A Land Transport director will be established, to keep Kiwis safe on the roads

It's one recommendation in a review outlining massive failures at NZTA over the past nine years.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford says the statutory role will be similar to those within Maritime NZ and the Civil Aviation Authority.

He says the director will ensure safety regulation is paramount, and cannot be compromised by pressures like short-staffing or the need to invest in new infrastructure.