Resources

This guide is designed around the activities in the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency infrastructure project lifecycle. It should be used by all project managers and associated people involved with project management, working on infrastructure improvement activities carried out by Waka Kotahi.

This guide focuses on the specific requirements for infrastructure projects and assumes an understanding of general project management and project management processes.

Navigating the refreshed guide

The guide has been updated and can be relied upon to provide accurate information that incorporates current guidelines, frameworks and standards, and aligns with the NZTA project control framework. It also identifies when to engage with the Digital Transport team for assistance with all transport software and technology.

There are several ways to navigate the guide:

• from the contents page
• use the ribbon along the top of each page to navigate to different sections / lifecycle stages
• click through the phases in the project lifecycle phases (circles). 

The Quick Guide also provides further information and a brief overview to help you get started with using SM011.

Project management guide (SM011) - Quick Guide [PDF, 239 KB]  

We acknowledge that some elements will require a transitional period, particularly where expectations are built into contractual arrangements. 

Project management guide (SM011) [PDF, 2.1 MB]  

Notes:

• This version is reflective of current practice and processes. Further updates will be made and published online as part of our regular update cycle.
• We suggest bookmarking this page so you’re always using the latest and most up-to-date version of the guide.
• The overall length of this guide has been reduced by embedding links to further information or resources. Many of these links are available externally, but if you have issues accessing information, please get in touch with your usual Waka Kotahi contact person. Alternatively, you can email:  SM011@nzta.govt.nz
• Recent update (Sept 2025): As referenced on Page 41 of Project management guide (SM011) [PDF, 2.1 MB], the compulsory L1 and L2 milestones for project reporting have been updated. The milestones have been updated to reflect the move to the Decision Led Approach, update general language and introduce some new milestones to ensure a better spread across the project lifecycle. The updates were developed by a small team across Infrastructure Delivery, Commercial Delivery, and the Portfolio and Programme Office. Milestones will be immediately updated for RoNS and RoRS projects, with all other projects requiring updates at the next phase change.

Further information

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact SM011@nzta.govt.nz with 'SM011' in the subject line.