Local Government New Zealand wants a more collaborative approach for New Zealand's transport plans

Central government's unveiled a draft programme - with 14 major projects for Waka Kotahi to consider, as it irons out its next 10-year National Land Transport Plan.

There's rapid transit for northwestern Auckland, a second Mount Victoria Tunnel for Wellington, another Ashburton bridge and highway upgrades around the country.

But LGNZ president Sam Broughton says its councils who have expertise on their local transport networks.

He says they're connected to communities and listen daily to what they need, so being involved in priorities and planning is critically important.