Agent-Based Model – Prepared and delivered the OD matrix in a format compatible with the Ministry’s national agent-based model, enabling immediate scenario testing.
Key Findings:
- Granular Freight Flow Insights – Provided a clear, geographically detailed picture of freight movements across New Zealand.
- Scenario-Driven Planning – Enabled the Ministry to test the effects of various future scenarios, including economic growth, infrastructure upgrades, and policy shifts.
- Strategic Investment Signals – Highlighted priority areas for infrastructure development to maximise freight efficiency and network resilience.
Impact:
- Evidence-Based Policy Development – Grounded policy discussions in real-world freight movement data, increasing confidence in planning decisions.
- Future-Ready Investment Planning – Informed long-term infrastructure priorities by identifying freight corridors most sensitive to change.
- Balanced Impact Assessment – Allowed the Ministry to weigh economic, social, and environmental factors when assessing potential policy interventions.
