We’re committed to a collaborative approach to transport planning, funding and development. It’s an approach that delivers integrated transport solutions that best meet the needs of New Zealanders. To achieve these results, we seek open and honest consultation across a range of activities with all our stakeholders, including road users, business, local government, communities and iwi.
The activities we consult on
Projects, policies and programmes
We undertake consultation for programmes, policies and projects according to specific scope, process and consultation principles set out by the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
Read the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (external link)
Land transport rules
We undertake consultation on behalf of the Minister of Transport for the making of land transport rules. The Minister of Transport has a statutory responsibility under the Land Transport Act 1998 to notify the intention to make the rule and to consult with interested groups on the proposed rule.
Read the Land Transport Act 1998 (external link)
We go beyond the minimum statutory requirements by maintaining a database of interested groups and individuals and undertaking extensive consultation on each rule. Submissions received on draft rules are summarised and analysed and the rule redrafted to take into account the submissions received. If necessary, we undertake further consultation with key groups before submitting a proposed rule to the government.
Policy – planning and management of land transport activities
We consult and communicate with relevant organisations and individuals whenever we substantively develop, enhance or review policy around the planning and management of land transport activities. These are activities that can be funded from the national land transport fund. Appendix 3 of the Planning, programming and funding manual details this consultation and communication process.
What we’re currently consulting on
- Auckland electric vehicles – Phase 2 trial Bylaw 2017
The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on a proposal to allow electric vehicles access to specified special vehicles lanes on state highways in Auckland. This work supports the Government’s package to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand to 64,000 by the end of 2021, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Important information about making a submission
Your submission will become publicly available information, so please indicate clearly if your comments are commercially sensitive or if there is some other reason they should not be disclosed. Any request for non-disclosure will be considered in terms of the Official Information Act 1982.Read the Official Information Act 1982 (external link) |
Recent consultations (now closed)
- Proposal to remove parking from SH6 in Frankton near Queenstown
In May 2017, the NZ Transport Agency consulted on a proposal to remove all parking on SH6 in Frankton between the Lower Shotover Bridge and Kawarau Falls Bridge following requests from the Queenstown Lakes Council (QLDC) and Queenstown Airport Company.They were concerned about a potential safety risk from parked vehicles on what is a busy highway. Both organizations also believe parked vehicles along SH6 on Kawarau Road between the BP roundabout and Kawarau Falls Bridge, does not create a positive impression of Queenstown for visitors.The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Queenstown Airport Company (QAC) and the NZ Transport Agency are working together to deal with these issues. Providing viable parking alternatives is seen as crucial to successfully managing this situation.Feedback closed on 9 June 2017 and the submission summary [PDF, 608 KB] is now available for viewing.
- Setting of Speed Limits Rule [2017]
The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on the (yellow) draft of Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits [2017] which determines how speed limits are set in New Zealand. The consultation closed 5pm, Friday 16 June 2017.
- Draft Traffic Control Devices Bylaw
The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on a draft bylaw that will consolidate all traffic controls that apply to State highways into a single bylaw. The consultation closed on Monday 8 May 2017.
- Auckland Electric Vehicles Trial Bylaw
The NZ Transport Agency is looking at the viability of allowing electric vehicles access to special vehicle lanes on the State highway network. This work supports the Government’s package to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Land Transport Rule: Small Passenger Services Reform 2017
Your comments are sought on proposed changes to the regulatory framework for small passenger services. These are summarised in the public consultation (yellow) drafts of the Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing (2017), Land Transport Rule: Work Time and Logbooks Amendment (2017) and Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule (2017).
- Tailoring the low volume vehicle certification process to risk
The NZ Transport Agency would appreciate your feedback on a proposed change to the Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification process, which will apply to commercial vehicle modifiers who carry out the same modifications to a number of vehicles. Submissions closed 5pm, Friday 30 September 2016.
- Low volume vehicle certification review (phase 2)
The NZ Transport Agency is proposing some changes to the existing Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification process, in order to streamline the process for lower-risk modifications. Submissions closed 5pm, Friday 30 September 2016.
- Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2016
The NZ Transport Agency is consulting, on behalf of the Minister of Transport (the Minister), on proposed changes to Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2016 ("the Rule").
Consultation on the proposed changes is being carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes.
The issues that are raised during consultation will be analysed and taken into account in preparing the proposed changes for the Minister of Transport's consideration. Submissions closed 5pm, Friday 12 August 2016.
- Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (2016)The Transport Agency has released this proposed Rule for public consultation. The proposed Rule is designed to deliver productivity improvements, greater regulatory efficiency and reduced compliance costs without compromising the road transport system and road user safety outcomes.
If you wish to comment on this draft Rule, please see the page headed ‘Making a submission’. Submissions closed at 5pm, Friday 12 August 2016.
- Land Transport Rule Dangerous Goods Amendment 2016
The proposed amendment Rule will require drivers or operators of vehicles carrying dangerous goods to comply with any sign that indicates a restriction or prohibition on the transport of dangerous goods on a specified section of road.
If you wish to comment on this draft Rule, please see the page headed ‘Making a submission’. Submissions closed 5pm, Monday 20 June 2016.
- Draft State highway public engagement guidelines
The Transport Agency has released this draft State Highway Public Engagement Guidelines for public consultation. This guide sets out the requirements for public engagement that meets the Transport Agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the requirements of statutory approval processes under the Resource Management Act.
- Engagement on the development of a SuperGold Bulk Funding Allocation Methodology
On 8 June 2015, Government agreed that from 1 July 2016 the funding model for the SuperGold scheme will change from a demand driven fare reimbursement model to a capped bulk funding model.The Transport Agency has been tasked with developing, in collaboration with regional councils, a principles-based approach to the annual allocation of bulk funding to regional councils in time for the 2016/17 financial year.The Ministry of Transport will carry out a review of the effectiveness of the bulk funding model in 2018/19.The Transport Agency is seeking feedback from regional councils and other affected stakeholders on the preferred option which is discussed in the engagement document. The engagement document also summarises the other options that were explored in the development of the preferred option.
The engagement period closed on 29 February 2016. Please send feedback to sarah.downs@nzta.govt.nz.
- Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projects
The Transport Agency has released this draft Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projects for public consultation. This guide sets out the requirements for assessment that meets the Transport Agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the requirements of statutory approval processes under the Resource Management Act.
Please send feedback to environment@nzta.govt.nz. The feedback period close don Monday 29 January 2016, after which the final document will be prepared and released.
- Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment (2016)
The Transport Agency has released this proposed amendment Rule, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, for public consultation. Consultation closed on Monday 21 December 2015.
The aim of this proposed amendment Rule is to allow road controlling authorities to issue permits for higher axle loading on all buses. A previous amendment to this rule (which came into effect on 1 October 2015) introduced permits for higher axle masses, but only for high-capacity buses (double-deckers) used on urban public transport routes.
- Specification for Traffic signals
The Signal New Zealand User Group (SNUG) and The Transport Agency has developed guidelines to assist traffic signal asset owners, design consultants and suppliers capture the maximum benefits from the newer technologies available, and to provide a best practice guideline.
- Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2015
The NZ Transport Agency is consulting, on behalf of the Minister of Transport (the Minister), on proposed changes to Land Transport Rule: Omnibus Amendment 2015 ("the Rule").
Consultation on the proposed changes is being carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes.
The issues that are raised during consultation will be analysed and taken into account in preparing the proposed changes for the Minister of Transport's consideration. Submissions closed Friday, 10 July 2015.
- State Highway 3, Awakino Gorge to Mt Messenger corridor
As part of the government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package, the New Zealand Transport Agency investigated improvements to the section of State Highway 3 between Awakino Gorge and Mt Messenger. We sought public feedback on the current route and submissions on this project have now closed (Monday 13 April 2015). We received 251 responses to the survey from a range of submitters, including council, interest groups, and members of the public, and are currently collating the feedback.
- Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2015
The NZ Transport Agency consulted, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, on proposed changes to Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. Consultation on the proposed changes was carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed rule changes. Submissions closed on Thursday 2 April 2015.
- State highway safe network activity manual
The State highway safe network activity manual provides advice and best practice guidance to network safety managers and road safety practitioners working on New Zealand roads in terms of road safety and replaces the Transit state highway safety management system manual, edition 4, March 2007. Submissions closed on Friday 27 February 2015.
- Specification and guidelines for road lighting design
The Transport Agency developed these guidelines to assist lighting asset owners, design consultants and suppliers capture the maximum benefits from newer lighting technologies, particularly LED road lighting. Submissions closed 30 September 2014.
- Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014
Comments were sought on proposed rule changes that introduce time limits for learner and restricted licence holders, more flexibility around transactions and changes to evidence of identity requirements. Submissions closed on 28 May 2014.
- Funding assistance rates (FAR) review options discussion document
The Transport Agency invited feedback on the second stage of the funding assistance rates review into how to appropriately share the costs of building, operating and maintaining the land transport network across regions and the country between local government and the National Land Transport Fund. Submissions closed 28 March 2014.
- Interim guidelines for preparing regional public transport plans
The NZ Transport Agency invited feedback from the public transport sector on the Interim guidelines for preparing regional public transport plans. These guidelines reflect recent legislative and operational policy changes. Submissions closed 4 November 2013.
