Notice of Meeting - Waikato · This item provides the Committee with a report on ... Committee on the preferred option for next ... The Committee was reassured that this was not a

Notice of Meeting: I hereby give notice that an ordinary Meeting of the Regional Transport Committee will be held on: Date: 4 September 2017 Time: 9:30am Meeting Room: Council Chamber Venue: Waikato Regional Council, 401 Grey Street, Hamilton East

VRJ Payne Chief Executive Officer

Regional Transport Committee Agenda

Chairman Cr H Vercoe Deputy Chairman Cr R Rimmington Members Alternates Waikato Regional Council Cr H Vercoe Cr R Rimmington Hamilton City Council Cr D Macpherson Mayor A King / Cr L Tooman Hauraki District Council Cr T Adams Mayor J Tregidga Matamata Piako District Council Mayor J Barnes Cr J Thomas Otorohanga District Council Mayor M Baxter Cr P McConnell South Waikato District Council Cr B Machen Mayor J Shattock Taupō District Council Mayor D Trewavas Cr A Park Thames Coromandel District Council Cr S Christie Cr R Simpson / Mayor S Goudie Waikato District Council Cr D Fulton Mayor A Sanson / Cr E Patterson Waipa District Council Cr G Webber Waitomo District Council Mayor B Hanna Cr P Brodie New Zealand Transport Agency P McLean D Crequer Waikato Region Road Policing Manager

Inspector M Lynam (Non-voting advisor)

Quorum Two (2) members, including one (1) from Waikato Regional

Council.

Alex Williams Democracy Advisor

Telephone: 0800 800 401 [email protected] Website: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz

1

OBJECTIVE: To undertake the functions as prescribed in the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA), and to provide a regional forum for the consideration of regionally significant transport matters. To monitor the implementation of the Regional Public Transport Plan outside of Hamilton City. SCOPE OF ACTIVITY: 1. To undertake the statutory requirements of the Land Transport Management Act 2003. 2. To prepare the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and any variation to the Plan for the

approval of Waikato Regional Council 3. To prepare and adopt a policy that determines significance in respect of

(a) Variation made to the RLTP; (b) Activities included in the RLTP

4. To review the RLTP during the six-month period before the expiry of the third year of the RLTP 5. To provide the Waikato Regional Council with any advice and assistance in relation to its

transport responsibilities including promoting the strategic integration of land use and strategic planning.

6. To monitor the implementation of the RLTP. 7. To advocate regional land transport strategic priorities (e.g. road safety), including the

development of plans, strategies, and policies as required. 8. To submit on policies, plans, and consultation documents issued by the New Zealand Transport

Agency, the Ministry of Transport, regional and territorial local authorities, and other relevant organisations.

9. To engage and collaborate with other regional transport committees on strategic regional and

inter-regional transport matters through working parties and similar (such as; SH3 working group and SH1/29 ECMT working group) as appropriate.

10. To consider as required advice and recommendations from the Waikato Regional Advisory

Group (RAG). 11. To authorise external advisors to comment at committee meetings where considered

appropriate. POWER TO ACT: 1. To authorise variations to the RLTP in accordance with the approved RTC significance policy. 2. To advocate on transport related matters by preparing and lodging submissions to government

agencies and other relevant organisations. 3. To prepare plans, strategies and policy consistent with identified strategic land transport

priorities.

2

4. To monitor transport activities of the Waikato Regional Council, Territorial Authorities, NZ Transport Agency and other appropriate organisations to report on progress of the RLTP.

5. To monitor the implementation of the Regional Public Transport Plan, excluding Hamilton City

where implementation is delegated to the Hamilton Public Transport Joint Committee (HPTJC). 6. To prepare and approve the Regional Road Safety strategy. POWER TO RECOMMEND: 1. To prepare and recommend the Regional Land Transport Plan. 2. To recommend variations to the RLTP that triggers the RTC significance policy. 3. To recommend new policy or policy amendments in relation to rural public transport.

3

Item Table of Contents Page

1 Apologies

At the time of Agenda preparation, apologies had been received from NZTA Representative: Parekawhia McLean

2 Confirmation of Agenda

3 Disclosures of Interest

4 Confirmation of Minutes Minutes of the previous Regional Transport Committee meeting of 3 July 2017 for confirmation.

6-12

SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL)

5 2018 Regional Land Transport Plan Review File: 03 04 11 Doc #10897473 This item provides the Committee with a report on the current view of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan and requests endorsement of a proposed significance policy and process to determine prioritisation of activities in the programme supporting the plan.

13-21

6 Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 variations – light Emitting Diode street lighting conversions. File: 03 04 11 Doc #10899546, 10764619, 10933165 This item provides the Committee with variations to the operative Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2045 to consider and approve.

22-30

7 Road Safety Monitor Report – September 2017 File: 03 04 11 Doc #10897096, 9864853 This item updates the Committee on road safety issues and trends and keeps the Committee informed on regional progress towards the actions outlines in national and regional road safety strategies.

31-36

8 Transport Choices Report File: 03 04 11 Doc #10897476, 10891927 This item provides the Committee with an update on the Regional Transport Choices work programme and plans.

37-41

9 Transport Planning and Projects Report – September 2017 File: 03 04 11 Doc #10898256 This item provides the Committee with an update on the current regional transport plans and projects as at 18 August 2017.

42-46

4

10 Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Update File: 03 04 11 Doc #10897788, 10909907, 10989418, 10995267 This item reports on the recommendations received from the North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case partner organisations in respect to the three options proposed in the Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail assessment report, and seeks a decision from the Committee on the preferred option for next steps.

47-56

11 Update on Regional Public Transport Projects File: 03 04 11 Doc #10889532 This item updates the Committee on the review of the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan and other key public transport planning projects.

57-61

12 Regional Transport Issues Forum File: 03 04 11 Doc #10899264 This item provides the Committee with an opportunity to raise and discuss regional transport issues in an open forum.

62-65

Doc # 10988009

5

Regional Transport Committee

OPEN MINUTES Minutes of a meeting of the Regional Transport Committee held at Waikato Regional Council on 3 July 2017 at 9:34am Present: Waikato Regional Council Cr H Vercoe Cr R Rimmington Hamilton City Council Cr D Macpherson Hauraki District Council Cr T Adams Matamata Piako District Council Mayor J Barnes Otorohanga District Council South Waikato District Council Taupō District Council Cr A Park Thames Coromandel District Council Cr S Christie Waikato District Council Cr D Fulton Waipa District Council Cr G Webber Waitomo District Council Mayor B Hanna New Zealand Transport Agency D Crequer Waikato Region Road Policing Manager Inspector M Lynam

(Non-voting advisor) Staff

Waikato Regional Council Mike Garrett (Chief Financial Officer) Tracey May (Director for Science and Strategy) Nigel King (Senior Policy Advisor – Transport and Infrastructure) James Bevan (Contractor – Transport and Infrastructure) Rachel Cook ( Senior Policy Advisor – Transport and Infrastructure) Lisette Balsom (Policy Advisor – Transport and Infrastructure) Vincent Kuo (Senior Policy Advisor – Transport and Infrastructure) Greg Morton (Senior Advisor – Integration and Infrastructure)

6

Minutes of Regional Transport Committee Meeting 3 July 2017

2

Apologies Apologies were received from Councillor Bill Machen of South Waikato District Council and Mayor Max Baxter of Otorohanga District Council for non-attendance.

Accepted

SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL) SECTION B: (FOR RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL)

Confirmation of Agenda

(Agenda Item 2) Cr R Rimmington moved/Cr A Park seconded.

RTC17/43 THAT the agenda of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee of 3 July 2017, as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.

The motion was put and carried (RTC17/43) Disclosures of Interest (Agenda Item 3) There were no disclosures of interest. Minutes of Previous Meeting File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #4) Doc #10359084 Cr R Rimmington moved/Cr A Park seconded.

RTC17/44 THAT the Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee meeting of 1 May 2017 be received and approved as a true and correct record.

The motion was put and carried (RTC17/44) SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL)

New Zealand Transport Agency Quarterly Report File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item 5) Doc #10583393 Presented by New Zealand Transport Agency Representative (Dennis Crequer) this report provided the Committee with a Quarterly Report prepared by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). During questions, answers and related discussion the following points were noted:

The NZTA had been restructured. Details of the restructure would go to stakeholders. The Committee was reassured that this was not a downsizing and until advised otherwise, stakeholders could continue to communicate through their usual avenues.

The Land Transport Rule for Speed Management was under review. The Committee queried if this would make the ability to change area speeds – particularly in growing urban areas – quicker than before. The Committee was advised that the rule was just out of the public consultation phase and while the intention was for the ability to change speeds to be a quicker process, this had not yet been tested.

7


3

A member raised concern that the construction of the Cobham Drive/Cambridge Road underpass that had been signed off, didn’t appear to include a link to the Hamilton Gardens as was outlined in the initial design that Hamilton City Council had approved. NZTA representative advised this may have been an interim step and he would follow up and advise.

The Committee raised concerns about major works being completed during times of the year when the weather was unfavourable often meaning that machines were left idol for extended periods. NZTA representative advised that while NZTA might lead the contracts for works, they didn’t have control over the details of times and dates the machines were operating.

A member raised concern about the wire rope that had been installed between Waharoa and Matamata and if this was the best use of safety funding. The Committee was advised that while the wire rope did not stop panel crashes, it stopped deaths and major injuries. Often they were installed to stop cars running into ditches or poles where outcome of that would be worse than running into a wire rope.

The Committee raised concerns about the state highway 39 road between Hamilton and Te Awamutu not being wide enough for passing resulting in unsafe manoeuvres by drivers trying to pass trucks. NZTA representative advised that originally this road was meant to be temporary. There was a safety project coming up for the road that would assess its long term roll and function if it had one.

The Committee queried NZTAs involvement with the Southern Links project, noting that it was a priority for the Regional Transport Committee and should be for NZTA also. NZTA representative advised that NZTA was considering this but wouldn’t be able to make a decision on it until the Housing Infrastructure funding had been decided. The Committee was advised to expect information in this regarding in September.

Mayor B Hanna moved/Cr R Rimmington seconded.

RTC17/45 THAT the report “New Zealand Transport Agency Quarterly report” (Doc# 10583393 dated 14 June 2017) be received for information.

The motion was put and carried (RTC17/45)

Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 Variations – various activities File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #6) Doc #10597758 Presented by Contractor for Transport and Infrastructure (James Bevan) and Senior Policy Advisor for Transport and Infrastructure (Nigel King) the report requested the Committees consideration, and approval of the variations to the operative Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2045. During questions, answers and related discussion the following points were noted:

A request was made to include the road widening alternations to State Highway 39 (as discussed above) in this plan. The Committee was advised this was being considered in the 2018-2021 Regional Land Transport Plan.

Mayor B Hanna moved/Cr S Christie seconded.

RTC17/46 THAT the report “Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 Variations – various activities” (Doc# 10597758 dated 14 June 2017) be received for information. THAT the Regional Transport Committee approve a request to vary the operative Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2045 to include the following activities within the plan:

8


4

Waikato Expressway Long Term Benefit Realisation Detailed Business Case (DBC) (previously SH1 Bombay to Longswamp).

SH1 Cambridge to Piarere Efficiency Improvements Pre-Implementation. SH1 Waikato Expressway – Ngaruawahia Section Barrier Infill DBC Central Plateau High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) Upgrade DBC (SH46,

SH47, SH4, SH49) Waikato Transport operating centre (WaiTOC) Stage 1 Pre-implementation SH1 Greenwood St/Kahikatea Drive safety Improvements DBC DBC for SH30 as an HPMV route SH30 Kopaki Rail Overbridge Replacement Pre-Implementation SH30 Mokau River Bridge Pre-Implementation


SECTION B: (FOR RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL)

Adoption of the Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 and Road Safety Monitoring Report File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #7) Doc #10592254, 10665828, 10622308 and 9864853 Presented by Senior Policy Advisor – Transport Relationships (Rachel Cook) the report provided the Committee with final Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 for approval. The report also provided the Committee with updates on national and regional road safety statistics. During questions, answers and related discussion the following points were noted:

The Committee requested that round about design on state highways and arterial roads be considered in regards to safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Discussion commenced in regards to compulsory driver training as part of the licensing programme. Concern was noted that this might become an issue with the additional cost for young people however this was balanced against young drivers with no training. The Committee was advised that testing is evolving and with the implications of penalties such as fines and demerits there shouldn’t be a need for compulsory driver training.

Cr D MacPherson moved/Cr S Christie seconded.

RTC17/47 1. THAT the report ‘Adoption of the Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 and Road Safety Monitor Report’ (doc #10592254 dated 14 June 2017 be received for information.

2. THAT the Regional Transport Committee receive and support the Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 (Attachment 2, Doc # 10665828) and forward it to the Waikato Regional Council for adoption.


As part of item 7 – Inspector Marcus Lynam gave a verbal update from New Zealand Police.

Field days, Queens Birthday and the Lions Tour had been a busy time for New Zealand police on the road.

Police were currently targeting roundabout infringements and cars with one headlight. The intention of Police was to stop and educate drivers about their risk

9


5

causing behaviour. Further there were operations underway aimed at boy racers and ski traffic coming from state highway 29.

Trust and confidence of the community was a focus for police currently. Police wanted public to understand that the role of police was to ensure safety, not revenue gathering and as such police were targeting drivers who exhibited crash causing behaviours.

Waikato District Police’s Facebook page now had 50,000 followers. This was operated by one full time person.

During discussion the following points were noted:

A member queried about use of mobile phones while driving and why this wasn’t a key focus. New Zealand Police representative advised that while there were strategies under distraction issues, use of mobiles while driving was hard to prove.

The Committee suggested that the roundabout at Wairere Drive/Gordonton Road was high risk and should be replaced with traffic lights. The Committee was advised that this was a request for the road safety engineer’s consideration.

SECTION A: (UNDER DELEGATION FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL)

Transport Choices Report File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #8) Doc # 10591702 and 10622313 Presented by Policy Advisor for Science and Infrastructure (Lisette Balsom) and Senior Policy Advisor for Transport Relationships the report provided the Committee with an update on the Regional Transport Choices work programmes and plans. Discussion commenced regarding Cycle Trails in Hamilton. The following points were noted:

Cycle ways needed to be upgraded and made safe for International Tourists. The Committee was advised that a programme was underway to fix cycle ways and eventually roll out cycle ways around roundabouts and rail trails.

There was a perception that it was not safe for children to be biking to school. Safe cycle ways for schools needed to be considered. A member noted that at Rototuna High School – as there was a lack of vehicle access to the school – 60% of students were cycling to school.

In considering the colour of paint used for cycle ways, the Committee noted that in New Zealand generally they were green however national consistency needed to be achieved.

The Committee discussed the potential for shared pedestrian and cycle paths. The Committee was advised that this would require road widening and signage. There was concern that conflict could arise where pedestrians and mobility impaired felt unsafe.

Cr G Webber moved/Cr R Rimmington seconded.

RTC17/48 1. THAT the report ‘Transport Choices report’ (doc# 10591702 dated 14 June 2017) be received for information.

2. THAT the document ‘Cycling in Waikato Region – Programme Business Case’ (Doc #10622313) be received and endorsed by the Regional Transport Committee as the blueprint for working with stakeholders on regional cycling into the future.


10


6

Update on Regional Public Transport Projects File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #9) Doc # 10591792 Presented by Senior Policy Advisor for Transport and Infrastructure (Vincent Kuo) and Policy Advisor for Transport and Infrastructure (Lisette Balsom) this report updated the Committee on the review of the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan and other key public transport planning projects. During questions, answers and related discussion the following points were noted:

Concern was raised about a ‘school assist’ bus that was transporting children from Morrisville to Hamilton schools. Previously there had been one bus but there had been issues with mixing students and workers and there was a demand for a dedicated school service. There was concern in the Morrinsville community that ratepayers were paying to transport children to schools in Hamilton. It was suggested that consideration be given to why these students are not attending schools in Morrinsville.

A member suggested that passenger rail services between Hamilton and Auckland needed to be a greater priority for the Waikato Region with urban growth potentially seeing Hamilton as the 2nd largest city within the next 15 years. The Committee was advised there would be a report coming to this Committee regarding the Auckland to Hamilton passenger rail service at the next meeting.

Cr S Christie moved/Cr T Adams seconded.

RTC17/49 THAT the report “Update on Regional Public Transport Projects” (Doc # 10591792 dated 14 June 2017) be received for information.


Transport Planning and Projects – July 2017 File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #10) Doc #10592992, 10620229, 10572308 Presented by Senior Advisor – Integration and Infrastructure (Greg Morton) the report updated the committee on current regional transport plans and projects as at 16 June 2017. There was no further discussion on this item. Cr A Park moved/Cr T Adams seconded.

RTC17/50 THAT the report ‘Transport Planning and Projects’ (Doc #10592992 dated 16 June 2017) be received THAT the Regional Transport Committee approve the submission on New Zealand Transport Agency’s Draft Long Term Strategic View (Doc #10620229) THAT the Regional Transport Committee approve the submission on the draft rule on Speed Limit Setting for 2017 (Doc # 10572308)


Regional Transport Issues Forum File: 03 04 11 (Agenda Item #11) Doc #10590718 This item provided the Committee with an opportunity to raise and discuss regional transport issues in an open forum.

11


7

During questions, answers and related discussion the following points were noted:

Cr Toby Adams requested that consideration be given to a roundabout/temporary roundabout at Criterion Bridge. Traffic flow was an issue here.

Cr Toby Adams requested that consideration be given to swapping the roles and responsibilities of State Highway 26 and Awaiti Road/Hauraki Road.

Cr Toby Adams requested consideration for double yellow lines on the Puke Bridge to stop passing on the bridge. This was a safety concern as there were roads leading onto and off of the bridge also.

Cr Toby Adams requested that consideration be given to dropping the speed zone during pick up/drop off hours at Kaihere School and Netherton School.

Cr Sally Christie advised that Thames District Council was conducting a business case considering the State Highway between Thames and Coromandel and the future of this road.

Cr Grant Webber advised that the local road names had been placed on Cambridge expressway bridges. He thanked NZTA for their work in this space.

NZTA representative advised that there would be contact with Council staff in the interim and an update on these bought back on the above issues at the next meeting.

Cr T Adams moved/Cr S Christie seconded.

RTC17/51 THAT the report ‘Regional Transport Issues Forum’ (Doc # 10590718 dated 14 June 2017) be received for information.


Regional Transport Committee Chair (Cr Hugh Vercoe) reminded the Committee of the upcoming field trip scheduled for 7 August 2017. The field trip would be looking at transport issues in the region. The invitation had gone to members only as there were limited seats. The Committee was advised that if a member couldn’t attend, their alternate was welcome to attend in their place.

Meeting closed at 11:34am Doc # 10725178

12

Doc # 10897473 Page 1

Report to Regional Transport Committee September 2017 – Decision Required

File No: 03 04 11

Date: 15 August 2017

To: Chief Executive Officer

From: Director Science and Strategy

Subject: 2018 Regional Land Transport Plan Review

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) Purpose For the Regional Transport Committee to receive a report on the current review of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan and endorse a proposed significance policy and process to determine prioritisation of activities in the programme supporting the plan.

Recommendations:

1. That the report 2018 Regional Land Transport Plan Review (Doc # 10897473 dated 15 August 2017) be received for information.

2. That the proposed significance policy contained in Appendix 1 to this report is endorsed by the Regional Transport Committee for inclusion in the revised RLTP.

3. That the proposed process for prioritising activities in the programme is endorsed by the Regional Transport Committee to inform a workshop to be held with the committee on 6 November 2017.

Background The Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has undertaken a series of workshops throughout the course of 2017 to provide strategic guidance of the development of the review of the Waikato Regional Land Transport plan (RLTP). This has provided the RLTP project team with the necessary direction to update the strategic policy framework of the plan. Supporting the strategic policy of the plan is a collective programme of activities that will contribute to the objectives defined in the plan. The regional programme of activities is developed by all approved organisations within the Waikato region. Prior to submission of the RLTP to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) it is necessary to identify significant activities important to the region and additionally, prioritise these activities. To support this process it is necessary to confirm both the significance policy required assess activities and a process for prioritising these activities. RLTP Policy Framework Update July RTC Workshop At the last RTC workshop on the 3 July 2017, project staff outlined the process that was undertaken to arrive at a first-cut update of the policy templates that represent the policy framework for the RLTP. The purpose of the workshop was to provide an early opportunity for RTC discussion on the policy direction and to provide

13

Doc # 10897473 Page 2

further guidance on policy details. Overall, there was a good level of comfort with the draft policy templates with Committee members providing specific direction on a number of policy issues. Following the workshop, the original intention as conveyed to the RTC, was for project staff to then update the policy templates based on RTC feedback, and to send the templates along with supporting draft chapters to the RAG and RTC for their consideration over July/ August. The intention was then to report back to the RTC at the September meeting. Project staff would continue to refine the front-end of the RLTP over this time period. Change of reporting times At the RTC workshop, there was also discussion around what to do with the existing Strategic Corridors chapter (chapter 4). The investment logic mapping (ILM) process has clearly identified the three key problems which the updated 2018 RTLP is being framed around. Consequently, project staff recommended to the RTC that specific strategic corridor policy contained in Chapter 4 be uplifted into the policy templates. This would involve a re-think about what to do with a number of elements contained in Chapter 4. The RTC supported this approach and agreed to Chapter 4 being amalgamated into the policy templates as discussed. In order to undertake this task, the timeframes for sending out the draft templates and supporting chapters have had to be pushed back. The new reporting timeframe is outlined below. This also frees up the September RTC meeting to focus on the programme part of the RLTP, and engage in important discussions around our significance policy and the prioritisation process.

Key dates to note for policy framework We will now send out the revised templates to the RTC and RAG incorporating Chapter 4 strategic

corridor policies, along with supporting draft front-end chapters in mid-September so you have time to consider the material before the October RTC meeting.

We will next discuss your feedback on the draft front-end chapters at the 2 October RTC meeting and will also ask the RTC to officially endorse the final ILM wording as agreed to at the 3 July 2017 workshop.

A workshop will be held at the 6 November RTC meeting to confirm programme priorities (based on the prioritisation process to give effect to the front-end policy framework for the RLTP).

Over October and November, project staff will continue to work on updating the plan ready for RTC consideration and subsequent sign-off for public consultation at the 4 December RTC meeting.

14

Doc # 10897473 Page 3

Revised Significance Policy In keeping with the approach taken with the revision of the strategic policy of the plan, the significance policy is not proposed to be significantly altered, and instead amended to reflect any changes since the adoption of the operative plan in 2015. The thresholds for significance have been retained, however, the notable changes reflect changes to what is considered to be a regionally significant activity. The new changes have included:

recognition of the increasing need to support the development of high growth housing areas progressing activities that contribute to short-term priorities defined in the Regional Road Safety

Strategy enabling greater community access in rural areas providing an appropriate ability to respond to issues of resilience.

Additionally, a clause has been included to allow for activities could trigger the significance policy that might be introduced or removed through Long Terms Plan development to be incorporated into the final RLTP without the need for additional consultation. This is to reflect the development period for the RLTP runs in advance of the Long Term Plan timelines for individual councils. As a result, there can be a disconnect from activities proposed for inclusion within the RLTP if they are not confirmed by a Council through the LTP. This clause allows these differences to be addressed. The significance policy meets two separate needs; the need to address what activities are considered significant and should be prioritised within the programme, and once the plan is operative, what might be considered a significant activity for any new activities proposed for inclusion in the programme as a new activity. It is not proposed that any of the existing policies relating to handling variations to the operative plan will be changed. The full wording proposed for the significance policy is included in Appendix 1 to this report. Revised Prioritisation Methodology Since the introduction of the operative 2015 – 2018 Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) there has been a change to the proposed activity assessment methodology employed by NZTA under the Investment Assessment Framework (IAF). The NZTA uses the IAF to give effect to the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport and determine what proposals will receive funding within activity class ranges. Previously, a three-factor assessment approach was used which assessed activities against Strategic Fit, Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit appraisal for High, Medium and Low rating criteria producing a specific assessment profile e.g. HML Under the revised assessment framework, this has been reduced to a two-factor assessment based on Results Alignment and Cost-Benefit Appraisal, and now includes an additional Very High rating criteria assessment option. This ultimately produces a table that evaluates profiles into 8 ranks, with a ninth rank for a combined Low-Low profile that would result in exclusion from the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). This is shown in the table below:

Results CBA Profile Rank

VH VH VH|VH 1 VH H VH|H 1 VH M VH|M 1 VH L VH|L 1 H VH H|VH 2 M VH M|VH 2 L VH L|VH 2 H H H|H 3 H M H|M 4 H L H|L 5

15

Doc # 10897473 Page 4

M H M|H 4 M M M|M 5 M L M|L 6 L H L|H 7 L M L|M 8 L L L|L Exclude

Table 1: Prioritisation of activities based on two-factor assessment profile In order to reflect the changes to the Investment Assessment Framework, and to ensure that the activities requiring prioritisation in the 2018 – 2021 RLTP are given the best opportunity for inclusion in the NLTP, it is proposed to adopt the two-factor assessment criteria, to produce the first cut assessment of activities to be prioritised in the plan. From here, prioritisation may be further refined by applying a second layer of assessment that accounts for regional priorities to break any deadlocks within a rank. It is proposed to use the weighting established for each core objective (Economic Development (40%), Road Safety (35%), Access and Mobility (25%)) that an activity most closely aligns to. Additional refinement will identify whether an activity is part of a package, recognising that delivery of all activities in the package are required to unlock coordinated benefits. Finally, the discretion of the Regional Transport Committee will be applied to direct the final order of activities. The proposed order of assessment will be: First Order: IAF ranking Second Order: Objective weighting values Third Order: Contribution to package of work Fourth Order: Regional Preference/RTC discretion The Regional Advisory Group (RAG) met on 11 August 2018 and have had an opportunity to discuss the proposed prioritisation process and expanded criteria for significant activities and support the proposed changes. Next Steps for Programme Development Following submission of the regional programme of activities by 1 October 2017, the programme will be collated and activities assessed for significance and inclusion in the prioritisation process. An initial prioritisation will be made based on the first three orders of assessment. It is proposed to take a draft prioritised activity list to the RAG at their meeting on 13 October 2017. The RAG will review and refine the initial prioritisation to inform the prioritisation workshop to be held with the RTC at the 6 November 2017 meeting. It is at this RTC workshop that the prioritised activities will be considered and the committee can exercise discretion and provide direction in determining the final order of activities in the draft programme to be included for public consultation. Committee members are encouraged to discuss any issues regarding the prioritised order of activities with their RAG member, and may wish to invite their RAG member along to the RTC prioritisation workshop on 6 November. Assessment of significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment. Conclusion The Regional Transport Committee are asked to endorse the proposed amendments to the significance policy and proposed prioritisation methodology to help inform development of the programme of activities included in the 2018 Regional Land Transport Plan review.

16

Doc # 10897473 Page 5

Nigel King Senior Policy Advisor Transport and Infrastructure

Tracey May Director Science and Strategy

Attachment:

1. Appendix 1 – Revised significance policy

17

Appendix 1

Revised significance policy

1 Purpose

The policy sets out how to: 1) Determine what is a significant activity for the purpose of section 16(3)(d) of the Land Transport

Management Act 2003 (the Act); 2) Determine what is an activity with inter-regional significance for the purpose of section 16(2)(d) of

the Act; and 3) Determine the significance of variations to the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan in accordance

with section 106(2) of the Act; and 4) Determine what is significant expenditure from other sources in the Waikato Regional Land

Transport Plan in accordance with section 16(2)(c) of the Act.

2 Determination of a significant activity for prioritisation

For the purposes of receiving funding from the National Land Transport Fund, only activities that meet the criteria for a significant activity as outlined in this policy are to be prioritised. For the purpose of section 16(3)(d) of the Act, a significant activity is any activity put forward by an approved organisation (including the NZ Transport Agency) that: 1) Is not one of the following:

Committed activities (existing commitments arising from approved activities) Business as usual activities (i.e. as identified in section 16(3)(a) of the Land Transport Management

Act 2013): o Local road maintenance, operations and renewals o State highway maintenance, operations and renewals o Local road or state highway minor improvements o Existing public transport services

2) Is a large new improvement activity with a total value greater than $5,000,000 and one phase is in the first three year period of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan; OR 3) Meets 1 or more of the following criteria, and at least one phase is in the first three year period of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan:

Objective Area Criteria New/Existing

Safety 1 Any activity that progresses short-term road safety priorities as defined in the Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017 – 2021.

New

2 A significant activity that supports the implementation of the Speed Management Guide and advances speed management regionally.

Adapted existing

3 An activity that significantly contributes to reduced road risk on high risk rural roads, high risk intersections, and high risk urban arterials.

Existing

Economic Development

1 Significant improvements that contribute to the completion of the Waikato Expressway and associated improvements (as identified in the Waikato Expressway Network Plan).

Existing

18

7

Objective Area Criteria New/Existing

2 An improvement activity that supports the development of lead transport infrastructure to open up housing in high growth areas and connect to wider networks.

New

3 A significant improvement or planning activity that contributes to strategic inter-regional road and rail corridors linking key sea and inland port facilities and major employment and distribution areas.

Existing

4 A significant activity that contributes to the understanding and function of touring routes for tourism.

Existing

Access and Mobility 1 A significant improvement activity to services, infrastructure and/or the administration of the public transport network within Hamilton and surrounding towns.

Existing

2 A significant activity that facilitates the growth of safe pedestrian and cycling activity, with a focus on high demand corridors including points where recreational cycle trails connect to the transport network.

Existing

3 Any activity that supports and progresses transport initiatives to improve access in rural areas.

New

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

1 Any activity that identifies and addresses route security and resilience issues on key lifeline routes and inter-regional strategic corridors, including climate change related mitigation.

New

3 Determination of inter-regional significance

For the purpose of section 16(2)(d) of the Act, for an activity to have inter-regional significance it must be part of a package of activities that contributes to nationally or regionally significant road or rail corridors as identified in the Regional Land Transport Plan.

4 Alignment with Long Term Plans

Recognising the development period for the Regional Land Transport Programme runs in advance of the majority of councils’ Long Term Plan (LTP) processes, to allow for any disconnect in which an activity submitted to the RLTP may not be supported by a LTP, or conversely, an activity not included in an RLTP submission but sought to be introduced to the RLTP subsequent to submission and adoption within a Long Term Plan for inclusion, neither would be considered as significant variations to the Plan requiring additional consultation. These will be considered factual corrections to the programme in the plan.

5 Determination of significance of a variation

The Regional Land Transport Plan can be varied at any time once operative. In accordance with section 18D of the Act, consultation will be required on a variation if the variation is deemed to be significant. Any variations that are not considered significant can be approved by the Regional Transport Committee in accordance with the Terms of Reference for the Regional Transport Committee. Any variations that are considered significant must first be considered by the Regional Transport Committee before being approved by the full Waikato Regional Council. There are two key steps when considering variations to the RLT Plan. These are:

19

8

1. Does the change require variation to the RLT Plan? And if so: 2. Does the variation to the RLT Plan carry ‘significance’?

Certain activities that do not require a variation

In relation to the first question, there are a number of criteria set out in the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (sections 18 and 20 in particular) for changes and amendments that do not require a formal variation.

General determination of significance

Where a variation is required, the significance of variations to the Regional Land Transport Plan will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In determining the significance of a proposed variation, the RTC will be guided by the extent to which the variation:

Negatively impacts on the contribution of the Plan towards the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding.

Impacts on the appropriate approved organisation’s own significance policy. Materially changes the balance of strategic investment in a project or activity. Changes the scope of the project or activity to the extent that it would significantly alter the original

objectives of the project or activity. Affects the integrity of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan, including its overall affordability. Affects residents (variations with a moderate impact on a large number of residents, or variations

with a major impact on a small number of residents, will have a greater significance than those with a minor impact).

If one of more of the above criteria apply, consideration should be given to whether the consultation costs are greater than the benefits. The following variations to the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan are considered to be not significant for the purposes of consultation:

Activities that are in the urgent interests of public safety. New preventative maintenance and emergency reinstatement activities in accordance with the

NZTA’s Planning & Investment Knowledge Base. Addition of an activity or activities that have previously been consulted on in accordance with

sections 18 and 18A of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 and which the Waikato Regional Transport Committee considers complies with the provisions for funding approval in accordance with section 20 of that Act.

A scope change that does not significantly alter the original objectives of the project (to be determined by the Waikato Regional Transport Committee).

Addition of the Programme Business Case phase, Indicative Business Case phase or Investigation phase of a new activity, one which has not been previously consulted upon in accordance with section 18 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.

A scope change to an existing Programme Business Case, where that change is supported by a Strategic Business Case.

A scope change to an Indicative Business Case, where that change is supported by a Strategic or Programme Business Case.

Minor variations to the timing, cash flow or total cost, of any activities. Replacement of a project within a group of generic projects by another project of the same type.

Where possible, any consultation required will be carried out with any other consultation undertaken by the Regional Council, such as the Annual Plan consultation.

6 Significant expenditure from other sources

For the purpose of section 16(2)(c) of the Act, regionally significant expenditure funded from sources other than the national land transport fund is any land transport activity or group of land transport activities being

20

9

undertaken in the region put forward by an approved organisation (including the NZ Transport Agency) or KiwiRail that:

Is greater than $5,000,000 total value over the first three year period of the Regional Land Transport Plan; AND

That is not funded by the National Land Transport Fund.

21

Doc # 10899546 Page 1

Report to Regional Transport Committee September 2017 – Decision Required

File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 Variations – Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Street lighting conversions

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) Purpose For the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) to consider and approve variations to the operative Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015–2045.

Recommendations:

1. That the report “Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 Variations – Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Street lighting conversions” (Doc # 10899546 dated 16 August 2017) be endorsed.

2. That the Regional Transport Committee approve a request to vary the operative Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015–2045 to include LED street lighting conversion activities within the Plan for the following councils:

Hamilton City Council

Taupo District Council

Thames-Coromandel District Council

Waipa District Council

Waitomo District Council

Waikato District Council.

Background The RTC’s Terms of Reference gives the RTC the power (on behalf of Waikato Regional Council) to authorise variations to the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2045 (RLTP) in accordance with the approved RLTP significance policy. In order for an activity to be included in the RLTP, it must first be endorsed by the RTC. The majority of activities included in the RLTP have been assessed during the development of the three-year plan and have been subject to public consultation. During the operative period of the RLTP, changes to existing activities or the introduction of new activities may be proposed by submitting organisations. In these cases, the

22

Doc # 10899546 Page 2

inclusion of the proposed activity may be assessed against the objectives and priorities of the RLTP, and qualifying activities may be endorsed by the committee. Issue The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme for local authorities to undertake conversion of street lights to LED technology at an enhanced Financial Assistance Rate (FAR) of 85% for conversions completed by 30 June 2018. A light-emitting diode (LED) is a two-lead semiconductor light source. LEDs have many advantages over incandescent light sources, including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. LED street light luminaires are more energy efficient and require less maintenance than current technology. On the basis that a suitable business case is provided, local authorities may take advantage of the enhanced FAR. Recognising that a number of councils would wish to take up this opportunity, it was determined that a collective variation to cover all councils that were in a position to proceed could be covered by a single variation request and that variation requests could be repeated as individual councils progress their business cases. Two variation memos have been received from NZTA supporting the inclusion conversion programmes for the following councils:

1. Hamilton City, Taupo District, Thames-Coromandel District, Waipa District and Waitomo District Councils

2. Waikato District Council. The memos outlining these variation requests are included as attachments to this report. As additional councils progress the development of their business cases, these will be received for consideration in subsequent variation requests. Regional Advisory Group Consultation Each of the activities provided for consideration by the RTC and proposed for inclusion in the RLTP have been reviewed and endorsed by members of the Regional Advisory Group (RAG). A memo regarding the first proposed variations was circulated via email to all RAG members on 6 July 2017. The second variation was circulated via email on 10 August 2017 and additionally was discussed at a meeting of the RAG on 11 August 2017. The RAG have considered the merits of these activities and determined that these variations align with the objectives and priorities of the RLTP and that the inclusion of these activities will not impact on the delivery of other activities contained in the plan. The variations proposed were assessed according to the significance policy contained in the RLTP and considered to be minor variations that do not require additional public consultation. Assessment of significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment. Conclusion The Regional Transport Committee are asked to approve the LED Street lighting conversion activities listed in this report as variations to be included in the operative Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan 2015–2045.

23

Doc # 10899546 Page 3

Nigel King Senior Policy Advisor Transport and Infrastructure


Attachment:

1. Variation to Waikato RLTP – LEDs (Doc # 10764619) 2. Variation to Waikato RLTP – LED’s updated to include Waikato DC 20-7-2017 (Doc # 10933165)

24

Attachment 1: Variation Memo

Regional Land Transport Plan Variation – Accelerated Light Emitting Diode (LED) Street Lighting Conversions

To: Waikato Regional Advisory Group From: Rob Bullick, NZTA Date: 28 June 2017

Memorandum

1. Summary

LED street light luminaires represent a technical advance that is more energy efficient and require less ongoing maintenance than previous technologies. The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme by offering an 85% FAR to local authorities if conversions are completed by the end of this NLTP (30 June 2018). Currently a number of councils are carrying out LED conversions over several years through their Renewals and Minor Improvements programmes. To take advantage of the enhanced FAR each conversion programme needs to be carried out as a ‘stand alone’ project through the Road Improvements work category (w/c 324). For this to happen the projects need to be brought into the RLTP and NLTP. It is requested that the Regional Advisory Group consider this variation to bring the projects listed as part of this memo into the RLTP as a variation and recommend it for approval by the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) if required.

2. Recommendation

That the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) recommends to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) that the variation to the Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) for accelerated LED street light conversions in Thames Coromandel DC, Taupo DC, Waipa DC, Waitomo DC and Hamilton CC in the 2015-18 RLTP is approved.

3. Background

LED street light luminaires provide a more energy efficient option than previous technologies and also require less maintenance throughout their life, when compared to the dominant current technology namely high pressure sodium (HPS). It can be shown for many HPS installations, regardless of their age, that the current installation should be renewed now with LED. On condition that a favourable business case is provided, the Transport Agency are encouraging an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme by offering an 85% FAR to local authorities if conversions are completed by the end of this NLTP (30 June 2018). The 85% FAR is also available retrospectively to council’s that have installed LED technology during the current NLTP period.

A number of councils have been carrying out LED conversions over a number of years through their Renewals and Minor Improvements programmes and therefore do not have a ‘stand alone’ project in the NLTP or RLTP.

25

5

All councils in the Waikato region wish to take advantage of the enhanced FAR and are developing an accelerated LED street light conversion programme. Below is a summary of the current situation for councils and the process to utilise the enhanced FAR.

Thames Coromandel DC, Hauraki DC, Matamata Piako DC, South Waikato DC, Taupo DC, Waikato DC and Waipa DC have carried out some conversions through Renewals and Minor Improvements but currently do not have an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme in either the RLTP or NLTP. Thames Coromandel DC, Taupo DC and Waipa DC have completed a business case and created a project in the Work Category 324 - Road Improvements.

Hamilton CC have carried out some conversions through Renewals and Minor Improvements but currently do not have an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme in either the RLTP or NLTP. A business case has been completed and a project created in the Work Category 324 - Road Improvements. Hamilton CC have a large programme to deliver and this will span out over 3 financial years and into the 2018-21 NLTP. As stated above the 85% FAR only applies to this NLTP, therefore work carried out in 2018-19 will be at councils ‘normal’ FAR.

Waitomo DC have carried out no conversions through Renewals and Minor Improvements and currently do not have an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme in either the RLTP or NLTP. Council have completed a business case and created a project in the Work Category 324 - Road Improvements.

Otorohanga DC have commenced conversions through Renewals and Minor Improvements programmes and have an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme in both the RLTP and NLTP.

The respective projects proposed to come into the NLTP will be assessed and approved by the NZ Transport Agency pending a robust business case being provided. As part of this process there will be a need to reconcile the difference between the councils ‘normal’ FAR and the enhanced FAR to ensure the work carried out to date is paid at the enhanced FAR.

Some councils are further advanced than others with regard to planning and implementation of their LED upgrade programme. To ensure that councils that are ready to start the implementation phase of the project are not delayed, this memo only includes those in the table below (Appendix 1). For the other councils a subsequent memo with be presented at such time the remaining councils are in a position to submit a funding application.

Appendix 1 below shows the council LED projects that are ready to begin implementation and should be considered as a variation at this time to the Waikato RLTP.

4. Investment Assessment Framework

NZ Transport Agency guidance for the implementation of an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme is set out in two general circulars 15/01 Accelerated renewal road lighting LED conversion programmes and 17/03 Increased funding assistance for Accelerated renewal road lighting LED conversion programmes.

A typical investment profile for an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme that meets the criteria in the two General Circulars reference above will be MH5+.

The Transport Agency investment profile for an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme, that meets the ‘tests’ set out in the attachment to this general circular, will typically be ‘MH 5+’. That is to say, against the criteria strategic fit and effectiveness the investment will be ranked as ‘medium’ and ‘high’ priority respectively and against efficiency it will be given the highest ranking of 5 +. This will be a typical profile, the actual profile for an individual programme will need to be established as required by Transport Agency policy.

5. Alignment with GPS and Regional Policy

The proposal gives effect to the safety and value for money objectives in the GPS and safety and investment priorities in the RLTP.

26

6

6. Financial implications

The total estimated cost to complete LED conversions for the councils referred to in this memo is $17,343,000 ($13,619,550 NLTP share) Appendix 1 below shows the costs for each of the respective councils.

7. Appendices

Table showing estimated costs for councils in the Waikato region.

Rob Bullick Principal Investment Advisor Planning and Investment NZ Transport Agency

Appendix 1: Table showing estimated costs for councils in the Waikato region.

TLA Total Cost NZTA share Local Share

Thames Coromandel District Council

$1,530,000 $1,300,500 $229,500

Taupo District Council $2,500,000 $2,125,000 $375,000

Waipa District Council $2,600,000 $2,210,000 $390,000


$436,000 $370,600 $66,000

Hamilton City Council $10,277,000* 7,613,450 2,663,550

*$6,977,000 is the current NLTP

27

7

Attachment 2: Variation Memo

Regional Land Transport Plan Variation – Accelerated Light Emitting Diode (LED) Street Lighting Conversions

To: Waikato Regional Advisory Group From: Rob Bullick, NZTA Date: 25 July 2017

Memorandum

8. Summary

This is an addition to the previous memorandum dated 28 June 2017 to include Waikato District Council’s street light LED upgrade as a variation to the Waikato RLTP. LED street light luminaires represent a technical advance that is more energy efficient and require less ongoing maintenance than previous technologies. The Transport Agency are encouraging an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme by offering an 85% FAR to local authorities if conversions are completed by the end of this NLTP (30 June 2018). Currently a number of councils are carrying out LED conversions over several years through their Renewals and Minor Improvements programmes. To take advantage of the enhanced FAR each conversion programme needs to be carried out as a ‘stand alone’ project through the Road Improvements work category (w/c 324). For this to happen the projects need to be brought into the RLTP and NLTP. It is requested that the Regional Advisory Group consider this variation to bring the projects listed as part of this memo into the RLTP as a variation and recommend it for approval by the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) if required.

9. Recommendation

That the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) recommends to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) that the variation to the Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) for the Waikato District Council accelerated LED street light conversion in the 2015-18 RLTP is approved.

10. Background

LED street light luminaires provide a more energy efficient option than previous technologies and also require less maintenance throughout their life, when compared to the dominant current technology namely high pressure sodium (HPS). It can be shown for many HPS installations, regardless of their age, that the current installation should be renewed now with LED. On condition that a favourable business case is provided, the Transport Agency are encouraging an ‘accelerated renewal’ programme by offering an 85% FAR to local authorities if conversions are completed by the end of this NLTP (30 June 2018). The 85% FAR is also available retrospectively to council’s that have installed LED technology during the current NLTP period.

A number of councils have been carrying out LED conversions over a number of years through their Renewals and Minor Improvements programmes and therefore do not have a ‘stand alone’ project in the NLTP or RLTP.

28

8

All councils in the Waikato region wish to take advantage of the enhanced FAR and are developing an accelerated LED street light conversion programme. Waikato DC have completed a business case and created a project in the Work Category 324 - Road Improvements.

The Waikato DC LED upgrade project proposed to come into the RLTP and NLTP will be assessed and approved by the NZ Transport Agency pending the business case being robust and economically viable.

As part of the process there will be a need to reconcile the difference between the councils ‘normal’ FAR and the enhanced FAR to ensure the work carried out to date is paid at the enhanced FAR.

Some councils are further advanced than others with regard to planning and implementation of their LED upgrade programme. The previous memo included the councils that were ready to start the implementation phase of LED upgrades to minimise delays.

Waikato DC is now at the implementation phase and this memo only includes their proposal to the RLTP as shown in the table below (Appendix 1).

11. Investment Assessment Framework

NZ Transport Agency guidance for the implementation of an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme is set out in two general circulars 15/01 Accelerated renewal road lighting LED conversion programmes and 17/03 Increased funding assistance for Accelerated renewal road lighting LED conversion programmes.

A typical investment profile for an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme that meets the criteria in the two General Circulars reference above will be MH5+.

The Transport Agency investment profile for an accelerated renewal LED conversion programme, that meets the ‘tests’ set out in the attachment to this general circular, will typically be ‘MH 5+’. That is to say, against the criteria strategic fit and effectiveness the investment will be ranked as ‘medium’ and ‘high’ priority respectively and against efficiency it will be given the highest ranking of 5 +. This will be a typical profile, the actual profile for an individual programme will need to be established as required by Transport Agency policy.

12. Alignment with GPS and Regional Policy

The proposal gives effect to the safety and value for money objectives in the GPS and safety and investment priorities in the RLTP.

13. Financial implications

The total estimated cost to complete LED conversions for the councils referred to in the previous memorandum plus Waikato District Council is $18,878,000 ($14,924,300 NLTP share) Appendix 1 below shows the costs for Waikato District Council LED upgrade.

14. Appendices

1. Estimated costs for Waikato District Council LED upgrade.

Rob Bullick Principal Investment Advisor Planning and Investment NZ Transport Agency

Appendix 1: Table showing estimated costs for Waikato District Council.

29

9

TLA Total Cost NZTA share Local Share

Waikato District Council

$1,535,000 $1,304,750 $230,250

Total $1,535,000 $1,304,750 $230,250

30

Doc # 10897096

Report to Regional Transport Committee September 2017 – To be received

File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Road Safety Monitor Report – September 2017

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) Purpose The purpose of this report is to update the Regional Transport Committee on road safety issues and trends and to keep the Committee informed on regional progress towards the actions outlined in national and regional road safety strategies.

Recommendations:

1. That the report ‘Road Safety Monitor Report – September 2017’ (Doc # 10897096 dated 17 August 2017) be received for information.

2. That the Regional Transport Committee consider expressing concern to the NZ Transport Agency at the pavement condition of the regional state highway network and requesting improved maintenance on Waikato region state highways.

Issues Under the national guidance of the Safer Journeys Strategy and the regional guidance of the Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21, road safety partners are working collaboratively to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads. Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 The Waikato Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017-21 was approved by the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) on 3 July and adopted by the Waikato Regional Council on 27 July. The Strategy is now available online and has been disseminated to regional stakeholders. A summary document and regional PowerPoint presentation have been prepared and released. These are communication tools to help stakeholders to communicate about the strategy and its priorities within their own organisations and with wider audiences. Strategy Implementation The Regional Road Safety Strategy identifies a key role for the Regional Road Safety Forum (RRS Forum) in implementing the Regional Road Safety Strategy. The RRS Forum met on 9 August in Tokoroa and had specific sessions on motorcycle safety and speed management. The meeting also gathered information from the RRS Forum participants to inform the development of a terms of reference for the working groups focussing on a regional road safety communications plan and the regional road safety data and monitoring workstream.

31

Doc # 10897096 Page 2

Waikato District Council staff gave a presentation on Highway 22 and the work they have been undertaking on planning for motorcycle improvements on this well-known inter-regional motorcycle touring route. ACC also provided national and regional motorcycle statistics and commentary relating to the rise in motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle rider issues Motorcycle travel in New Zealand has increased by 60% over the last 10 years. Within the 45+ age group travel has increased by +280%. Motorcycle crashes are up by over 40% and the severity of crashes is increasing, with 45% of claims in the over 40 age group. Nearly 75% of fatal crashes occur on the open road and older returning riders are more likely to ride larger motorcycles. Nearly 80% of fatal crashes involve 1,000cc+ motorcycles. Loss of control and running off roads (usually on a bend) is the number one factor for motorcycle crashes, followed by head on after losing control, rear ending an obstruction (following too close), overtaking/lane changing, and intersections which are the most prevalent factor in urban areas. Alcohol, drugs or travelling too fast for the conditions play a part in 48% of fatal crashes involving motorcycles. The Waikato region represents 12% of the total motorcycle active ACC claims per year with 35% in the 15-29 age group and 35% in the 45-64 age group. Claimants with serious injuries are off work for an average of 8 months. The ACC ‘Ride Forever’ programme is a subsidised nationwide programme addressing rider skills and information. In 2016/17 288 riders completed the ‘Ride Forever’ training in the Waikato region. ACC have set a target for 2017/18 to increase delivery to 630 riders (5% of rider community). This will require a strong commitment from road safety coordinators across the region to ensure this level of delivery is achieved. Motorcycles – road maintenance issues It was noted at the Forum meeting that the longevity of road repairs, for pot-holes in particular, is an issue for all road users, and motorcyclists in particular as they are more severely impacted due to less surface contact and the impacts on motorcycle balance. The implication is that Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) need to consider assessing their maintenance scheduling and budgets as any reduction in these is likely to increase deaths and serious injuries (DSI) crashes for motorcyclists. The RRS Forum discussed the maintenance of state highways and in particular the current condition of road surfaces. There was a general view held that quality of maintenance on many state highway routes is declining. It was noted that the Taranaki RTC has recently sent a letter to the NZ Transport Agency highlighting their concerns about the maintenance of the state highway network in Taranaki and the Forum members at the meeting supported raising the maintenance issues with the RTC to determine if the Committee would like to raise similar issues with the Agency as well. Speed management communications Speed management continues to be a key focus for the RTC and the RRS Forum. The RTC has now delegated the oversight of speed management to the Forum and the dedicated Regional Working Group has continued its work in this area. The Working Group met recently and identified that it is very important to continue to work closely with the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) and individual road controlling authorities to advocate for the development of speed management plans and the implementation of the new speed management tools now made available. With the release of the New Zealand Speed Management Guide in late 2016 and the recent review of the Speed Limit Setting Rule it was noted that it is timely that the region continues to work closely together to ensure a regional approach for speed management continues. This would include communications to keep up the background

32

Doc # 10897096 Page 3

“white noise” on this issue, to ensure it is kept in focus, with regionally consistent messaging. It was also agreed that a report and presentation will be given to the October meeting of the RTC on the speed limit setting process. Regional Education The Regional Education Group (REG) and Young Road User programme continue to deliver road safety education interventions on behalf of the region. Road safety coordinators from across the region have met twice in August to coordinate road safety education planning activities for submitting into the Regional Land Transport Plan and long term plans (2018-21). Next Steps The RRS Forum will meet next in November and will run a workshop on vulnerable road users. The Forum will continue to work on strategy implementation and will update the current terms of reference for the Forum and progress development of the key work streams. The RTC will continue to be kept informed on the work of the Forum on a regular basis.

National and Regional road safety statistics National fatalities by region in the year to date and comparative counts from previous years at the same date are shown in figure 1. The Waikato region shows a decrease in road fatalities compared to the same time over the past three years, but this could easily be impacted by future multiple fatality crashes, and is no cause for complacency. The Waikato region has had fewer multiple fatalities than at the same time last year. Figure 1 Weekly road deaths update by Local Government Region as at midnight Monday 14 August 2017

As a percentage of national fatalities, the Waikato region shows a decrease in fatalities in the year to date (figure 2). Figure 2 Weekly road deaths by Local Government Region, as a percentage of national fatalities as at midnight Monday 14 August 2017

Local Government Region 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Auckland 20% 13% 16% 12% 18% Waikato 13% 18% 20% 24% 15%

Bay of Plenty 8% 10% 11% 10% 5%

Local Government Region 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Northland 10 9 13 22 23Auckland 32 22 32 24 44Waikato 21 31 39 49 36

Bay of Plenty 12 17 22 21 12Gisborne & Hawkes Bay 9 13 8 10 18Taranaki 5 8 7 10 1Manawatu / Wanganui 10 20 23 11 23Wellington 9 6 5 10 9Nelson / Marlborough 8 5 1 7 11West Coast 3 4 3 2 4Canterbury 30 19 30 22 33Otago 7 8 12 12 14Southland 1 8 3 8 10Total 157 170 198 208 238

33

Doc # 10897096 Page 4

Please also note there is minor variation in the total number of fatalities reported by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) depending on report type and date calculated. Fatality counts may also change once full investigations of crashes are completed and the full causes identified. The value of reporting the fatalities is to identify key trends and areas of concern to drive future actions. Details of each of the regional fatalities in the 2017 year to date are summarised in Attachment 3. Serious crash injury data is currently being collated for presentation to the RTC. New Zealand Police Report Inspector Marcus Lynam, acting Road Policing Manager, will provide the Committee with an update on current NZ Police road safety activities. Conclusion Road crash outcomes across New Zealand show an increasing year on year trend although the Waikato region shows a decrease compared to the same time over the past three years. There is a clear need to continue to drive investment to achieve a reduction in deaths and serious injuries across the region and within New Zealand. The Regional Road Safety Forum is now fully active and will be the group to oversee the implementation of the Regional Road Safety Strategy on behalf of the RTC. Assessment of significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

Rachel Cook Tracey May

Senior Policy Advisor - Transport Relationships

Director Science and Strategy

Attachments

1. Table of Waikato region fatal crashes year to date 2017, as at 15 August 2017 (Doc # 9864853)

34

Doc # 10897096 Page 5

Attachment 1: Table of Waikato region fatal crashes year to date 2017, as at 15 August, 2017

Fatality

no. Date Road/SH/Area Local District Crash Description

Sex, fatality

type, age

1 7/01/2017 SH5, TaupoNZTA (Taupo District Council)

Vehicle has drifted to the left crossing the fog l ine and coll ided with a cyclist travell ing the same way

Male cyclist, aged 67

2 10/01/2017 SH25, OrongoNZTA (Hauraki District Council)

West bound vehicle has crossed the centreline into the path of an eastbound vehicle.

Male driver, aged 76

3 11/01/2017

Te Rangitautahanga Road, Turangi


Northbound vehicle mounted curb coll iding with two trees, rotated anti-clockwise before coming to rest on footpath. Possible medical.


4 15/01/2017 SH1, TirauNZTA (South Waikato District Council)

Driver lost control on a bend in wet conditions, overcorrected and impacted oncoming vehicle

Female driver, aged 33

5 21/01/2017 SH27, Waharoa

NZTA (Matamata-Piako District Council)

Pedestrian walking on verge at night following a run off road, was struck by northbound ute

Male pedestrian, aged 24

6 25/01/2017 SH1, OhakuriNZTA (Taupo District Council)

Fully laden B-Train truck has lost control in dark and heavy rain on a bend, during correcting actions has crossed centreline where motorcycle has coll ided with truck

Male rider, aged 56

7 30/01/2017 SH1, Hil lcrestNZTA (Hamilton City Council)

Vehicle 1 travell ing north has moved from left lane toward right lane, clipping vehicle 2 also travell ing north in right lane. Vehicle 2 has subsequently crossed right lane, raised centre median into southbound lanes and had head on impact with southbound vehicle.


8, 9 3/02/2017SH29, Tirau Road, Karapiro


Conditions, l ight rain. Vehicle 1 travell ing northbound has come around an easy left hand bend and past the junction with State Highway 29. Vehicle 2 has been across the northbound lane. The front of vehicle 1 has hit vehicle 2 in the front passenger door area of the vehicle.

Male driver, aged 38 and male passenger, aged 20

10 19/02/2017 SH3, MahoenuiNZTA (Waitomo District Council)

Wet road conditions. Vehicle one, approaching a left hand bend has lost control, sl iding sideways, and getting 't-boned' by an on-coming vehicle


11 23/03/2017 SH26, Motumaoho


Northbound car travell ing on SH26 has approached a rail crossing. The driver has failed to see an eastbound freight train and driven into its path. Driver ejected out a rear window onto the road.


12 28/03/2017SH2, Mangatawhiri

NZTA (Waikato District Council)

Mist/Fog conditions. Vehicle travell ing east on SH2 has coll ided head on with a westbound truck carrying a logging trailer. The vehicle moved into the westbound lane as it approached the truck. The truck driver moved to the left side of his lane however the coll ision occurred in the centre of the westbound lane.


13 30/03/2017 SH1, LichfieldNZTA (South Waikato District Council)

A north bound vehicle has crossed the centreline on SH1 into the path of a south bound vehicle. The north bound vehicle has left the road into the water table off the south bound lane. The south bound vehicle has also left the road into the south bound lane water table but has rolled over and come to rest on its right side.


14 4/04/2017 SH 27, Walton

NZTA, (Matamata-Piako District Council)

Stationary vehicle at left side of lane has performed a U-turn into the path of passing truck travell ing in the same direction. Vehicles have coll ided - front of truck into driver's side. Nil issues re visibil ity or conditions. Road only slightly damp at the time from intermittent showers


15 5/04/2017Sunshine Ave, Hamilton Hamilton City Council

HMV has struck a cyclist while moving through a roundabout intersection. Cyclist moved off sl ightly ahead of HMV in cycle lane. HMV turned left striking cyclist with centre front of truck. Bicycle and cyclist dragged for a short distance. Visibil ity good, l ight showers but surface dry at the time, heavy traffic flow. Male cyclist,

aged 67

16 8/04/2017Anzac Parade, Hamilton Hamilton City Council

Vehicle has drifted to the right colliding with oncoming passenger bus. Right front to right front side swipe style impact Conditions fine, surface good.


17 12/04/2017 SH27 PatetongaNZTA (Hauraki District Council)

Wet overcast midday. Northbound vehicle crossed centreline on sweeping left curve into path of vehicle, coming to rest at side of road. Heavy rain at time of crash.


18 12/04/2017Broadlands Road, Rotokawa


Vehicle travelling north has crossed the centreline into the path of vehicle travelling south and collided in an offset head-on configuration.


19 20/04/2017Te Anga Road, Waitomo Caves


Dry bright fine morning. 35km advisory westbound. Logging truck and trailer eastbound, no advisory, failed to negotiate corner on uphill grade, overturned down bank into stream. Driver trapped.


35

Doc # 10897096 Page 6

Doc # 9864853

Fatality

no. Date Road/SH/Area Local District Crash Description

Sex, fatality

type, age

20, 21 21/04/2017 SH 1, TokoroaNZTA, (South Waikato District Council)

Northbound motorcyclist crossed centreline into path of southbound motorcyclist overtaking a double tanker in passing lane. Motorbikes collided with southbound rider thrown into path of tanker, caught and dragged 200m before truck stopped. Northbound rider thrown off motorbike.

Male riders, aged 59 and 41

22 26/04/2017Cameron Road, Mangateparu

Matamata-Piako District Council

Mist/Fog conditions, dry road. Vehicle 1 travell ing east has crossed the centre l ine at the start a 65 km rated bend into the path of vehicle 2 travell ing west. Impact has been in the west bound lane.


23 29/04/2017 SH39, OtorohangaNZTA, Otorohanga District Council

Road conditions: Wet. Van travell ing north failed to negotiate easy bend, sl id across both lanees coll iding with motorcycle travell ing south. Motorcycle come to rest in northbound lane. Van rolled ending upright at the bottom of a bank.

Male rider, aged 38

24 19/05/2017Waeranga Rd, Waerenga


Dry overcast afternoon. Westbound vehicle crossed centreline on easy bend before blind hil l into path of vehicle, both corrected to westbound and coll ided

Male baby, aged 10mo

25 10/06/2017Broadlands Road, Taupo


Dark, Fine, late night. Vehicle travell ing north crossed centreline, hit embankment, recrossed centreline, hit embankment, rolled. Driver ejected, no seatbelt.


26 14/06/2017Whitikahu Rd, Whitikahu


Crash 2/6/17 .Wet, dark, l ight rain, late night. Westbound van, 8 occupants, hit horse in middle of road, left road impacted drain bank, rolled and stopped upright. Multiple unrestrained pax ejected. Rear passenger severe head injuries, died Waikato Hospital 14/6/17

Male passenger, aged 21

27 14/06/2017Paeroa Kopu Road (SH26)

NZTA (Thames-Coromandel District council)

Southbound vehicle has driven into a solid concrete retaining wall at high speed. Straight section of road, no obvious evidence of braking or evasive manoeuvring present. Vehicle has then caught fire.


28,29,30,31 17/06/2017 Netherton, SH2

NZTA (Hauraki District Council)

Southbound vehicle, five occupants, has coll ided with a northbound vehicle head-on in the northbound lane while overtaking a southbound truck. Southbound vehicle has fl ipped and come to rest in a road side ditch, three deceased. Northbound vehicle has caught fire, one deceased. No contact was made with the truck. Occupants of the Southbound vehicle are French nationals.

Three male passengers, ages 25 (vehicle 1), one male driver, aged 25 (vehicle 2)

32 19/07/2017Mapara Road, Kinloch


Wet road conditions. Vehicle exited a moderate left bend, crossed the centreline and southbound grass verge before coll iding with trees. Extensive contact damage to front right side of car, driver trapped.


33 22/06/2017 SH1, LitchfieldNZTA (South Waikato District Council)

Wet road conditions. Truck driver has failed to notice 3 l ight vehicles and a truck queued at a road works stop. Truck driver has crashed into the back of the stationary truck shunting it into the other stationary vehicles.


34 8/07/2017 Oparau, SH31NZTA (Otorohanga District Council)

Head on impact between west bound Motorcycle and east bound Util ity. Impact has occurred in the eastbound lane. Util ity has been attempting to turn right from Kawhia Road into Harbour Road. Motorcyclist deceased at scene. Male rider,

aged 46

35 9/07/2017 Atiamuri, SH1NZTA (Taupo District Council)

Wet road conditions. Sl ippery road surface due to diesel spil l . Southbound vehicle, 4 occupants, lost control and slid across the centreline coll iding with a vehicle in the northbound lane. Vehicles have come to a rest in the verge of the northbound lane. Two unrestrained passengers in rear of southbound vehicle have been thrown from the vehicle and critically injured.


36 5/08/2017 SH1,TirauNZTA (South Waikato District Council)

Southbound motorcycle on SH1 to Putaruru has attempted to overtake a vehicle. The motorcycle has crossed the centreline and coll ided with an oncoming vehicle in the northbound lane. The rider has died on impact.

Male rider, aged 57

37 15/08/2017 River Rd, Hamilton Hamilton City Council

Mazda vehicle fleeing Police southbound on straight section of River Road approaching moderate left corner. Driver lost control of vehicle crossing the oncoming lane and going off the road and striking a tree trunk. Driver (sole occupant) deceased at scene.


36

Doc # 10897476 Page 1


File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Transport Choices Report

Section: A (Committee has authority to receive the report) Purpose To provide the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) with an update on the Regional Transport Choices work programme and plans.

Recommendation:

That the report “Transport Choices Report” (Doc # 10897476 dated 17 August 2017) be received for information.

Background Providing urban and rural communities with access to affordable and safe ‘transport choices’ is a regional priority which is outlined in the operative Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2015-2045. This objective concerns the ability of people to independently access key social and economic services and to participate in activities in society regardless of where they live within the region. There are a number of transport responses that can enhance access and mobility outcomes and some of these are being considered by the Waikato Regional Council (WRC) as part of its Transport Choices programme. This report provides an update on the key cycling projects currently being delivered by this programme. Regional Cycling Programme Implementation Following completion of the Regional Cycling Programme Business Case (PBC), this document has been disseminated for endorsement and socialisation by stakeholder organisations who are now planning for and implementing the PBC within their own organisations. As the business case was multi-sector, the planning mechanisms and timeframes will vary, but include councils Long Term Plans (LTP) and Activity Management Plans (AMPs). Stakeholders have agreed to progress three projects together:

- Preparing communications collateral and messaging for the PBC and cycling - Undertaking a cycle infrastructure stocktake to identify safe and attractive cycle journeys

according to people of different ages and levels of cycling - Undertaking a stocktake of regional and national cycle skills training initiatives

37

Doc # 10897476 Page 2

Communication collateral Waikato Regional Council has developed a summary PBC document and this is being circulated to stakeholders (refer Attachment 1 Doc#10891927), and will consider additional support material.

Cycling infrastructure stocktake The stakeholder working group have had a preliminary meeting to consider an approach for the cycling infrastructure stocktake and will be seeking further technical input to confirm the next steps. Cycle skills stocktake The stakeholder working group have met and collated information on the cycle skills training currently being delivered across the region. The current delivery can be summarised as:

Cycling NZ; Ride Leader programme – generally older riders on/off road Sport Waikato through the Energiser programme and Kiwisport – generally schools/children Cycle Advocates Network (CAN) – share the road – heavy vehicles and buses

There is a mix of funding available for cycles skills training through the NZ Transport Agency, Cycling NZ, Waikato DHB, Kiwisport, Hamilton City Council (HCC), and through road safety promotion/education. The NZ Transport Agency and ACC are partnering to fully scope a national cycling education system and have developed a business case for a Cycle Education System which has been approved by NZTA. Going forward the NZ Transport Agency will fund through Cycling NZ and local councils to deliver cycle skills training. Key messages from this work include:

The road safety promotion activity class will be extended to include funding for cycle skills training.

The NZ Transport Agency generally fund around 50% and councils need to identify local share, which can be from any source.

It makes sense to complement infrastructure with training. For children, the biggest gains nationally are where there are “Bikes in Schools” which is a

programme to bring bike sets into schools, build tracks within the school grounds and include biking as a playtime and physical education activity. This combined with skills lessons increases the confidence and uptake of cycling in those communities, and develops a potential life-long demand for cycling.

There are significant national targets proposed, as skills training, awareness, and acceptance of cycling are seen as critical components of increasing cycling uptake. There is strong interest in partners co-funding a regional coordinator, as this will help to attract trainers to the Waikato and will facilitate regional uptake. In regard to next steps, the working group will document the stocktake information and analyse where the gaps are and understand what is needed to support an increase in cycle training and scope regional coordination. Road Controlling Authorities are being encouraged to include funding in their LTP’s.

The WRC will continue to coordinate a regional cycling technical group to support delivery of cycling across the region and reporting will be through existing channels and governance groups. Regional Cycle Trails Regional cycle trails have been recognised as a valuable and important cycling and economic development opportunity for the region by the Regional Transport Committee, the Waikato Mayoral Forum (through the

38

Doc # 10897476 Page 3

Waikato Plan), and as an opportunity for the Waikato Means Business (WMB) strategy to realise economic benefits for the region. Cycle trails support the Waikato Regional Council strategic priorities and outcomes by supporting a healthy environment, strong economy and vibrant communities. The Waikato Regional Cycle Trail Network has been working with WMB to define the economic opportunities that further trails development offer on a regional basis. The WMB board have offered financial support for a specific project to support the trails and discussions are underway to confirm the scope of this work. Where to from here? Cycle Trail stakeholders will continue to work together to realise the identified regional priorities, share expertise, provide consistent quality offerings and aim to leverage Government funding. Securing local share continues to be one of the most significant barriers to leveraging full value from the trails and WRC will be supporting the development of a business case for the region which will incorporate much of the work completed to date, with a view to securing regional funding. Conclusion Stakeholders continue to work collaboratively to progress joint outcomes for cycling in the region. Stakeholders are planning for future cycling projects and are working collaboratively on three selected activities. Regional Cycle Trail managers and partners continue to work together with the WRC to form a regional network of connected cycle trails and to realise the social, cultural, economic and environmental potential of this investment. Assessment of Significance Having regard to the decision making provisions in the LGA 2002 and Councils Significance Policy, a decision in accordance with the recommendations is not considered to have a high degree of significance.

Rachel Cook Senior Policy Advisor – Transport Relationships


Attachments

1. Cycling in the Waikato Region (Doc # 10891927)

39

Bicycle

THE STORYCycling in the Waikato is experiencing a growth in popularity like never before. More and more people are also enjoying facilities such as the Avantidrome and cycle trails, bringing benefits to the economy.

There is an increasing recognition of the many benefits of cycling, including economic, health, environmental and social. More funding is becoming available for cycling, especially in areas demonstrating organisation and collaboration. Local government, the NZ Transport Agency and private spending on cycling has also increased in the region.

Regional cycling stakeholders have been working together to progress first a strategic case, then a programme business case for cycling in the region. Their aim is to work together to get the most out of cycling in the Waikato. Stakeholders have recognised that to get buy-in, a region-wide vision is necessary. A coordinated and collaborative approach will increase the success of investment as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES – STAKEHOLDERS’ AIMS

IMPROVED SAFETY OF CYCLISTS (40%)

Includes riding on roads, off-road paths trails or tracks. Shared by all stakeholders with an interest in cycling. The main way to demonstrate is reduced crash risk.

A MORE HEALTHY, ACTIVE AND CONNECTED COMMUNITY (40%)

Delivered through cycling as an active form of transport as well as exercise, a benefit that all stakeholder organisations identify with. Measures are increased numbers of cycling trips and increased diversity in cycling participation.

INCREASED CONTRIBUTION FROM CYCLING TO ECONOMIC GROWTH (20%)

Cycle trails attracting local, national and international visitors; there is household economic benefit through reduced reliance on motor vehicles and improved health; and reduced growth in maintenance and investment required for road networks. The most explicit measures are more people using cycle trails in the region and more tourists who report cycling during their travel.

CYCLING IN THE WAIKATO REGIONTHE PATH TO BETTER, MORE AND SAFER CYCLING

STAKEHOLDERSTerritorial authorities, Waikato Regional Council, NZ Transport Agency, Cycling NZ, Waikato District Health Board, NZ Police, Sport Waikato, Waikato Principals’ Association, Cycle Action Waikato, Tourism

NZ representatives, Te Awa River Ride, Hauraki Rail Trail

KEY PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED BY STAKEHOLDERSStakeholders workshopped key problems and benefits of investing and gave these percentage weightings to indicate their relative importance:

FRAGMENTED CYCLING NETWORKS AND FACILITIES MAKE CYCLING UNSAFE AND INCONVENIENT (60%)Divided by network type: Main urban centre (Hamilton), smaller urban centres (eg Cambridge, Taupō), inter-urban connections (eg Cambridge to Hamilton), rural areas and connections to the trails network. Fragmentation, disconnection and variable provision and quality of infrastructure affect the different network types similarly. Cycle path types within each network type are also mixed. A combination of these elements creates safety implications and inconvenience as interrelated problems.

LACK OF INFORMATION ON CYCLING AND FACILITIES MAKES CYCLING LESS CONVENIENT AND APPEALING (15%)Information exists in print and electronic formats about specific facilities, trails or events, but there is no Waikato region material that provides comprehensive, accessible information for people interested in cycling.

SOME PEOPLE LACK CYCLING SKILLS, SO THEY MISS OUT ON TRANSPORT, EXERCISE AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (15%)Safety risks and interventions for cyclists as well as best practice for cycle skills training is needed for both adults and children. Skills training is particularly important to upskill young people and adults to cycle safely and help build their confidence on roads.

CYCLING IS NOT SEEN AS DESIRABLE BY ALL CULTURES, AGES AND GENDERS, LEADING TO SKEWED PARTICIPATION LEVELS (10%)Participation in recreational sports such as cycling is skewed towards higher socio-economic groups in New Zealand. Men are more likely to cycle than women, and older adults and Asian people are generally underrepresented, despite over 800,000 New Zealanders reporting participating in cycling for sport or recreation in 2013/14.

Status

quo

More and better cycling infrastructure

Improve planning processes

for more and safer cycling

Cement regional cycling

governance

Collaborative region-

wide cycling communications

More and better

promotion

More effective

and united lobbying and

supportMore cycling skills training

Increase access to

bikes

More and different

stakeholder and champion involvement

Innovation incubation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES

Improved safety of cyclists No Yes Yes Partial Partial Partial Partial Yes Partial Yes Yes

A more healthy, active and connected community No Yes Yes Partial Yes Yes Yes Partial Yes Yes Partial

Increased contribution from cycling to economic growth No Yes Yes Yes Partial Yes Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Strategic fit No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Partial

Value for money No Partial Yes Yes Yes Partial Yes Partial Partial Yes Yes

Service provider capacity No Yes Partial Yes Partial Yes Partial Yes Yes Partial No

Affordability No No Partial Yes Yes Partial Yes No Partial Yes Partial

Achievability No Yes No Partial No Yes No Partial Yes Partial Partial

Overall assessment

Viable if risk is managed


Viable Viable if risk is

managed Viable



Viable Viable Viable if risk is managed

Include activities in preferred programme

OPTIONS ASSESSMENT – SELECTING THE PREFERRED PROGRAMME

Stakeholders identified a long list of activities that could address the key problems. They then assessed these activities against their investment objectives and critical success factors to determine whether to include

activities in a preferred programme. Bearing in mind the risks identified with some of the options as noted in the options assessment table, it was agreed that each of the options would be

incorporated into the preferred programme.

PROGRAMME BUSINESS CASE“Multisector blueprint for cycling investment in the Waikato Region”

40

Matamata

Paeroa

Te Aroha

Thames

Waihi

Ngāruawāhia

Cambridge

Te Awamutu

Kāwhia

Mokau

Raglan

Ōtorohanga

Tokoroa

Te Kūiti

Turangi

LakeTaupō

AUCKLAND

HAMILTON

ROTORUA

Waikato River

Waikato River

TAUPO

te araroa

Trails network

Main urban centre

Cycling points of interest

Proposed trails

Planned trails

Te Araroa trail

inter-urban connections

Legend

Urban smaller centre where there is a high level of cycling demand and/or where they connect to strategic networks

For more information contact Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 401. Copies of the full business case are available on request.

Cycling in the Waikato Region, Waikato Regional Council Programme Business Case July 2017. #5634

MORE DETAIL: SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM ACTIVITIESPROGRAMME COMPONENT ENABLING ACTIVITIES SHORT TERM ACTIVITIES (2017-2021)

LONGER TERM ACTIVITIES (BEYOND 2021)

1 More and better cycling infrastructure

1a. Stocktake existing safe and attractive cycle journeys

1b. Gap analysis to determine the likely return on investment for infrastructure

1c. Strategic plan to improve nature and extent of all types of cycling infrastructure for all people and all cycling trip purposes

1d. Identify opportunities to deliver more and better cycling infrastructure through annual infrastructure investment.

1e. Develop network of off-road cycle trails in Waikato Region including planning and delivery

1f. Broaden delivery of cycle infrastructure to wider range of people

2 Improve planning processes for more and safer cycling

2a. Begin conversation about integrated land use and transport planning

2b. Support RCAs to plan and fund into 2018-21 Land Transport Programme

2c. Involve local cycling groups in land use development standards and reviews of District Plans

2d. Include specific objectives in Ten Year Plans and the Regional Land Transport Plan to integrate safe, connected cycle infrastructure with residential communities

2e. Promote and complete Health Impact Assessments of proposed new development

2f. Promote and complete walking and cycling audits of new infrastructure

2g. Continue to work towards improved planning process

3 Cement regional cycling governance

3a. Cement regional technical working group

3b. Establish and document communications lines within stakeholder organisations and upwards to political and business leaders

3c. Establish reporting framework to communicate programme delivery to political and business leaders

3d. Establish communications methods to share political and business leadership decisions within and between stakeholder organisations

3e. Build on political support through ongoing reporting including monitoring of programme successes

4 Collaborative region-wide cycling communications

4a. Document existing communications, both within stakeholder organisations, and between government and private sector organisations and the public

4b. Develop collaborative communications strategy to share cycling activities and investment within stakeholder organisations

4c. Monitor reach of communications and its link with more cycling

To be determined

5 More and better promotion

5a. Build understanding of existing promotions activities among investing agencies and others (eg private sector)

5b. Identify obvious gaps in existing promotions and collate information and needs to prioritise filling these gaps

5c. Develop collaborative, cross-sector promotional materials according to gaps identified

5d. Continue to deliver and build on collaborative promotion of cycling routes, facilities and events

6 More effective and united advocacy and support

Technical group to develop 6a. Select regional priorities that would benefit from high-level support and develop advocacy mechanisms

To be determined

7 More cycling skills training

7a. Stocktake of regional and national cycle skills training initiatives.

7b. Prioritise investment in cycle skills training based on regional and local needs

7c. Monitor gaps in cycle skills training and deliver through a range of skills offerings

8 Increase access to bikes 8a. Needs assessment to identify who does and does not have access to bikes in Waikato region.

8b. Promote access to bikes to communities of need, through most appropriate methods identified through needs assessment

8c. Promote access to bikes in all Waikato communities, targeting improved equity

9 More and different stakeholder and champion involvement

Technical group to develop 9a. Invite new representatives from existing and new stakeholder groups to regional technical working group

9b. Include new representatives in regional communications strategy and promotions activities

9c. Monitor effectiveness of different stakeholder champions and continue to invite fresh perspectives

10 Innovation incubation Technical group to develop 10a. Develop framework for working in the spirit of innovation incubation

10b. Apply principles of innovation incubation in a workshop or as part of other programme components

10c. Document nature and success of innovation incubation so that its effectiveness can be verified

• Set up governance and technical support group• Help partners/implementers to do their

planning for 2018-21• Plan for more, safer and connected

infrastructure in 2018-21

PLAN AND ENABLE• Plan how to tell the story – communications planning• Plan how to connect with diverse communities of

interest• Plan how to grow users and deliver skills• Plan how to promote cycling

NEXT STEPS – The programme’s delivery is intended to be governed by a key group of stakeholders with a long term interest in seeing more and safer cycling in the Waikato Region. The

necessary next steps to deliver on this programme are to cement the governance arrangement so that delivery agencies for each project can be defined; and to better define

costs associated with specific programme components so that they can be prioritised and delivered.

• Detailed planning and building of infrastructure projects - short and longer timeframes, including promotion of individual projects

• Link infrastructure to create connected networks• Improve planning processes

• Advocacy to partners, funders and planners on the benefits of doing more• Promote existing and planned facilities and activities to users and potential users• Identify and connect to more and different stakeholders to broaden engagement and invite broader

perspectives and innovation

ENGAGE - TELL THE

STORY

BUILD - IMPLEMENT

• Grow access to bikes• Run training skills programmes• Promote and market cycling, cycle facilities and cycle networks

GROW USE

AGREEING LEAD AGENCIES AND COMPILING ESTIMATED COSTSPREFERRED PROGRAMME

41

Doc # 10898256

Report to Regional Transport Committee September 2017 - To be received

File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Transport Planning and Projects Report – September 2017

Section: A (Committee has authority to receive report) Purpose To provide the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) with an update on current regional transport plans and projects as at 18 August 2017.

Recommendation: That the report “Transport Planning and Projects Report – September 2017” (Doc # 10898256 dated 18 August 2017) be received for information.

Background A number of transport projects are being undertaken as part of the implementation of the Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-45 and Regional Public Transport Plan 2015-25. This report provides an update on these projects, together with other national and regional transport matters of interest, sorted by national, inter-regional and regional sub-groups as outlined in the tables below: National activities

Project Status Future actions

Transport infrastructure funding

Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF): Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council have been successful in their bids to secure investment from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to support future residential development in Peacocke ($272 million) and Te Kauwhata ($37 million). Hamilton’s detailed business case will look at the strategic, economic, commercial, financial and management aspects of developing the Peacocke growth area. The financial case will look into the effects the HIF will have on the council’s budget plan and how the loan could be repaid, including any other, new or revised revenue options. Final decisions are to be taken by these councils in late 2017 on whether or not to take up these investment loans to support future housing development.

RTC is to be kept informed on the next steps in relation to the transport implications of Housing infrastructure Fund applications.

42

Doc # 10898256 Page 2


Crown Infrastructure Partners: The Government announced on 23 July 2017 its intention to co-invest up to $600 million alongside local councils and private investors in network infrastructure for big new housing developments.

This will be done via a re-purposed ultra-fast broadband company (Crown Fibre Holdings) special purpose vehicle to be called ‘Crown Infrastructure Partners’. This investment will include infrastructure to support development of 17,800 homes across Pukekohe, Paerata and Drury in Auckland south. Transport infrastructure improvements identified to date include rail stations at Paerata and Drury West ($60 million), a Paerata rail crossing ($20 million) an update at Bremner ($38 million), and a Mill Road, Great South Road/Spine Road ($97 million).

Further details on this initiative are still to be announced. Additional transport investment in Auckland: Central government announced on the 4 August 2017 its intention to provide additional transport investment in Auckland within the next 10 years. This includes extending rail electrification from Papakura to Pukekohe, and a third track on the busy freight and passenger rail line between Westfield and Wiri. The updated Auckland Transport Alignment Project report1 (August 2017) identifies activities that will be brought forward into the next three years in response to increased growth, and to support the efficient delivery of other key investments. These activities include:

advancing planning development for southern motorway widening (between Papakura and Drury) –construction is likely to occur post 2021

completing approximately $250 million of rail network infrastructure improvements to cater for on-going rapid growth in rail ridership and increasing rail freight volumes –e.g. third rail track from between Westfield to Wiri.

The rail electrification extension and third rail track improvements have been identified in the Waikato RLTP as significant inter-regional transport projects so the funding announcement is welcomed from an Upper North Island perspective.

LGNZ Transport Special Interest Group

A meeting of the LGNZ Transport Special Interest Group was held in Wellington on the 24-25 July 2017. The meeting included a workshop on national ticketing, and an update on the development of 2018 regional land transport plans.

RTC is to be kept informed.

1 Updated to reflect faster growth in Auckland https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Auckland%20Transport%20Alignment%20Project%20%E2%80%93%20Update%20to%20reflect

%20faster%20growth%20August%202017.pdf

43

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Auckland%20Transport%20Alignment%20Project%20%E2%80%93%20Update%20to%20reflect%20faster%20growth%20August%202017.pdf

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Auckland%20Transport%20Alignment%20Project%20%E2%80%93%20Update%20to%20reflect%20faster%20growth%20August%202017.pdf

Doc # 10898256 Page 3

Inter-regional activities

Regional activities


Future Proof Strategy Update (2017)

The Draft 2017 Future Proof Strategy 2017 (the Draft Strategy) was open for submissions between the 12 June and 21 July 2017. Forty-four submissions were received to the Draft Strategy, which included three late submissions. Submissions have been placed on the Future Proof website. Key submission themes identified in submissions received include general support for the guiding principles and revised settlement pattern, along with a desire for higher population projections to be identified in the Strategy Update.

RTC to be kept informed.


North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business case

This project has a focus on working collaboratively (Waikato, Auckland and central government) to identify and enable coordinated planning and implementation of infrastructure and services in the north Waikato area (between Huntly and Auckland). It will support integrated growth management across a range of sectors including local government, transport, health and education. Key proposed growth nodes include Tuakau and Pokeno in the north, and Huntly and Te Kauwhata in the south. The Draft North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case Report has been completed, and is subject to further feedback from the project steering group (24 August) and then approval by key project partners such as Waikato District Council.

RTC is to be kept informed.

SH 1/29 – East Coast Main Trunk (ECMT) Working group

A meeting of the SH1/29 – ECMT Working Group is planned for 6 October 2017 in Tauranga. The agenda for this meeting will include discussion on and confirmation of a revised Terms of Reference for the Group, and an update from NZ Transport Agency staff on the State Highway Investment Programme.


SH3 Working Group

In late July the SH 3 Mount Messenger Alliance Team held an open day to provide an opportunity for SH 3 WG members and others to hear details of the options on the five Mt Messenger bypass options they have been investigating, and responding to any questions. It is understood that the team in advancing well toward identified a preferred final option which will be reported back to the SH 3 WG in the near future. In the meantime the SH 3 Awakino Tunnel Bypass is advancing into the more detailed planning implementation stages of the project.

Auckland/Waikato Forum

A meeting is planned for November 2017 (date to still be confirmed). The agenda is still being finalised but will include an update on identified cross boundary actions e.g. Aligned growth planning such as the North Waikato Programme Business Case.


44

http://passthrough.fw-notify.net/download/388963/http:/www.futureproof.org.nz/file/fp-compiled-submissions-aug2017.pdf

Doc # 10898256 Page 4


Key submission themes identified in submissions received include general support for the guiding principles and revised settlement pattern, along with a desire for higher population projections to be identified in the Strategy Update. Hearings are scheduled for the 28 and 30 August 2017 with Deliberations to occur on the 25 September. Recommendations in the Hearings Report along with the final Strategy Update documents will be reported to the Future Proof Implementation Committee for approval on 30 October 2017. The level of development activity occurring across the Future Proof settlement area remains high.

Regional Stock Truck Effluent Update: Business case

The draft Detailed Business Case for the proposed construction of ten stock truck effluent disposal facilities is now complete, and with final edits will be ready for discussion at the October RTC meeting. The cost of this investment is estimated at $17 million, where nearly $15.5 million will be NZ Transport Agency roading costs. The benefits of this investment includes: • Improved safety for all drivers, including vulnerable road users such as motorcycles • Reduced environmental damage resulting from effluent seeping into waterways • Reduced health issues for roading contractors and vulnerable road users • Reduced instances of loss of amenity due to effluent spills in urban areas. Some of the sites will be more ready to develop than others due to land availability and viability. These include the intersection of SH24/29 (foot of the Kaimai on western side), the roundabout at SH1 and SH5 in Taupo, the Z Energy truck stop in Turangi and a site on SH4, 200metres south of the SH3 intersection (8-mile Junction). At least two further sites have high estimated construction costs which make these less viable and lower on the priority list. These will be discussed at October’s RTC meeting. A Disposal and Treatment Options paper for stock truck effluent has just been completed which reviewed seven alternative collection and treatment options. This will assist WRC on suitable effluent treatment options once construction of the facilities is underway.

RTC report at October meeting

Assessment of significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

45

Doc # 10898256 Page 5

Bill McMaster Tracey May Team Leader Transport and Infrastructure


46

Doc # 10897788

Report to Regional Transport Committee - September 2017 – Decision required

File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Update

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) Purpose To report on the recommendations received from the North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case partner organisations in respect to the three options proposed in the Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail assessment report, and to seek a decision from the Regional Transport Committee on the preferred option for next steps.

Recommendations: 1) That the report “Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Update” (Doc # 10897788 dated 14 August 2017)

be received for information. 2) That the Regional Transport Committee endorse Option 3 (Strategic Business Case) as a preferred

next step, and this decision will be communicated back to the North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case partner organisations.

3) That the Regional Transport Committee convene an Auckland/Waikato Transport Connections Working Party to oversee the development of the Strategic Business Case, and the Working Party will comprise of Regional Transport Committee members from Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and other key stakeholders, including Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency.

Background As reported previously to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC), a report on the assessment of the 2011 Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Working Party Recommendations Report has been prepared by Waikato Regional Council staff with input from the members of North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case (North Waikato PBC) project partners, which include Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency. The rail assessment report considers, amongst other matters, policy and strategic alignment, operational feasibility, station upgrade and rolling stock, and funding requirements, with key findings including:

There has been no real change in the transport policy context since 2011. The operative 2015-2018 Government Policy Statement continues in a similar direction as the previous statements. However, there is now a very clear expectation for major transport projects to

47

Doc # 10897788 Page 2

undertake a business case assessment to demonstrate that the problem (or opportunity) is clearly understood, and that investment is targeting at the right solution.

Network access at the Auckland end is a critical constraint and cannot be resolved without significant capital expenditure. There are many difficulties to resolve in running a passenger service on the current infrastructure, some of which include:

o After the City Rail Link is completed, diesel services can no longer operate into and out of Britomart and network capacity is limited. It is likely that Hamilton services would need to terminate in south Auckland with the inconvenience of a change of train;

o The Auckland rail network is very congested in peak periods, and there is currently no spare capacity between Papakura and Westfield/CBD line to accommodate any new peak passenger rail service, both short term and long term. The network constraint issues are unlikely to be addressed until the proposed rail improvements (i.e. rail electrification to Papakura and third rail line) identified in the Auckland Transport Alignment Project are implemented1.

o There is no suitable rolling stock immediately available for a Hamilton to Auckland commuter service, however Auckland Council is investigating the viability of operating battery-power train services, which could potentially be extended to south of Papakura.

There is no clear funding commitment from partner agencies/councils and central government to implement a passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland.

Overall, the 2011 passenger rail proposal2 is no longer practically feasible for today’s conditions, particularly in light of network access issues in Auckland and lack of funding commitment from partner agencies/councils.

The report has identified three broad options as possible next steps which are set out in the table below. Feedback was sought from the North Waikato PBC partner organisations on the three options and to advise the RTC on their preferred option.

Options

Indicative costs

Benefits Risks

1. Do nothing / status quo Nil - No investment outlaid until such time as deemed appropriate

- Not meeting stakeholder/community or political expectations

- Nature of potential problems and opportunities not clearly understood

2. Prepare a detailed rail feasibility study to explore potential options for a passenger rail connection between Auckland and Hamilton

$50-100,0003 (dependent on scope)

- Potentially easy and quick to update, provided the scope is clearly defined

- Findings easy to communicate with key stakeholders

- No clear assessment on why a service is needed or what long term strategic outcomes that this service is intending to achieve

- Takes a narrow approach and doesn’t consider other alternatives or transport modes

- Increased risk of no central government buy-in/funding without a robust business case.

1 The Government has recently announced a transport investment package to bring forward a number of priority projects in ATAP, including extending electrified rail from Papakura to Pukekohe, and a third rail line between Westfield and Wiri 2 A passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland via the Waterfront route (through Sylvia Park/ Glen Innes) onto the Strand station and carrying on to Newmarket as the termination point. 3 An estimate based on actual costs incurred in 2011 Hamilton to Auckland rail investigation (Staff time and consultancy costs).

48

Doc # 10897788 Page 3

3. Develop a Strategic Business Case to identify the problem or opportunity in relation to the inter-regional connections between Auckland/Hamilton and associated investment benefits that could be gained.

$30-50,000 for the Strategic Case component4. (This is to be split 33% each between WRC, HCC and Waikato DC).

- A more collaborative process and best practice for decision-making

- Enable agreed problems, benefits and investment objectives to be developed, supported by evidence-based information

- Enable consideration of options and alternatives

- Strategic case outputs could help to inform the RLTPs on the inter-regional priorities

- Lack of commitment from project partners to progress to future business case stage.

Discussions Waikato Regional Council has now received the recommendations from the North Waikato PBC partner organisations, and these are included in Attachment 1. A summary of the recommendations is provided in the table below.

NW PBC partner organisation

Recommendation on preferred option

Funding support for Strategic Business case

Additional comments

Option 1 Do nothing / status quo

Option 2 Detailed rail feasibility study

Option 3 Strategic Business case

Waikato Regional Council

Yes Support Option 3 and funding for the strategic case development.

Auckland Council

No Support Option 3 and the preparation of a high-level review to identify key constraints, benefits and options of a passenger rail service. Whilst the Council support in principle the provision of a passenger rail service from Hamilton to Auckland, it is acknowledged that such a service is not a high priority for Auckland at this point in time.

Auckland Transport

No AT has confirmed that it will follow Auckland Councils lead with regards to the recommendation from the Planning Committee of “Undertake a high-level review to identify the opportunities and constraints of a Hamilton to

4 Note that the strategic case is a precursor to a detailed business case which could require shared commitment of at least $50-100,000 plus staff resourcing.

49

Doc # 10897788 Page 4

Auckland passenger rail service”.


Yes Support Option 3 and funding for the strategic case development.

NZTA (staff feedback)

Neutral No Do not support options 1 and 2 as it was agreed that there is a need to explore future inter-regional linkages between Hamilton and Auckland. Neutral on option 3, but suggest that the investigation of strategic linkages between Auckland could be progressed through existing forums such as UNISA, Future Proof and/or North Waikato PBC.

Hamilton City Council

Yes Support option 3 and request an Advocacy Plan to be developed prior to implementing action 2.2.1 of the Waikato Plan which relates to advocating for passenger rail between Auckland and Hamilton

There is a majority support from the partners to progress Option 3 Strategic Business Case as the preferred next step. This option would enable key partners/stakeholders to determine and agree on the key problems and opportunities relating to strengthening transport connections or broader social and economic relationships between Hamilton and Auckland, and to confirm what would be the best response/solution in achieving this (with clear evidence). The Strategic Business Case would also allow the consideration of a wide range of options and integration of modes to improve transport connections between Hamilton and Auckland, and will form the basis for decision-making on future inter-regional transport priorities and investment. In addition, the comments raised by Auckland Council and Hamilton City Council with regard to a high-level technical review and rail advocacy plan, this could be incorporated into the business case process as part of evidence-based information gathering and option assessment. Based on the recommended option from the partner organisations, it is recommended that the RTC endorse Option 3 as a preferred next step to support the development of a strategic business case. It is also recommended that the RTC convene an Auckland/Waikato Transport Connections Working Party (Working Party) to oversee the development of the Strategic Business Case. The Working Party will comprise RTC members from Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council, and other key stakeholders, including Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency, and will report back to the Waikato RTC and Auckland Council on the outcomes of the strategic business case. A terms of reference for the Strategic Business Case will be prepared by Waikato Regional Council staff in consultation with other partners to set out high level project details such as purpose, scope, timeframe and budget, governance and project management. The terms of reference will be considered and approved by the Transport Connections Working Party once it is being established.

50

Doc # 10897788 Page 5

Further Advice from Hamilton City Council Attached as Attachment 3 is a letter from Andrew King, Mayor of Hamilton City to Alan Livingston providing further advice on the Hamilton City Council position on passenger rail. The Hamilton City Council RTC representative, Cr Macpherson will speak to the letter at the RTC meeting. Assessment of Significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

Annika Lane Tracey May

Manager, Integration and Infrastructure


Attachments

1. Recommendations from North Waikato PBC project partners on Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail report

2. Letter from NZ Transport Agency (Doc # 10909907) 3. Letter from Andrew King, Mayor of Hamilton City to Alan Livingston, Chairman of Waikato

Regional Council (Doc # 10989418)

51

Doc # 10897788

Attachment 1: Recommendations from North Waikato PBC project partners on Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail report Resolutions from Waikato Regional Council Strategy and Policy Committee – 16 May 2017

1. THAT the Committee identified Option 3 as the preferred option from the three options for next steps identified in the attached ‘Report on Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail Service’ (Doc #10142891) and recommend this option to Council. 2. THAT the Council communicate this decision to the North Waikato Integrated Growth Management Programme Business Case Steering Group who will collate responses from all partner organisations and report to the Waikato Regional Transport Committee for consideration

Resolutions from Auckland Council Planning Committee – 6 June 2017 “That the Planning Committee:

a) Support the preparation of a high-level review to identify the key constraints, benefits and options of a passenger rail service between Auckland/Hamilton, including an updated assessment of customer demand, with a recommendation as to whether or not to proceed towards a detailed feasibility study. b) Recognise the current network access and rolling stock constraints which cannot be resolved without significant capital expenditure. c) Acknowledge the importance of working together with the partner organisations, but considers a passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland to be a low priority for Auckland Council at this point in time. d) Request that the high-level review be reported back to the Planning Committee. e) Support in principle the provision of a passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland.”

Resolutions from Hamilton City Council – 20 June

“That the Growth & Infrastructure Committee:

a) receives the report;

b) agrees to advise the Regional Transport Committee that Hamilton City Council wishes to develop and agree an Advocacy Plan with the Waikato Regional Council and Waikato District Council prior to implementing action 2.2.1 of the Waikato Plan which relates to advocating for passenger rail between Auckland and Hamilton.

c) agrees to advise the Regional Transport Committee of Hamilton City Councils preference to pursue Option 3 to undertake a Strategic Business Case in relation to the Waikato Regional Council report on Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail in conjunction with implementing the agreed advocacy Plan; and

d) notes the actions required to preserve the opportunities for future passenger rail stops in Hamilton.“

Resolutions from Waikato District Council – 10 July

Hamilton to Auckland Passenger Rail – Progress Update and Future Direction – INF1706/10

THAT Council supports the preferred option to develop a strategic business case for a public transport link between Hamilton and Auckland

52

Doc # 10897788 Page 7

Attachment 2: Letter from NZ Transport Agency

53

Doc # 10897788 Page 8

54

Doc # 10897788 Page 9

Attachment 3: Letter from Hamilton City Council

55

TaurangaCentral

Frankton

Otahuhu

Britomart

Te Rapa

Ngaruawahia

Huntly

Te Kauwhata

TuakauPukekhoe

Papakura

Ellerslie

Newmarket

PokenoMercer

Passenger RailTrim No.D-2477881Potential Hamilton to Auckland Service

Date: 23/08/2017

Notes:1: Rail stops to be decided2. Depending on demand survey, consider 1, 2 or 3 am peak departs from Hamilton3. Use refurbished existing rolling stock – 2 car capacity = 88 – 4 car capacity = 205 – 6 car capacity = 3204. Minimal station upgrades

56

Doc # 10889532


File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Update on Regional Public Transport Projects

Section: A (Committee has authority to receive the report) Purpose To update the Regional Transport Committee on the review of the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) and other key public transport planning projects.

Recommendation: That the report “Update on Regional Public Transport Projects” (Doc # 10889532 dated 14 August 2017) be received for information.

Background The Regional Transport Committee (RTC) has an important function under the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) to provide the Regional Council with any advice and assistance in relation to its transport responsibilities, including the management of public transport. The scope of activity of the RTC as related to public transport1 is:

“To monitor the implementation of the Regional Public Transport Plan on matters outside of Hamilton City (where this role is delegated to the Hamilton Public Transport Joint Committee).”

This report provides an update on the review of RPTP, along with other key public transport planning projects that are being advanced to inform the review of the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and RPTP, including:

Ministry of Education school transport review Review of the Total Mobility scheme in the Waikato region.

Review of Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan in 2017/18 As reported at the RTC meeting on 3 July, Waikato Regional Council has established the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) Development Subcommittee to oversee the review of the RPTP with an aim to adopt a new plan by August 2018. The review is following the principles of the NZTA Business Case Approach (BCA) to develop a clear and cohesive investment story for public transport that aligns with the transport objectives identified in the RLTP. The broad approach for the review of the RPTP, following Business Case Approach principles,

1 Regional Transport Committee Terms of Reference for the 2016-19 Triennium

57

Doc # 10889532 Page 2

is illustrated below. The timing of consultation and decision processes is intended to be aligned with long term planning, so that this review can feed in to long term plans, and then be confirmed once long term plans have been finalised.

As part of phase 1 of the review, a workshop was held with the RPTP Development Subcommittee and key stakeholders from Waikato DHB, Wintec and University of Waikato on 12 June to develop a shared understanding of problems and challenges for public transport, and the associated benefits/outcomes that can be realised from addressing these. A draft strategic case based on these problems and benefits is currently being prepared by staff, and this will be presented to the RPTP Development Subcommittee at their next meeting on 1 September. The three key problems relate broadly to:

1. High population growth and increasing dependency on cars is causing congestion in our towns and city

2. Lack of suitable transport options limits access to essential services and employment 3. Poor perceptions and journey experiences are a barrier to retaining and growing public

transport patronage. These problem statements are broadly consistent with the problem and benefit statements developed by the RTC for the Regional Land Transport Plan, and in particular address elements of the RLTP problem one around high growth, and problem three around people’s accessibility to essential services and employment. A second workshop will be held with the RPTP Development Subcommittee and stakeholders on 18 September to identify potential gaps (policy and service provision) within the current public transport system based on the strategic case, and potential options/interventions that should be considered in this RPTP review. Update on Ministry of Education School Transport Services Waikato Regional Council staff have invited Ministry of Education staff to attend the RTC meeting on 4 September to provide further detail and clarification on the Ministry position with respect to the planned withdrawal of school bus services in the Waikato region. On 3 April the RTC expressed concerns about the Ministry’s intention to withdraw the two school bus services in Waikato by 1 July 2018 where suitable public transport is available , and it was resolved by the Committee at the meeting that:

“Any changes with regard to the implementation of the proposed withdrawal of bus services by the Ministry of Education do not take effect in the Waikato until the work of the national working party is complete and the Regional Transport Committee can receive and consider the completed information [RTC17/31].”

58

Doc # 10889532 Page 3

The resolution was forwarded to the Ministry of Education to reaffirm the Committee’s position of not supporting any proposed reduction of school bus services in Waikato until the national review work is complete. Whilst the RTC’s position has been acknowledged by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry has responded to the Committee’s request by stating that it is still their intention to withdraw the two bus routes by 1 July 2018, which are:

The Cambridge school bus service to Saint Johns College (carrying approximately 14 students) The Morrinsville school bus service to Sacred Heart Girls and St. Johns colleges (carrying

approximately 50 students). Total Mobility service in the Waikato region Total Mobility is a national transport scheme involving disability support agencies, approved transport providers and local government. The Total Mobility scheme provides subsidised/discounted travel options to people who have an impairment that prevents them from undertaking certain components of a public transport journey unaccompanied, and in a safe and dignified manner. The scheme is particularly vital to people with disability who do not have independent access to a vehicle and cannot use public transport. Waikato Regional Council manages the Total Mobility scheme in the Waikato region. The scheme currently operates in Hamilton, Taupo and Tokoroa. In the 2015-16 year, Total Mobility registered users comprised about 1.3% of the serviced areas’ population. About 18 trips per person on average were taken with average subsidies ranging from $4.36 in Tokoroa to $9.96 in Hamilton per trip. The decision to fund Total Mobility rests with each local council. The scheme pays up to 60 per cent of a person’s trip, up to a value set by the local authority. The NZ Transport Agency pays 60 per cent of the discount with the local authority paying the other 40 per cent. Use of the Total Mobility scheme in the Waikato has recently been reviewed, particularly in light of changes to legislation on the regulation of small passenger services (eg taxis).2 A noted constraint on expanding Total Mobility in the Waikato is the lack of eligible taxi services in some areas. The changes to the legislation allow more flexibility in regulation to improve transport choices for consumers and therefore the possibility of extending the scheme elsewhere in the region. Waikato Regional Council sets the criteria for service providers to be eligible to provide Total Mobility services. Staff plan to review the service provider criteria through workshops with providers, to discuss possible criteria in contracts and levels of practicality in requiring these, while ensuring enough providers would be available. The objective is to find a balance between the scheme being worthwhile to providers, while protecting vulnerable people to use the service safely. The outcomes of these workshops are intended to be included in the current review of the Regional Public Transport Plan. Extending the Total Mobility scheme

The Regional Public Transport Plan encourages other territorial authorities to contribute local share funding to enable the extension of the scheme more widely. The Waikato Rural Transport Forum3 has also expressed its strong desire for Councils who do not currently fund Total Mobility in their Districts to seriously consider supporting this scheme in their Long Term Planning for the next period. Cambridge and Te Awamutu, both of which are larger than Tokoroa, are not currently part of the scheme. Huntly, Matamata and Morrinsville are the next biggest towns.

2 Transport Design Group, Total Mobility Review- Findings report, April 2017. 3 This Forum brings together regional community transport service providers with organisations who include community transport in their mandates (i.e. Waikato Regional Council, Territorial Authorities, NZ Transport Agency, Waikato District Health Board, Community Waikato). The objective of this forum is to exchange information firsthand with service providers, as well as to provide capacity building, sharing best practice, collectively advocate, and network.

59

Doc # 10889532 Page 4

Total Mobility is available to fewer people, and has a lower level of use in Waikato compared to two benchmark regions – Bay of Plenty and Manawatu-Wanganui. While 60% of the Waikato regional population has a service, the two other regions have 72% and 70% respectively. The maximum fare subsidised may also make the cost of some necessary trips prohibitively expensive for scheme participants. An adjustment to the maximum fare would reflect increased trip lengths resulting from recent and ongoing urban growth in particular around Hamilton. Several mid-sized towns in the benchmark regions have Total Mobility service, whereas comparable Waikato towns do not. Specifically, Levin, Feilding and Whakatane are comparable to Cambridge and Te Awamutu, with populations of between 16,000 and 21,000, while several Waikato towns are larger than Marton, which has a population of fewer than 5,000. Potential costs of funding Total Mobility The below table outlines indicative costs of subsidising Total Mobility for some representative towns in the Waikato. The figures are based on the rate of uptake being 2-3% of the population, the average number of trips per person per year being 20-24 trips, and the average subsidy per trip being $6 (of which 40% is local share). At these rates, for example, the subsidy expected for Cambridge would be between $47,040-$84,672 per year, with the local share for Waipa District Council for this town being between $18,816-$33,869 annually. Table 1: estimated costs of subsidising Total Mobility in selected Waikato towns

Cambridge Zone (pop 19,600)

Te Awamutu Zone (16,750)

Huntly (7,860)

Matamata (7,730)

Morrinsville (7,600)

Thames (7,140)

@ 2% Population, 20 Trips Per Year Total $47,040 $40,200 $18,864 $18,552 $18,240 $17,136 Local Share (40%) $18,816 $16,080 $7,545.60 $7,420.80 $7,296 $6,854.40 @ 3% Population, 20 Trips Per Year Total $70,560 $60,300 $28,296 $27,828 $27,360 $25,704 Local Share $28,224 $24,120 $11,318.40 $11,131.20 $10,944 $10,281.60

@ 2% Population, 24 Trips Per Year Total $56,448 $48,240 $22,636.80 $22,262.40 $21,888 $20,563.20 Local Share $22,579.20 $19,296 $9,054.72 $8,904.96 $8,755.20 $8,225.28 @ 3% Population, 24 Trips Per Year Total $84,672 $72,360 $33,955.20 $33,393.60 $32,832 $30,844.80 Local Share (40%) $33,868.80 $28,944 $13,582.08 $13,357.44 $13,132.80 $12,337.92

Should there be a desire to join the Total Mobility scheme, Regional Council staff will work with territorial authority staff to look at how the service can be tailored to local needs and to work through detailed funding requirements. This work would inform councils’ long term planning processes.

60

Doc # 10889532 Page 5

Assessment of significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

Annika Lane Manager Integration and Infrastructure


Andrew Wilson Manager – Public transport Operations

Mike Garrett Chief Financial Officer

61

Doc # 10899264


File No: 03 04 11




Subject: Regional Transport Issues Forum

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision) Purpose To provide the Regional Transport Committee with an opportunity to raise and discuss regional transport issues in an open forum.

Recommendation: That the report “Regional Transport Issues Forum” (Doc # 10899264 dated 18 August 2017) be received for information.

Background One of the objectives of the Regional Transport Committee (RTC), outlined in the Committee’s Terms of Reference, is to provide a regional forum for the consideration of regionally significant transport matters. A Regional Transport Issues Forum is a standing item on the RTC agenda and provides an opportunity for RTC members to raise any regional transport matters that require consideration by the RTC. The Forum may go for up to 15 minutes in duration depending on matters brought forward by members. These transport matters should be brought to the Chair prior to the meeting. An Action Table has been formed (refer Attachment 1) and staff from Waikato Regional Council, the NZ Transport Agency or territorial authorities will report back at following meetings on matters raised in the forum. Assessment of Significance To the best of the writer’s knowledge, this decision is not significantly inconsistent with nor is anticipated to have consequences that will be significantly inconsistent with any policy adopted by this local authority or any plan required by the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

Bill McMaster Tracey May

Team Leader Transport and Infrastructure


62

Doc # 10899264

Attachment 1: Regional Transport Issues Forum – Action Table

Action From RTC meeting dated

Issue Action required Status

1 13 February 2017 Mayor Barnes noted – An email from Police with event prevention

information for the district and community advice received about the same intersection. It was requested that the intersection coming out of Hobbiton there was an issue with a number of incidences with drivers turning in to the wrong lane, and consideration was sought for arrows to be painted on the road and for a potential update of signage.

SH27 Tahuna – Marae issues around signage to be passed to NZTA.

Advice to be provided to Mayor Barnes. Closed. Waikato Regional Council and NZTA have provided Mayor Barnes with information relating to the Marae issues.

2 13 February 2017 Cr Machen noted – Consideration of the extension of the 80km limit

from Tokoroa.

Consideration for these areas to be looked at through the speed management group.

Closed. Cr Machen advised the RTC on 6 March that this matter has now been dealt to and can be closed.

3 13 February 2017 Cr Webber noted – A number of groups requesting for the road name

to be included on to the names of the bridges along the Cambridge section of the expressway.

Referred to NZTA Closed. Cr Grant Webber advised the RTC on 3 July that the local road names have now been placed on Cambridge Expressway bridges. He thanked NZTA for their work in this space.

4 13 February 2017 It was noted for members that Bruce Pulman and MP David Bennett would be coming to future meetings to present to the Committee.

Invitations to be sent. Staff are progressing the invitation with Bruce Pulman to speak to the RTC. Mr Bennett unable to meet with RTC at this point.

63

Doc # 10899264 Page 3

5 3 April 2017 The Chair noted- Concern from First Union in response to the

handling of the Pavlovich Coachlines driver strike. It was noted that it was not the Chair of the Regional Transport Committee but staff who had arranged for Go Bus to complete routes usually completed by Pavlovich in the times that services were needed.

Dealt with through WRC Public Transport Operations staff.

No further action required.

6 3 April 2017 The RTC was informed – A recent truck roll at Bulli Point in Taupo had

seen meat products enter the lake. The matter had been reported through the media and was noted for the committee’s attention.

No action required Closed

7 3 April 2017 The Committee noted – a request from the I-site in Morrinsville for a

change in the bus stop location. It was noted that changes such as these could be made through the Regional Public Transport plan review process.

Matter referred to the Regional Public Transport Plan review team

Closed

8 3 July 2017 Cr Adams requested that consideration be given to a roundabout/temporary roundabout at Criterion Bridge. Traffic flow was an issue here. Cr Adams requested that consideration be given to swapping the roles and responsibilities of State Highway 26 and Awaiti Road/Hauraki Road.

Matter referred to NZTA Matter referred to NZTA

NZTA advises this matter is being considered in the SH2 Paeroa to Waihi Business Case. NZTA advise that this could be addressed in a future review of the state highway network. NZTA also note that more heavy vehicles use SH26 because there are several quarries, a saw mill and several trucking companies based along this

64

Doc # 10899264 Page 4

Cr Adams requested consideration for double yellow lines on the Puke Bridge to stop passing on the bridge. This was a safety concern as there were roads leading onto and off of the bridge also. Cr Adams requested that consideration be given to dropping the speed zone during pick up/drop off hours at Kaihere School and Netherton School.

Matter referred to NZTA Matter referred to NZTA

road. The current SH26 also provides a link from Hamilton to Waihi. NZTA advise that yellow no-overtaking lines across Puke Bridge were installed on 14 August 2017. NZTA advise that Kaihere School has a variable 70km/h speed limit operating during the school arrival and departure times, and the Agency is currently consulting on changing this to variable 60km/h. The Agency expects this change to be made by the end of the year. Netherton School is a lower priority for installing a variable speed limit because the school is accessed off a low volume side road, and the State Highway 2/School Road intersection has a right turn bay with very good sight lines. The Agency has reviewed the signage at Netherton School and is going to install new permanent warning signs for the school and for the intersection by the end of September.

65

Notice of Meeting - Waikato · This item provides the Committee with a report on ... Committee on the preferred option for next ... The Committee was reassured that this was not a

Documents