Announcements

This note is to advise the sector of the direction of the NZ Transport Agency regarding the adoption and implementation of updated seismic hazard models in the design of State Highway bridges, and to provide associated recommendations for the design of non-SH bridges. Recent developments in the understanding of natural hazard risk in New Zealand, including seismic and flooding, have led to a general increase in design demands. The increased demands require sharper critical thinking to be applied in setting performance requirements for resilience and in designing efficient solutions for new structures.

This note is to advise the sector of the direction of the NZ Transport Agency regarding the adoption and implementation of updated seismic hazard models in the design of State Highway bridges. A comprehensive review of current seismic design procedures in the Bridge Manual and associated documents is underway, in collaboration with the wider sector. This review encompasses seismic risk settings and associated performance criteria. Whilst this review is in progress, and until further direction is provided through updates to relevant Standards, the following approach shall be adopted in the design of new NZTA structures.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi recently published a research report which defines and quantifies the responses to noise exposure from road traffic, railways and aircraft in selected locations throughout New Zealand.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi recently published a research report which explains how researchers developed a toolkit that authorities can use to harmonise their approaches to measuring and reporting on mode share and mode shift. The toolkit helps authorities decide which approach to collecting mode-share data will best suit their purpose. It also contains guidelines on specifying mode-share data requirements, and collecting, analysing and reporting on the data.

Temporary traffic management is changing in New Zealand; Contractors, TTM suppliers and RCAs including NZTA are moving to a risk-based approach to TTM. This is a transformational change for the sector and we’re keen to share information about the key changes underway as well as the support available to help local councils consider how they can approach their transition.

Join our webinar on 3 December 2024 from 10am to 11:30am to find out more. The webinar will be hosted by the RCA Forum with key speakers and a panel of experts to answer your questions:

• Steve Mutton, Chair of the RCA Forum
• Andrew McKillop, Programme Director, Road Efficiency Group
• Darren Wu, Chair of the TTM industry steering group
• Ryan Cooney, Programme Director Road Works Safety, NZTA

We’re excited to confirm that the next RCA Forum ‘Implementing under the new GPS’ will be held in person on 26 November 2024 at Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington. Registration opens 9:15am; Forum starts 10.00am and closes 4:00pm. Tickets are limited and only available until 12 noon on 18 November, so secure yours today.

Join us at the RCA Forum to learn more about implementing the GPS and hear from:

• The Minister of Transport, Hon Simeon Brown
• Acting GM, Strategy, Infrastructure Commission, Peter Nunns
• Manager Regulatory Technical, NZTA, Iain McAuley
• Other key transport leaders who are responding to the GPS

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi recently published a research note that explains how the National and Regional Land Transport Demand models have been recoded to be more user-friendly.

This research developed an Excel model – ‘the ZEB Cost Model’ – that allows users to evaluate the different options for replacing existing diesel buses with zero-emission buses (ZEB). The model is designed to help public transport authorities and NZTA weigh the costs and benefits of the different technologies available for bus decarbonisation, so they can make informed investment decisions.

We were thrilled with the fantastic turnout of RCA members at the RCA Forum Setting Ourselves Up For Success on 23 April. Speaker presentations and the Forum photo gallery are now available to view.

We thank everyone who has given us feedback on the Forum. If you haven’t yet given feedback, we ask that you please take no more than five minutes to do this now. Your feedback is vital because it supports our own cycle of continuous improvement!

New intelligent transport system (ITS) standard and specification documents are coming out soon for consultation, and we’ll seek feedback to help make sure the documents are fit for purpose. If your mahi involves the planning, procurement and renewals for the national transport network, then these documents are intended to support you and we’d like your feedback on them before they’re finalised.

We’re excited to confirm that the next RCA forum “Setting Ourselves Up For Success” will be held in person on 23 April 2024, at Brentwood Hotel, 16 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie. Registration opens 8:30am;  forum opens 9:00am and closes 5:00pm. Tickets are limited and only available until 12 noon on 15 April, so secure yours today.

Topline summary: There are many challenges facing the transport sector, from cost increases to weather impacts. We need to focus on delivering more for our communities through efficiently and effectively building transport links and managing our networks. Join us at the RCA Forum to learn more about the GPS 2024-27 and hear from:

• The Minister of Transport, Hon Simeon Brown
• Chief Executive, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Nicole Rosie
• Leaders who are responding to the challenges facing the sector
• Other industries we partner with, such as Kāinga Ora.

Minister of Transport Hon Simeon Brown – Setting Ourselves Up For Success

Road Controlling Authorities Forum event – Tuesday 23 April 2024, 9:00-5:00pm in Wellington

This is your chance to hear from the Minister of Transport Hon Simeon Brown on the Government’s land transport investment priorities. This forum will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you have for the Minister and other RCA related topics. A detailed agenda, including other exciting speakers, and registration to the forum to follow. Save the date and don’t miss out.

Expect to see more on Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) at sector conferences this year, as different experts and partners from across the sector tell their AMDS stories.

David Darwin – Waka Kotahi – Pavements conference – May

AMDS supports a consistent and coordinated approach to the design, delivery, maintenance and renewal of the transport system, and is a critical step for Waka Kotahi and the sector towards digital engineering.

Hear from David Darwin, Waka Kotahi AMDS Business Owner and Digital Engineering Lead, to learn about the progress of the AMDS programme, specifically how it relates to pavements, and the wider digital engineering roadmap.

Read more and register for the Waka Kotahi Pavements conference 29-31 May 2023

Andrew Field – Beca – IPWEA conference – June

Andrew Field, Project Director, Digital Transformation Lead at Beca will be discussing AMDS in June. Beca has been assisting Waka Kotahi and their delivery partners to articulate a clear vision for the adoption of digital engineering across the service lifecycle of transport assets. For Waka Kotahi, both the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) and Digital Engineering practices provide the foundations for future-focused, digitally capable asset management.

Read more and register for IPWEA NZ’s Te Whakaohooho i ngā Rangatira o Āpōpō – Inspiring our Next Generation conference 21-23 June 2023

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, with input from WorkSafe, construction and maintenance suppliers and the road safety sector, has published new best practice guidance to improve safety at work sites – a key challenge facing our transport system.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says a recently completed review of the bitumen supply chain has provided reassurances that the import market is operating well, and that this is expected to continue after majority importer Z Energy exits the market later this year.

Waka Kotahi Group General Manager of Transport Services, Brett Gliddon says the Waka Kotahi review process focused on seeking feedback from key suppliers and the wider industry on four key outcome areas – the future security of supply, quality of supply, competitive market and pricing, and fair access.

The NZUAG needs your support.

In accordance with the NZUAG Code of Practice (Section 8.2.2) all RCA’s and Utility Organisations are required to complete an annual survey.  The survey form was sent to all RCA’s in mid-2022, but as at December 2022 very few responses had been received.  This survey feedback is vital for the NZUAG to be able to analyse the data and provide insights to the Minister for Infrastructure (as required by the Code) on issues experienced by the sector and where improvements to the Code of Practice may be required.

Please ensure your organisation has provided their mandatory response by the end of January 2023.  Please contact [email protected] if you require any further information.

Registrations are open for Waka Kotahi’s upcoming AMDS November webinars.  The webinars will include an update on the development of the data standard, AMDS implementation and more information about the train the trainer workshops. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

If you would like to send questions in advance, you can email [email protected]

Register now here:

Waka Kotahi are offering two webinar slots – choose a time that suits you best.

Thursday 24 November 2022, 1pm – 2pm

OR 

Wednesday 30 November 2022, 10am – 11am

Fill in the details and you’ll be sent a link via Zoom.

Learn more about how to classify your future networks using the One Network Framework classification tool, and how this information can support the transport planning and investment cycle.

Caroline Dumas, ONF Programme Lead, Waka Kotahi says: “We’ve brought together a team that will explain the Future Network Planning Process from a strategic policy perspective through to practical application.”

“We’ve also invited industry guests who will talk about their own experience, including challenges and opportunities, and provide practical advice and guidance.”

The panel includes:

• Tony MacColl – Principal Planning Advisor, National Policy and System Planning, Waka Kotahi
• Gareth Hughes – NLTP Development Manager, Waka Kotahi
• Garry Maloney – Principal Transport Planner, Waka Kotahi
• Caroline Dumas – One Network Framework Programme Lead, Waka Kotahi
• Stuart Bowden – Principal Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Beca
• Stuart Knarston – Transport Planner, New Plymouth District Council

Are you interested in what New Zealand’s land transport system should look like in the future? What do you think might be a fair way to fund it?

Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures and Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport are working together to see what people think about the question ‘who pays for what?’ in the future land transport system.

They are currently running an interactive Pol.is conversation online – click here to join in or jump back in if you’ve had a look previously.

At this point statements to be submitted closes on Friday 4 November and voting on statements will close on Friday 11 November.

The RIMS (Roading Infrastructure Management Support) Forum Organising Committee invites you to submit an abstract for the 2023 Road Infrastructure Management Forum. The theme “Leave No One Behind” encompasses both our industry peers and the wider communities of Aotearoa, and the forum will be an opportunity to share experiences and learnings from within the sector to better support others.

Kia ora members,

The RCA Forum prides itself in bringing quality and thought provoking forums for our members.

To ensure we are able to do this, and to provide a more timely update on the NLTP 2024-2027, we will reschedule the planned 7 December RCA Forum webinar to a new date around late February/early March 2023. This will enable us to have a more informed and robust conversation on what the new GPS means for you and for our communities.

We know you won’t want to miss out on this event and we will make sure the new date is communicated to you with plenty of time to register.

For those of you who have already registered there is no need to register again.  We will be in touch to confirm the new date with you.

We look forward to you seeing you in the New Year!

The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Safe System audit guidelines provides guidance for undertaking Safe System audits for transport projects in New Zealand.

It replaces the existing road safety audit procedures for projects guideline interim release May 2013, and has been released in October.

It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout of RCA members at 6 September RCA Forum (check out our photo gallery for photos of the day).

Presentations:
Our speakers told their stories on;

• recent weather events and the lessons learned,
• how does infrastructure need to adapt and change to our needs and aspirations,
• how do we get our share of the CERF-22 pie,
• what does adaption planning actually mean for the road corridor,
• and more…

You can view speaker presentations in the forum resource list (by speaker name) or in the September agenda (under each agenda item).  If you have any further questions relating to these presentations, please email them through to [email protected] and we will look to get an answer for you.

A three-day event, IPWEA NZ’s 2022 Conference ‘Sustainability through Reform – taking Aotearoa to 2050’, will connect infrastructure, people and planet.

IPWEA will take a deep dive into the depths of sustainability, through a public asset and infrastructure management lens.

How can we move through reforms while confidently securing our sustainable future?   Public works professionals, infrastructure and asset managers, engineers and local government staff and elected members play key roles in delivering sustainable outcomes, along with our senior leaders and executive teams.

This year’s conference features over 50 fantastic presentations from local and international experts, with presentation streams on themes from Environment to Risk to Digital & Design and Technology. Presentation topics will take a deep dive into all areas of asset management in the face of reform including;

• three waters,
• built environment,
• transport and roading,
• digital twins,
• decarbonising infrastructure, and more.

Join Waka Kotahi’s webinar in September to hear an update from the One Network Framework (ONF) team on their progress to implement the ONF modal layers into Waka Kotahi internal systems and processes in time for the 2024-27 NLTP development.

A specific focus for this webinar will be sharing the recent work by the team to classify current state modal networks (public transport, freight, walking, cycling and general traffic) under ONF and a live demonstration of how to update and view these within RAMM.

Guidance on classifying the modal layers will be available soon, and to help you use the system Waka Kotahi will demonstrate the use of RAMM using practical examples and point to where you can find useful guidance.   An open Q&A panel will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and hear from industry guests.

Notice of Annual General Meeting & Call for Executive Committee Member Nominations

This is to advise you of the upcoming annual general meeting of the members of the Road Controlling Authority Forum (NZ) Incorporated.

The details of this meeting are as follows:

See full Notice of AGM – Nomination of Exec – 2022

See Nomination form

The New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group (NZUAG) Board (made up of 5 Corridor Manager Representatives, 5 Utility Operators Representatives and an Independent Chair), have a key purpose of being responsible for administering the Code of Practice for Utility Operators Access to Transport Corridors.  This code of practice is reviewed every three years to ensure it is meeting the objectives of the overarching legislation.  The code is mandatory, and allows for a nationally consistent approach for access, enables management of Utility Operators access to transport corridors, but ultimately is focused on safety, coordination, and effective working.

The review will kick off at RIMS in August 2022 and the NZUAG Board want to hear from users of the code – current and future.

Leading into the review, there are two webinars planned to provide people with information around the review, current issues, and how feedback can be provided.

The Minister of Transport is proposing regulatory changes to make it easier for local authorities, like councils, to make street changes that support walking, cycling, public transport, and placemaking. Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi want to hear your views on these proposals.

Consultation is now open on the Reshaping Streets regulatory changes. These proposals would enable local authorities to make street changes more efficiently and provide new ways for communities to be involved in changes that affect them.

Some regulations for managing roads are almost 50 years’ old and outdated. It’s important to update these to reflect our needs as a country now.

The first release of the standard is now available on the AMDS Website. This includes inventory along with maintenance faults and conditions.

Waka Kotahi will continue to receive feedback by email on the release of version 1.0 of the standard and will review and incorporate changes as part of Tranche 1 implementation, with updates to the release occurring every 4 months.

The standard continues to be developed, with future phases being released as identified below.

We’re excited to confirm the next RCA forum will be held in person on 6 September 2022 in Wellington.

The Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Emissions Reduction Plan will have major impacts on transport and infrastructure. How are you planning to respond to these changes?

Join us this September at the RCA Forum to find out what our panel of experts thinks about the Emissions Reduction Plan and how you can benefit from CERF.

This informative event will arm you with the knowledge and insights to help you plan for the future.

There are limited tickets available so secure yours today.

BUY TICKET

A new road rail working group page is now available to members to provide access to meeting minutes and information related to this re-established working group.

The purpose of the Road Rail Working Group is to identify, prioritise and seek to address a range of road-rail issues that currently impact rail and road corridor managers.

For queries related to this group, contact Bruce Conaghan, the Convenor.

Check out the road rail working group page for more information.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are undertaking engagement with the local community about current speed limits along State Highway 56, within the Manawatū-Whanganui and Horowhenua Districts.

Public engagement for the SH56 Palmerston North to Ōpiki speed review is now live until 5pm on Monday 11 July 2022.

For further information about this speed review or to use the interactive online feedback map, please visit www.nzta.govt.nz/pn2opiki

Road Controlling Authorities Forum event

Tuesday 6 September 2022, 9.00am-4.00pm in Wellington

This is your chance to hear from Hon Michael Wood on
funding challenges, greenhouse gas emissions and inter-regional public transport.

Read more...

Waka Kotahi’s Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) team have released a number of provisional and stabilised assets classes.

The output files for these asset classes are available on the AMDS website. Please send the AMDS team feedback by email

Waka Kotahi will continue to build out data classes that support the operation of their network in collaboration with the sector.

Implementation of the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) will be Road Controlling Authority (RCA) led. This approach recognises that RCAs are different and have individual operating environments. It provides RCAs with flexibility about how they manage their AMDS implementation.

AMDS implementation is phased over five years starting 1 July 2022 and completing by 30 June 2027, when it is expected that all RCAs will have adopted AMDS.

There are a number of activities RCAs and sector partners can do now to prepare for implementation.

Join our May webinars to learn about programme progress, Tranche 1 and 2 planning updates, and how you can prepare for implementation.

To support RCAs, Waka Kotahi will provide an Implementation Playbook which includes guidance, tools, and templates to use during the adoption of AMDS.

Waka Kotahi is directly contacting all RCAs to discuss the implementation of AMDS.

We are excited to confirm the next Forum will be on 21 April 2022 via Zoom from 08.30 to 12.30pm.

Do you think about how reforms will impact your Council?

Do you think about how you will respond to these changes?

Do you think about how these reforms can be brought together as a cohesive whole?

If you do, register for the April forum now.  Registrations close 18 April.

Amendment 4 to the 3^rd edition of the Waka Kotahi Bridge manual has been drafted. The majority of the changes being proposed are technical in nature, conform to appropriate best practice in New Zealand and overseas and will have a generally neutral cost implication. There are however some changes that will have an effect on the cost of building or maintaining bridges and other highway structures.

The amendment has been developed in conjunction with the industry and is offered here for comment.

Online Road Controlling Authorities Forum event

Thursday 21 April 2022, 8.30am-12.30pm

Three Waters, Local Government Reform, RMA and Impact on Roading

Further information and registration to follow.

Waka Kotahi is developing new guidance for temporary traffic management to keep people safe on Aotearoa New Zealand’s roads.

Waka Kotahi has released the draft New Zealand guide to temporary traffic management with an emphasis on a risk-based approach to prioritise the safety of all road users including people walking, on bikes, driving vehicles and the many New Zealanders who work on our roads.  It has been developed with  input from across the sector and international practices to help contribute to Road to Zero, New Zealand’s road safety strategy, where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Waka Kotahi are leading the build of Aotearoa New Zealand’s first collaboratively developed voluntary open data framework for the transport sector.

The framework is being designed so it’s relevant for the whole sector—individuals, community groups, academia, private sector, government, and more.

Consultation has closed, but you can still check it out:  https://nzta.mysocialpinpoint.com/transport-open-data-framework#/

The Land Transport Act 1998 (LTA) has been amended in  response to COVID-19 to allow notices required to be sent under the LTA, to be sent electronically by email, on a temporary basis.

For more information, go to https://www.knowledgehub.transport.govt.nz/topic-hubs/local-government-hub/.

WasteMINZ is looking at developing a guide around management and disposal of coal tar in the road corridor. The guide is intended to provide direction on identifying coal tar embedded in asphalt or sub-base materials within the road corridor, options for managing it and disposal. From the work AT has done in Auckland (and presented at the RCA Forum a couple of years ago), we know that AT rarely finds coal tar during road corridor works.  We also know that Christchurch does identify coal tar more frequently as a result of the earthquakes, and management/disposal of the material is a concern.

What we don’t know is the prevalence of coal tar in the road corridor across NZ and whether other RCA members have an issue with it – either as an asphaltic material or in sub-base layers. The working group is keen to understand the prevalence and whether the proposed guide is likely to be useful to NZ RCAs.

Join one of the end of year sessions to learn about Waka Kotahi AMDS programme updates.

Times and dates:

• Tuesday 30 November 2021, 10am – 11am
• Thursday 2 December 2021, 3pm – 4pm

Location: Zoom

Register to attend one of the sessions

This is to advise you of the upcoming annual general meeting of the members of the Road Controlling Authority Forum (NZ) Incorporated.

The meeting will be held Via Teams Meeting on Friday, 26 November 2021 at 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm.

Email the RCA Forum to advise of your attendance and to receive the agenda and calendar invite with the teams link.

Waka Kotahi M23 is a specification document for road safety hardware, including road safety barriers.

M23 is being updated and Waka Kotahi are seeking feedback by 4 November, from Traffic Engineers or people working with safety hardware installations who use the specification.

The main changes to M23 from the previous 2009 are:

Waka Kotahi has published an updated version of the Standard Safety Intervention toolkit.  This toolkit provides guidance for road safety practitioners on the effectiveness and value-for-money cost range of proven safety interventions to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Aotearoa roads.

.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has recently published research report 680 Dynamic clustering and transport appraisal.

Research snapshot
Transport projects are increasingly used to transform places, rather than just to increase or improve transport links. One example is the ‘dynamic clustering’ (increased density) of businesses, residences and people in areas affected by the project, which should be included in its appraisal.

The Te Ao Māori Transport Knowledge Hub is a forum to share information/knowledge about Te Ao Māori matters within the transport sector.

This Hub provides a platform for iwi and hapū Māori partners, government stakeholders, academics and Māori organisations to identify and prioritise the main evidence gaps relating to Māori in the transport sector, and to collectively work towards addressing these gaps through further research.

WorkSafe (with input from industry and Waka Kotahi)  has drafted good practice guidelines for road and roadside worker health and safety.  This draft is now out for industry consultation.  If you would like  to review the draft and submit feedback, please see the following link.  The consultation period closes 13 September 2021.

Road and roadside worker health and safety good practice guidelines.

RCAF members are invited to provide feedback on draft versions of two key environmental standards and tools Waka Kotahi uses to guide the implementation of their infrastructure projects.

The Screen and Standard are a requirement for any projects funded by the NLTF.

To help with the planning process for upcoming RCA forums, a short survey that asked forum members to indicate their level of interest for nine different topic areas (and 53 proposed individual topics) was sent to all forum members (identified by RCAF).

As part of the Government’s commitment to taking action on climate change, the Minister of Transport released Hīkina te Kohupara – Kia mauri ora ai te iwi – Transport Emissions: Pathways to Net Zero by 2050.

The Ministry of Transport’s document sets out potential pathways to design out emissions across our transport system and move Aotearoa towards a net zero carbon transport system by 2050.

It was wonderful to see those of you who could make it to the 4 June 2021 RCA Forum (check out our photo gallery for photos of the day).

Thank you to members who provided us with feedback. Here are a few quotes about the day:

“Great range of topics and speakers and
chance for networking/hearing others’ issues”

“Was very informative”

 “Excellent speakers”

A new Road Rail Working Group is being set up to address some of the issues facing the sector and we are looking for representatives.

The purpose of this working group is to identify, prioritise and seek to address a range of road-rail issues that currently impact local government.

Future-Fit Aotearoa:  Unlocking our Potential

It’s on 7-9 September in Auckland and registrations are now open.

More info on the conference can be found here https://www.futurefitconference.co.nz/

There is currently a vacancy on the New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group Board to represent the RCA Forum.

Expressions of interest is open to all RCA members.  Please email [email protected] for consideration.

Waka Kotahi are reviewing speed limits on 11 corridors in Northland and North-Auckland, and from 3 May through until 14 June they are actively seeking people’s feedback on ways they can improve safety on these roads.

Online drop-in sessions will be taking place on Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 May, 2021 to answer all questions – Register today to attend one of these sessions.

We are delighted to confirm the next Forum will be on 4 June at Rydges Airport hotel in Wellington. Register for the June Forum now.

The theme for the Forum is GPS2021 – Working together to meet our future funding challenges.

We are pleased to announce Steve Mutton is the new Chair of the RCAF.

The survey is now closed.  The Executive Committee will meet on the 21st of May to discuss the results of the survey and future work programme.

The RCA Forum Executive is keen to hear from you. COVID-19 has put a halt to the networking programme during 2020 and the plan is to gear up to deliver a rich and interesting programme over the next three years. If you haven’t already, please engage in a short survey that will help us develop the programme to meet your needs. You can access the survey here if you haven’t already received it.

Our website is now refreshed and designed to provide easy access to the resources you need to make better decisions in your roles.