Better consultation with Waka Kotahi NZTA benefits industry
THE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH DICTIONARY DEFINES “consultation” as “the act of exchanging information and opinions about something in order to reach a better understanding of it or to make a decision, or a meeting for this purpose.”
There appear to be two big exceptions: One is where businesses restructure and have a “consultation” process, which often translates to them telling you what they have already decided. The other is Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, where discussion has sometimes been sadly lacking.
Several recent examples have concerned the Road Transport Association.
The first is a proposed weigh right station for Rakaia in MidCanterbury. The station is proposed to be constructed in a very short stretch of State Highway 1 between two bridges.
RTANZ chief operating officer Simon Carson warns that the site is an extremely dangerous place for trucks to stop: “After seeing the NZTA independent site audits, these clearly state that the proposed Rakaia Weigh Right site is deemed to be high risk, with the occurrence of a serious or fatal accident occurring now being considered ‘likely’ on this short stretch of road if the build goes as planned.”
Carson says RTANZ supports weigh right stations, but not this site. He says NZTA at first refused to consult and listen to the association’s concerns.
Carson, Dave Boyce (of the NZ Trucking Association), and David Aitken, of NRC then met in May (via Zoom) with NZTA managers
Brett Aldridge and Dylan Hunt.
Says Carson: “The discussion was beneficial, and NZTA listened to the real risk identified by the three associations, working as one voice.
“Still, we cannot overlook that there has not been a consultation period opened for industry, and very little communication between NZTA and the associations on the Rakaia build, which NZTA claims to be ‘shovel ready.’ ”
Another example is a roundabout proposed for the junction of
SH6 and SH63 in Blenheim: “If this roundabout proceeds using the current plan it won’t be usable by industry,” says Carson.
“Many Marlborough operators have now questioned the necessity of the proposed roundabout on what is a perfectly good part of the network. RTANZ was presented with the plan of works on a Tuesday and was given two days to respond.
“Much like Rakaia, these plans appeared to have been finalised once they reached us. It’s another NZTA shovel-ready project where communication could have been much better.”
A third example was the announcement by NZTA that it would update its winter highway management plan around the South Island, and there would be a “no chains” policy for SH73 Porter’s Pass and Arthur’s Pass this winter.
A petition with 20,000 signatures, supported by a public meeting held at Castle Hill on SH73, spelt out people’s opposition and demanded that Waka Kotahi NZTA reconsider the decision.
After intense discussion, the agency reversed its decision, from the “no chains” policy to “chains essential” policy, and will continue to manage SH73 as it has in the past.
RTANZ area executive John Bond says he is pleased with the outcome, but concerned at how the process was managed: “Unfortunately, we are now realising that Waka Kotahi NZTA has been changing the rules to suit itself without consultation.”
In the North Island, speed reductions and reviews for state highways around around Rotorua and Paengaroa, as well as a tolling proposal for the Puhoi to Warkworth Highway, are prompting similar concerns.
Carson says he understands that the government wants to get on with “shovel-ready” projects – but it needs to get them right to begin with, and that means consulting with those who will be affected.
“Relationships are key, and these need to be built with the authorities if we are to see any improvement in communication and practical results with a suitable fit for industry.” T&D