We’re making the way we plan and deliver state highway infrastructure projects more efficient and effective.
Taking a decision-led approach to develop state highway infrastructure projects is one of the ways we’re improving how we set up our projects to support faster, cost-effective outcomes. Decision-led helps drive clear management of project scope, budget and risk.
We’re currently using the approach to support the successful delivery of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and the Northwest Busway project.
As of July 2025 this approach is being applied across NZTA state highway infrastructure projects.
Guidance document (first edition draft) is now available.
After prototyping the approach on several investment cases over the last year, we’ve prepared the first edition draft of the Decision-led guidance document which focusses on the investment case phase within the state highways infrastructure project lifecycle.
First edition draft of the Decision-led guidance document [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Only those working on State Highway Infrastructure projects are required to use the approach for now.
We’ll have resources and support available to help our suppliers adopt this approach when working with us on our projects.
It’s not mandatory for local government to use the decision-led approach, however as the approach is a flexible, principles-based method, we encourage local government to use this methodology. If local government have any questions or require support, they should contact their local government partnerships representative.
We’ll be holding information and training sessions with the consultancy sector over the next few months across the country. We’ll also be working with those who’ve already used the approach for investment cases to further refine the guidance and expect to publish an updated version in early 2026.
You’ll find more information about the approach in this presentation pack used at the ACE NZ information webinar on 8 October 2025.
ACE NZ information webinar presentation pack [PDF, 2.1 MB]
Work on how decision-led practices will be carried through to support the pre-implementation phase is underway. Existing business case guidance and resources will be updated to include/align to the decision led approach.
To support the priorities set out in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) 2024 – 27, NZTA was tasked to review and improve the current business case process to make it more efficient.
The National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) 2024-27 will also deliver record investment across the land transport network over the next 3 years. This will require accelerated delivery and continuous improvement to investment planning for our projects.
The decision-led approach ensures project teams do the right work at the right time to enable the right decisions. It emphasises tailored analysis and evidence to support decisions through each phase, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all process. This approach accelerates investment case development and project delivery while maintaining a focus on value for money and affordability. It aligns with the five-case model and NZ Treasury’s Better Business Cases methodology.
Key elements include:
The decision-led approach is guided by the following principles:
The investment principles and policies continue to apply. They provide the rules for National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) investment, ensuring clarity and consistency in developing investment proposals. These principles align with legislative requirements under the Land Transport Management Act 2003, environmental planning, property considerations, and NZTA delegations for transport planning, funding, investment, and reporting.
CloseFor feedback or questions about the draft guidance email decisionledpdinfo@nzta.govt.nz.
For local government partners wanting to know more about the decision-led approach and how they might use it, contact your local government partnership team.
