INTERNAL BRIEFING NOTE AHEAD OF MINISTERIAL MEETING

Subject
Toitū Te Taiao – Waka Kotahi’s Sustainability Action Plan
Date
21 May 2020
Briefing number
BRI-1950
1982

Contact(s) for telephone discussion (if required)
ACT
Name
Position
Direct line
Cell phone
1st contact
Lisa Rossiter
Senior Manager
04 894 6436


Environment
Sustainability
Greg Lazzaro
General Manager
04 483 17561

safety, Health and
Environment
INFORMATION

OFFICIAL

THE

UNDER

RELEASED

BRI-1950

21 May 2020

Chief Executive

TOITŪ TE TAIAO – WAKA KOTAHI’S SUSTAINABILITY
ACTION PLAN
1982
Purpose
ACT
1.
This briefing provides you with information on Toitū Te Taiao – Waka Kotahi’s Sustainability
Action Plan (Toitū) ahead of your meeting with the Minister of Transport, Hon Phil Twyford, and
Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Julie Anne Genter at 9:30am on 25 May 2020.
2.
Other attendees of the meeting are Greg Lazzaro, General Manager Safety, Health and
Environment, Lisa Rossiter, Senior Manager Environment Sustainability, and representatives
from the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

INFORMATION
Background
3.
On 8 May 2020, Waka Kotahi announced the launch of Toitū in the Minister’s Weekly Report
(Weekly Report #194 refers). Ministers have subsequently initiated a meeting to discuss the plan.
4.
Minister Genter was involved throughout the development of the plan, providing feedback on
drafts during 2019 and requesting progress updates. The latest correspondence is attached as
OFFICIAL
Appendix A (NZT-4588).
5.
Minister Genter’s office has requested a Waka Kotahi official provide an overview of Toitū,
THE
followed by a roundtable discussion. In particular, Minister Genter would like to discuss the
following:
•  how action 2 in work stream 1 will feed into MoT’s TEAP work and the climate budgets being
developed by the Climate Commission;
UNDER
•  whether NZTA will be in a position in 2021 to apply an emissions lens to their assessment of
RLTPs and its development of the NLTP (i.e. work stream 5); and
•  how NZTA plans to champion the action plan and get buy-in within the organisation.
6.
Other areas of interest previously discussed with Minister Genter have included, green freight,
clean car reforms and construction waste. These may also be areas of interest to Minister
RELEASED
Twyford.

Suggested approach for the meeting
7.
Nicole/Greg to introduce Toitū, signalling the importance of environmental sustainability and
public health to Waka Kotahi, and our commitment to lift the focus on these areas - especially
given climate changes.
Page 2

BRI-1950
8.
Lisa to provide a brief overview of Toitū, explaining the four challenges the plan addresses, the
principle-based approach we are taking, and the organising structure of six workstreams to
deliver the first suite of actions by June 2021.
9.
A discussion to follow on Minister Genter’s specific questions and possible areas of interest to
both Minister Genter and Minister Twyford.

Minister Genter’s specific questions
•  how action 2 in work stream 1 will feed into MoT’s TEAP work and the climate budgets
being developed by the Climate Commission;
1982
Toitū Workstream 1: Sustainable urban Access
ACT
Action 2: Size the
2a. Support lead government agencies and the Climate Change Commission
land use/mode shift
to understand the land use (Avoid/Reduce) and mode shift (Shift)
contribution to net
contribution to achieving net zero land transport emissions, relative to vehicle
zero land transport
fleet transformation (Improve)
emissions 2050
2b. Baseline the current and planned transport emissions profile of major
urban areas targeted by Keeping Cities Moving
2c. Identify the gap between baseline emissions and the scale of emission
reductions required to deliver the land use/mode shift contribution to net zero
carbon emissions 2050.
INFORMATION
10.  Action 2a:
Waka Kotahi has been working with MoT and the Climate Change Commission to grow their
understanding of the range of land transport levers that can be used to reduce emissions. We
are actively involved in the All of Government Climate Change Group, including the associated
Data and Modelling Group. Waka Kotahi intends to become a signatory to the proposed
Memorandum of Understanding between these groups and the Climate Change Commission.
OFFICIAL
Waka Kotahi is working directly with MoT on the Transport Emission Action Plan (TEAP). This is
at a formative stage and we are working to inform the development of the TEAP to reflect the
THE
range of land transport levers available, inclusive of land use, a broad range of mode shift
interventions (from infrastructure provision to travel demand management opportunities) and
improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle fleet.
11.  Action 2b:
UNDER
Waka Kotahi has 2018 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission baselines for each of the cities in
Keeping Cities Moving. These baselines include the relative contribution from light and heavy
vehicles; and capture the urban centres as well as regional emissions.
12.  Action 2c:
As indicated in the progress update provided to Minister Genter in December 2019 (NZT-4588
refers), the work to scale the emission reduction contribution of transport-related land use and
RELEASED
mode shift interventions relative to vehicle interventions is complex. There are multiple models,
owners and stakeholders, and no current models are wholly fit for purpose. Waka Kotahi is
working collaboratively to enable a common understanding of the complexity and importance of
this action through the All of Government Climate Change Data and Modelling Group, as well as
through our interactions with the Climate Change Commission.
Waka Kotahi is also working closely with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, through the
proposed Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) update and the Supporting Growth
Page 3

BRI-1950
Alliance, to develop a joint understanding of the nature, scale and potential of land use and mode
shift interventions to reduce the largest concentration of urban transport emissions in the country.
In addition to existing models, we are enhancing our own emission modelling capability and
resources within Waka Kotahi. This includes work to develop ‘Tauira o te Taiao’ – an integrated
and modular environmental impact model for land transport.
While we cannot yet scale the relative contribution of land use/mode shift interventions relative to
vehicle fleet interventions for achieving net zero land transport emissions by 2050, we know the
scale of the emissions challenge is so great that early, significant and sustained effort must be
applied across all land transport levers for:
•  Land use/mode shift interventions in major urban areas (to avoid/reduce reliance on travel by
1982
car and support mode shift from cars to public transport /active modes)
•  National cross-government efforts to increase the uptake of low/no carbon vehicles, focusing
ACT
first on the light vehicle fleet (Improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle fleet).
The scale of the challenge is such that no ambition is too big, and a programmed approach is
essential. Transport related land use and mode shift interventions bring the added advantage of
supporting a range of transport and wider benefits, such as congestion relief and public health
improvements resulting from less noise/air pollution and more active travel.

Additional Comments on land use/mode shift
INFORMATION
13.  Prior to COVID-19, the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) 2021 was amended to include
a climate change strategic priority – importantly, to be delivered through the other strategic
priorities. This provided a good platform to advance land use/mode shift. However, COVID-19
now presents both challenges and opportunities.
14.  Challenges
OFFICIAL
In relation to land use/mode shift, COVID-related amendment to the GPS strategic priorities and/or
significant revenue constraints may force a shorter-term focus within the GPS and other stimulus
packages. Without adequate provisions in place, these could see adverse impacts on emissions
THE
in the long run and make future action to reduce emissions more expensive and difficult. In addition,
revenue constraints may confine the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) to a focus on
maintenance  and base case, leaving inadequate funding to pursue even moderate mode shift
interventions in major urban areas. This may in turn be compounded by fiscal stimulus packages
from other funding sources that do not include an adequate transport emissions focus  (e.g.
UNDER
residential development in areas poorly serviced by low carbon transport options).
15.  Opportunities
There are opportunities to pursue lower cost interventions and lock in some of the positive
transport benefits experienced during the lockdown, such as working with partners for urban form
that reduces reliance on travel by car, increasing focus on walking and cycling provision and
promotion, and behaviour focused travel demand approaches (such as more extensive parking
management interventions and commuter travel planning).
RELEASED
A review of ATAP is uncovering a lack of these softer, more moderate and lower cost
interventions. Land use interventions can be particularly effective in avoiding or reducing reliance
on travel by car. While land use interventions have a relatively long lag time, they are also critical
for long term energy efficiency at a system level and may be one of the most cost-effective
means of reducing emissions through avoidance of private vehicle travel.

Page 4

BRI-1950
•  whether NZTA will be in a position in 2021 to apply an emissions lens to their
assessment of RLTPs and its development of the NLTP (i.e. work stream 5);
Workstream 5: Invest for sustainable outcomes
Action 1: Enable
1a. Embed long term emission reduction objectives and emissions-based
investment for land
thinking into planning, investment and accountability instruments, including
transport GHG
national and regional land transport programmes
emission
1b. Design and implement a methodology to support GHG emission profiling
reductions
and monitoring of national and regional land transport programmes and
significant infrastructure with an intergenerational life
1c. Work with central government partners to establish value for carbon
1982
aligned to international best practice to support assessment of carbon
impacts.
ACT
16.  Waka Kotahi is in the process of designing a methodology that will help us and local government
partners to understand the potential emission reduction impacts of packages and programmes in
Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTP) and the NLTP. A prototype is currently being tested and
refined. Waka Kotahi is doing this independently and through a climate-focused review of ATAP;
involving the Ministry of Transport, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. We expect to be
able to assess RLTPs and programmes such as the NLTP using this new tool in 2021.
17.  In addition, Waka Kotahi has been amending investment and planning tools and guides to enable
assessment of emissions impacts:
•  New investment assessment tools will require mandatory assessment of emissions impacts.
•
INFORMATION

New business case guidance on how to consider emissions impacts.
•  The next version of Arataki Our Plan for the Land Transport System will include regional data
on emissions and guidance on considering emissions impacts.
•  Our benefits framework includes GHG reduction benefits.
•  Our Transport Agency Investment Proposal includes urban and sustainability initiatives to
enable emission reduction objectives.
OFFICIAL

Back Pocket – how Ministers can further support an emissions reduction focus
THE
18.  Funding to continue construction of large scale transformative urban transport infrastructure (rail,
bus rapid transit) in major urban areas combined with a continued focus on interventions that
reduce emissions while also improving safety and access outcomes. This multi-outcome focus is
very useful for helping to reshape investment and planning processes by promoting win-wins
ahead of trade-offs.
UNDER
19.  A requirement in the next GPS, and in other land transport packages to:
•  Consider long term impacts of proposals, including emissions (and also inclusive of safety
outcomes and long term cumulative adverse environmental and public health impacts),
•  Promote programmes (rather than individual projects) optimised for emission reduction,
particularly in major urban areas,
•  Redesign, reconsider or design mitigations for programmes that have an adverse impact on
emissions.
RELEASED
20.  Provide stronger signals for pursuing cost-effective and moderately scaled interventions to
reduce emissions, e.g. land use interventions to avoid/reduce travel by car in major urban areas
and support a shift to energy efficient modes; lower cost optimisation interventions to reprioritise
space on the network; more walking and cycling interventions; behaviour change approaches
such as parking management and commuter travel planning.
21.  Address issues of mandate and all of government outcomes related to land use decisions,
particularly in high growth areas. Getting land use settings right for growth and emissions is a
Page 5

BRI-1950
challenge. Some initiatives that focus on increased provision for residential development,
including affordable housing, risk increasing emissions unless they are purposefully designed to
reduce reliance on travel by car. Getting land use and transport right in growth contexts requires
multiple agencies to work together and enabling policy and investment settings.

•  How NZTA plans to champion the action plan and get buy-in within the organisation.
22.  Delivering Toitū is a ‘Significant Activity’ in our Statement of Performance Expectations for
2020/21 (reflecting Ministers Letter of Expectations). A range of activities are underway to build
awareness, momentum and change, including:
1982
•  integration of sustainability priorities into new Waka Kotahi strategy development process (and
flow-on into future business planning processes),
•  regular messaging from Board and Executive Leadership Team about the importance of this
ACT
focus,
•  establishment of internal Kaitiaki Group to build momentum amongst staff,
•  development of a Toitū dashboard is underway to provide regular snapshots of progress.

Possible areas of interest for Minister Genter and Minister Twyford
23.  Green Freight
•  Heavy freight vehicles account for approx. 26% of land transport emissions (MoT 2018
INFORMATION
Vehicle Stats).
•  Productivity Commission Low Carbon Paper identifies the pathway for decarbonising heavy
freight is less clear than for light vehicles. Alternative energy sources and mode-shift for
heavy freight are not clear cut.
•  Toitū sets out how we will support partners and the sector to identify a roadmap for safe and
OFFICIAL
clean freight vehicles – and we have had input to the MoT’s Green Freight Paper.
•  Toitū also contains a longer-term action to explore opportunities to reduce in-service fleet
THE
harm and emissions (all vehicles).
24.  Public Transport buses
•  Buses are a small percentage of the heavy vehicle fleet and they represent a small
UNDER
contribution to GHG emissions, although diesel buses in built up areas can increase exposure
to harmful air pollution.
•  The Requirements for Urban Buses are being amended to reduce emissions from the bus
fleet.
•  Waka Kotahi is supporting partners in major urban areas with plans to transition to a low/no
carbon bus fleet. This transition is not straight forward: upfront capital costs of purchasing
RELEASED
low/no carbon vehicles is very high, although operating costs are generally lower. There are
significant issues associated with location and provision of charging infrastructure, and the
impact of public transport bus charging on the electricity supply and infrastructure.

Page 6

BRI-1950
25.  Car reforms
•  Waka Kotahi remains poised to administer the government’s clean car reforms when
approved. In the meantime, actions in Toitū include:
i)
Supporting the feasibility study for social leasing to help low income households into safe
and clean vehicles (with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment),
ii)  partnering to provide individuals and fleet owners with the knowledge and confidence to
purchase and use electric vehicles,
iii)  exploring opportunities to reduce in-service fleet harm and emissions.
1982
26.  Construction waste
•  Toitū Environment workstream contains a headline action to develop and embed a resource
ACT
efficiency and waste minimisation policy. This is being developed at pace with additional
resource so that new requirements can be driven through procurement mechanisms and
influence current and pending projects (including NZ Upgrade Programme).

Attachments
Appendix A: NZT-4588 - latest correspondence between Board Chair and Minister Genter regarding
Sustainability Action Plan (18 December 2019).
INFORMATION
Appendix B: Toitū Te Taiao – our Sustainability Action Plan (April 2020)

It is recommended that you:
OFFICIAL
1.  Note the contents of this briefing

THE

UNDER
...........................................................................
Lisa Rossiter
Senior Manager Environment Sustainability

RELEASED

............................................................................
Nicole Rosie
Chief Executive
Date:
2020
Page 7

Appendix A
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

Appendix 2
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

TOITŪ TE TAIAO
OUR SUSTAINABILITY
ACTION PLAN
OVERVIEW | APRIL 2020
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Published April 2020 | 20-085
NZBN: 9429041910085
ISBN 978-1-98-856171-4
Copyright: April 2020 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi
3
KARAKIA
MIHI
Mai ea te tupua
E tū whakaiti nei tātou i raro i a Ranginui,
Mai ea te tawhito
i runga i a Papatūānuku, e tītiro kau ana ki
Mai ea te kāhui o ngā Ariki
ngā maunga whakahī me ngā tini uri o Tāne.
Mai ea tāwhiwhi ki ngā Atua
Ka hoki ngā mahara ki te tini me te mano
1982
Tēnei ra te mauri nui, te mauri roa,
kua huri kaweka nei, he tangi apakura mō
te mauri tapu, te mauri ka whakapiki,
rātou katoa, haere i runga te rangimārie.
te mauri ka whakakake
Ka hoki nei ki a tātou te hunga ora
ACT
Te mauri o Rangi e tū iho nei
tēnā tātou katoa.
Te mauri o Papatūānuku i takoto mai nei
Te mauri tapu o ngā wai Māori
Anei he rautaki toitū mō Waka Kotahi,
Te mauri tapu o ngā wai tai
hei aratohu i a tātou mahi.
Kia tau te mauri ki runga ki ēnei taura,
Kia mahi tahi ai tātou ki te tiaki i te taiao.
ki ēnei tauira
Mā tō rourou me taku rourou ka ora
Tēnei te matatau ka eke, whakatū tārewa
ai te taiao.
ki te rangi
Waka Kotahi, tukuna tō wairua kia rere.
INFORMATION
Ūhi wēro, tau mai te mauri
Tīhei mauri ora!
Haumi ē, hui ē, taiki ē!
We stand humbly under the sky and on
Te Waka Kotahi invokes the inspiration and
our sacred earth mother we look at the
guidance from the universe and the gods.
impressive mountains and the many different
children of Tane
We invoke every encapsulating life force,
OFFICIAL
the ever presence life force, the sacred life
Our thoughts turn to the many who have
force, the life force of our sky father and our
departed this life, we sing a final lament to
THE
earth Mother.
them all, farewell in peace.
The life force of the water of life, the life force
We return to all of us the living salutation
of the sea water, these life forces consume us.
to us all
Let us attain the sacred knowledge from the
Please find our sustainability plan a guide
UNDER
highest heavens to look after the mauri.
for our future work.
Hold fast, hold strong, and let it be done!
As we work together to nurture and
look after the world around us
With your basket of knowledge and
our basket of knowledge we can make the
world a better place
RELEASED
Waka Kotahi let your spirit soar.
This Karakia and Mihi were gifted to reflect the aspirations and desires of Toitū Te
Taiao Our Sustainability Action Plan, with the goal to leave our planet in a better
condition for our grandchildren. It calls upon us all to do our part in the protection
of the earth and the waterways and seeks celestial knowledge to help support our
physical actions to uplift the mauri of the Taiao (Environment).

4 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
OUR VISION IS FOR
A LOW CARBON,
SAFE AND HEALTHY
LAND TRANSPORT
SYSTEM
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi
5
CONTENTS
TE WHAKAKITENGA OUR VISION 2050
6
REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
9
WORKSTREAM 1: SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
13
WORKSTREAM 2: SAFE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT VEHICLES
14
1982
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM
15
WORKSTREAM 3: PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL
ACT
AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
16
WAKA KOTAHI CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
17
WORKSTREAM 4: LEAD BY EXAMPLE
18
CROSS-CUTTING WORKSTREAMS
19
WORKSTREAM 5: INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES
19
WORKSTREAM 6: FOUNDATIONS FOR ENDURING SUCCESS
21
INFORMATION
MONITORING PROGRESS
23
APPENDIX 1: HEADLINE ACTIONS TO JUNE 2021
24
OFFICIAL
APPENDIX 2: TOITŪ TE TAIAO – WAKA KOTAHI
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN ON A PAGE
28
THE
END NOTES
30
UNDER
RELEASED

6 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
TE WHAKAKITENGA
OUR VISION 2050
A LOW CARBON, SAFE AND
Our vision also responds to the
HEALTHY LAND TRANSPORT
opportunities that are particular to
SYSTEM
Aotearoa: protecting our unique flora,
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has a
fauna and Māori cultural heritage not found
vision for a sustainable, multi-modal land
anywhere else in the world; and supporting
transport system where public transport,
grass-roots, community-led actions to
1982
active or shared modes are the first choice
identify and protect what is important
for most daily transport needs. Towns and
to our culture, our communities and the
cities are re-shaped to reduce reliance on
environment we call home.
ACT
cars and support active, healthy and shared
transport choices. Where people and
OUR FOCUS
business require motorised travel, it is low
Toitū Te Taiao Our Sustainability Action
carbon, safe and efficient.
Plan sets out the commitment of Waka
In regional and rural Aotearoa New Zealand,  Kotahi to environmental sustainability and
provision for efficient freight movement and  public health in the land transport sector.
attractive tourism routes treads lightly on
It describes how Waka Kotahi will use the
the land and is sensitive to natural and built
levers within our control and influence to
INFORMATION
environments.
deliver on our Vision.
The land transport system is an exemplar
Arataki Our Plan for the Land Transport
of sustainable management supporting
System 2021-2031 affirms our focus
attractive and liveable environments for
on reducing transport greenhouse gas
people and ecosystems to thrive. Avoiding
emissions to tackle climate change and
harm is valued, the natural, cultural and built  support the transition to a low-emission
OFFICIAL
environment is maintained, protected and
economy; and improving public health as
enhanced, and harm is remedied.
part of transitioning to a safe and healthy
land tr
THE  ansport system.1 Toitū Te Taiao
Our vision responds to some of the
contains the steps we will take to deliver
greatest challenges Aotearoa and the
these objectives.
world are facing: an urgent need to reduce
land transport emissions and limit global
warming; poor levels of physical activity and
UNDER
associated public health outcomes; threats
to indigenous biodiversity and water quality
and escalating resource use.
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi
7
MĀTĀPONO: OUR PRINCIPLES
KAITIAKITANGA2
RECOGNITION OF
CULTURAL VALUES
We recognise the environment is a
taonga that must be managed carefully.
We recognise and provide
1982
We also recognise that Māori have
for Māori perspectives,
a responsibility and obligation of
tikanga (customs) Te Reo Māori
care over their communities
and kawa (protocols)
ACT
and environments.
in the work we do.
STEWARDSHIP
PRECAUTIONARY
We take a long-term view to
When an activity raises threats
ensure a sustainable transport
of harm to human health or
future and conservation of
the environment, we take
resources.
precautionary measures.
INFORMATION
EQUITY
REMEDIATION
OFFICIAL
We consider broad equity
We put right elevated
impacts of land transport
harm arising from the
interventions, including
land transport system.
THE
intergenerational impacts.
UNDER
COMPREHENSIVE
We consider social, cultural,
environmental and economic
costs and benefits, including
those that are indirect,
long-term and
RELEASED
not monetized.

8 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
TOITU TE TAIAO
WAKA KOTAHI SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
TOITŪ TE TAIAO AT A GLANCE
INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES
1982
SAFE, CLEAN & EFFICIENT VEHICLES
2
SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
1
IMPROV
ACT
I
H
N
E
G
ISSIONS
A
P
LT U
WE ARE TARGETING FOUR
H
BL
BIG CHALLENGES...
CING GREENHOUSE
U
I
AS EM
C
G
OUR VISION
RED
IS FOR A LOW
CARBON, SAFE &
HEALTHY LAND
T
CO
TRANSPORT
M
R
R
EN
P
R
A
E
SYSTEM
M
4
O
E
R
D
N
L
U
E
A
C
A
TE IN
IROINFORMATION
D

G
CE TH
EM
REDUCING
V
B
I
Y
SS

I
E
O
X
NS
ENVIRONMENTAL H
AMPLE
3 PROTECT & ENHAN
WE ARE RESPONDING
THROUGH SIX
6 F
WORKSTREAMS...
O
NATURAL & BUILT EN
UNDATION
OFFICIAL
S FOR ENDURING SUCCESS
1 SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
3
THE PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE

1 SUSTAINABLE

2 SAFE, CLEAN

3  PROTECT & ENHANCE

4  LEAD BY EXAMPLE
INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE
5
FOUNDATIONS FOR
6
NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
URBAN ACCESS
& EFFICIENT VEHICLES
THE
OUTCOMES
ENDURING SUCCESS
Using our planning and investment levers
NATURAL & BUILT
Reducing business emissions
Using our planning, infrastructure
Using our planning &
t Using our regulatory lever to
o reduce emis
ENVIRONMENT
sions and improve public
& modelling sustainable
Re-calibrating Waka Kotahi’s
Establishing the building
investment levers to reduce
reduce emissions & improve
behaviours, internally &
manag
planning & investment
ement and procurement levers
blocks for enduring success &
emissions & improve public
public health through
health through interv Using our planning,
entions that:
externally
settings for sustainable
continuous improvement
health through interventions
interventions that:
infrastructure management &
for system-wide en outcomes
vironmentally and
UNDER
that:
• • Improve vehicle fleet
  Avoid or reduc
procurement levers for
e our reliance on
socially responsible practice
• Avoid or reduce our reliance efficiency
system-wide environmentally
travel by car
on travel by car
& socially responsible
• Shift people to
practice
•  Shift people to shared/active or
4
shared/active
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
or low carbon modes
low carbon modes
Reducing business emissions and
modelling sustainable behaviours,
2 SAFE, CLEAN AND
EFFICIENT VEHICLES
internally and externally
Using our regulatory lever to reduce
RELEASED
emissions and improve public health
5 INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE
OUTCOMES
through interventions that:
Re-calibrating Waka Kotahi planning
•  Improve vehicle fleet efficiency
and investment settings for sustainable
outcomes
6 FOUNDATIONS FOR
ENDURING SUCCESS
Establishing the building blocks for enduring
success and continuous improvement

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 9
TOITŪ TE TAIAO RESPONDS
TO FOUR BIG CHALLENGES
OUR LONG TERM OUTCOMES TO 2050
•  Reducing land
transport greenhouse
1982
gas (GHG) emissions to
REDUCING
•  Net zero land transport
GREENHOUSE
mitigate climate change
GHG gas emissions by 2050
GAS EMISSIONS
ACT
   NOTE: Climate change
adaptation is managed
by our Resilience Plan
•  Reducing harmful land
transport related air
•  No harm from land transport
and noise pollution
air and noise emissions
IMPROVING
INFORMATION
PUBLIC HEALTH
•  Enabling more people
•  Land transport supports physically
to safely use active
active and healthy travel options
modes
OFFICIAL
•  Reducing adverse
•  The land transport network is managed
THE
effects of land transport
to support and enhance indigenous
on biodiversity and
biodiversity
REDUCING
ENVIRONMENTAL
water quality
•  Water bodies are protected from
HARM
•  Improving resource
adverse effects of land transport
efficiency and waste
storm-water run-off
UNDER
management
•  We use resources and energy sustainably
RELEASED
REDUCING
•  Reducing our corporate
CORPORATE
•  Waka Kotahi is carbon neutral
carbon footprint
EMISSIONS

10 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
REDUCING GHG EMISSIONS AND
IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH
EXPLORING OUR CHALLENGES
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION: REDUCING EMISSIONS
Climate change is impacting our planet3
Although Aotearoa is a small emitter by global standards, our per person GHG emissions
1982
are amongst the highest in the OECD. We’re not yet pulling our weight in the global
challenge to reduce emissions; and Aotearoa is now committed to reducing GHG emissions
to net zero by 2050 (excepting biological methane).
ACT
Land transport is part of the problem
Transport accounts for about 20% of Aotearoa’s GHG emissions, 90% of which arise from
road transport. The light vehicle fleet accounts for 73% of road transport emissions and is
the fastest growing source of them. These emissions are concentrated in our major urban
areas.4
The scale of the challenge is immense
Emission reduction budgets will soon apply to the land transport system.5 It’s a huge
INFORMATION
challenge, requiring a transformation in urban travel choices and the vehicles we travel in.
To date, efforts to reduce emissions have tended to focus on transitioning to a low/no
carbon light vehicle fleet and supporting the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). Meeting
the 2050 target by this mechanism is a challenge of immense proportions, requiring over
140,000 fossil fuel vehicles to be replaced by low/no carbon vehicles every year from 2020
to 2050.6
OFFICIAL
By mid-February 2019, there were just over 19,500 low/no carbon vehicles in the fleet. It’s
taken seven years to get this far.7 While the pace of uptake has seen a big increase since
THE
2017 – the pace required is far, far greater. Additional actions beyond the widespread uptake
of electric vehicles are required.8
UNDER
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 11
PUBLIC HEALTH: AIR, NOISE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Our land transport system could be safer, healthier and more active
The land transport system is not as safe as it could be. In 2019, 353 people were killed
on our roads, and 2,562 were seriously injured. This comes at an annual social cost of
$4.62 billion.
1982
Air emissions play a role in shortening the lives of over 250 people a year. Of most
concern are fine particles and oxides of nitrogen from the tailpipe, brakes and tyres of
vehicles.
ACT
Exposure to high levels of noise is linked to health issues such as obesity, hypertension
and heart disease, stress and anxiety. About 38,000 people are exposed to high levels
of road noise. More than 500,000 people are exposed to potentially unhealthy noise
levels if we use health-based criteria from the World Health Organisation.
In Aotearoa, in 2016/17, only half of adults (15 years and over) were physically active
(at least 30 mins on 5 days per week) and 13% of adults did less than 30 minutes per
week. Nationally, 83% of journeys are by car, 12% are by walking, 1% by cycling and
3% by public transport. Major urban areas are improving, but active transport mode
INFORMATION
share is low by international standards.
Our car dependency is part of what explains our high per capita emissions.
The adverse public health impacts of car dependency are of a similar or even greater
scale to our road trauma statistics – but they are less well recognised.
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

12 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACH
Our opportunities
We have an opportunity to galvanise a sustainable urban transport and liveability
transformation.
•  Through our planning and investment levers we can harness emission reduction
1982
targets to shape land use and mode shift interventions that unlock climate, health and
accessibility benefits.
ACT
•  Through our regulatory lever we can support the transition to a low carbon vehicle fleet.
Our approach
Our approach is shaped by the Avoid – Shift – Improve model.14
AVOID – SHIFT – IMPROVE APPROACH
AVOID/REDUCE
SHIFT/MAINTAIN
IMPROVE
INFORMATION
Reduce or avoid the
Shift to or maintain
Improve the energy
need to travel
share of more
efficiency of transport
environmentally
modes and vehicle
friendly modes
technology
System efficiency
Trip efficiency
Vehicle efficiency
OFFICIAL
AVOID/REDUCE interventions aim to avoid or reduce the need to travel, or the time or
distance travelled by car while improving accessibility, eg through integrated land use and
THE
transport planning for urban form that supports well-connected multi-modal access to local
services and employment. This is critical for long term emission reductions at a system
level; and brings many other transport, public health and environmental benefits, through
reduced air and noise pollution, increased levels of physical activity, reduced congestion,
better connected communities and improved saf
UNDER  ety.
SHIFT/MAINTAIN focuses on shifting people who need to travel from cars to more energy
efficient modes such as public transport and active or shared modes, eg through better
provision of low carbon travel options and incentives to choose them.
IMPROVE focuses on improving the energy efficiency of motorized vehicles (eg through
fuel standards or EV uptake); and optimization of transport infrastructure and operations
for more efficient vehicle mov
RELEASED  ement.
Current cross-government efforts are focused on actions to ‘improve’ the vehicle fleet.15 It’s
right to put a lot of effort here as improving the vehicle fleet will yield the greatest transport
GHG emission reductions in time. However, additional actions will be required to get us to
net zero land transport emissions by 2050 – and to address challenges associated with car
dependency such as congestion, urban sprawl and inequitable access to travel options.16

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 13
WHAT WE WILL DO
Rising to the emissions challenge requires that ‘Improve’ actions are complemented by
‘Avoid’ and ‘Shift’ actions, focused on cities where emissions are most concentrated. We
will support this through two complementary workstreams:
WORKSTREAM 1: SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
1982
Focus: Using our planning and investment levers to influence urban land use decisions and
rethink how cities manage growth (Avoid/Reduce interventions); and accelerate mode shift  ACT
to low carbon, active and/or shared mobility (Shift interventions).
Summary actions Headline actions to June 2021
Define and embed a strategic approach for Waka Kotahi on urban form and
transport planning for sustainable development that reduces emissions,
improves access and liveability.
Size the mode shift contribution to net zero land transport emissions 2050:
INFORMATION
Support lead government agencies and the Climate Change Commission
to understand the urban form and mode shift contribution to achieving net
zero land transport emissions, relative to improving the vehicle fleet so that
achievable emission reduction interventions, objectives and targets can be set.
OFFICIAL
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Partner for innovation, pilots and demonstrations of low carbon, safe and healthy
transport choices
THE
•  Partner to set emission reduction objectives for mode shift plans in our fastest growing
cities
•  Partner for a pathway to sustainable transport in urban areas outside of Keeping Cities
Moving17
UNDER
•  Partner for clean and efficient movement of inter and intraregional freight (eg land use,
journey management, mode shift)
•  Develop best practice guidance for low carbon, safe and healthy transport choices in
urban areas.
RELEASED

14 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
WORKSTREAM 2: SAFE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT VEHICLES
Focus: Using our regulatory lever and touchpoints and our information and promotional
expertise to support efforts that Improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle fleet. This
includes support and administration of the government’s clean car reforms, when approved;
other actions to support the uptake of electric vehicles; and partnering for solutions to
decarbonise public transport buses and heavy vehicles.
1982
Summary actions Headline actions to June 2021
ACT
Gear up and administer the Government’s proposed Clean Car Discount and
Clean Car Standard when approved.
Support the feasibility study for social leasing to help low income households
into safe and clean vehicles.
Partner to provide individuals and fleet owners with the knowledge and
INFORMATION
confidence to purchase and use electric vehicles (charging infrastructure;
information and education)
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Explore opportunities to reduce in-service fleet harm and emissions (air, noise, GHGs)
•  Partner to decarbonise the public transport bus fleet in major urban ar
OFFICIAL  eas
•  Support partners and the sector to identify a roadmap for safe and clean freight vehicles
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 15
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM
EXPLORING OUR CHALLENGES
The land transport system is a substantial presence in our natural and built environment,
traversing many sensitive habitats, waterways and areas of significant cultural and heritage
value. Just as significant as the ‘footprint’ of the land transport system, is the kind of urban
land use and development it enables. Productive land and loss of native land cover, habitats
and biodiversity are casualties of urban sprawl.
1982
Environment Aotearoa 2019 identifies the land transport system as a contributor to
environmental degradation through its through its climate-changing greenhouse gas
ACT
emissions, land use impacts, its air and water pollution and its significant footprint on areas
with sensitive habitats and waterways. This report identifies that 3,747 of species native to
Aotearoa are threatened or at risk of extinction. The land transport system has played a part
in this.18
The national road network is 94,000 km long. Waka Kotahi is responsible for state
highways which are 12% or 11,000 km of the total network. We invest approximately 50%
of the cost of looking after the remaining 83,000 km of local roads managed by Road
Controlling Authorities.19 Building, maintaining and operating this land transport system
consumes large quantities of fossil fuels, virgin materials such as aggregate and other
INFORMATION
resources. The construction and demolition industry is one of the largest waste producing
industries in Aotearoa, contributing about 50% of all waste to landfills and most clean
fill waste.20 Much waste from land transport construction and demolition is not routinely
recycled, and the use of recycled or alternative materials in new builds is limited.
OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACHOFFICIAL
Our opportunities
We have an opportunity to shape transport sect
THE or-wide sustainable management
practice.
Our environmental practice is sound and sometimes leading, however we are currently
focused on meeting the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). We
have an Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy and supporting standard; we use
UNDER
sustainability rating tools, have a suite of social and environmental contract specifications
and we deploy progressive planning and procurement approaches. There is a great
opportunity to review our policy and extend these approaches, embed them into our core
practice and secure them through our procurement lever for a step-change in sustainable
management.
There is also a big opportunity to pursue innovation in resource efficiency and waste
RELEASED
minimisation by adopting a circular economy approach: designing out waste and pollution,
keeping materials in use, regenerating natural systems, and repurposing structures and
cultural heritage assets.
The scale of our investment, management of the state highway network and other
infrastructure and our responsibility for procurement settings offer the potential for us to
positively influence the management of all 94,000 km of Aotearoa’s road network and the
natural, cultural, heritage and built environment it traverses.

16 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Our approach
Our infrastructure management, planning and procurement levers are a powerful
mechanism for change.
We are the State highway manager, a co-investor in local roads and responsible for
provision of other significant infrastructure on behalf of government. Our procurement
settings and practices are at the frontline of our ability to influence the sustainable
1982
management of the land transport system. Getting our procurement settings in the right
place to do this means reviewing our Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy and our
ACT
Environmental and Social Responsibility Standard, defining our requirements, embedding
them in contract specifications and procurement processes, and monitoring and managing
performance more effectively.
WHAT WE WILL DO
WORKSTREAM 3: PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL
AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Focus: Using our land transport infrastructure management, planning, procurement and
INFORMATION
co-investor functions to set and embed sustainable management practices into the core
practice of Waka Kotahi and the sector for managing and developing the land transport
network and the natural, cultural, heritage and built environment it interacts with.
Summary actions Headline actions to June 2021
OFFICIAL
Review and update our Environmental and Social Responsibility Standard
to ensure tools, guidance and requirements give effect to a refreshed
THE
Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy and enable consistent
management and monitoring of environmental performance (especially
biodiversity and water quality); social, cultural and heritage outcomes; and
public health outcomes (related to air and noise emissions).
UNDER
Leverage procurement for a step-change in sector environmental and social
responsibility practice: embedding sustainable management requirements into
contract documentation.
Develop and embed a resource efficiency and waste minimisation policy.
RELEASED
NOTE: The Foundations for Success workstream holds the related headline action for reviewing
our Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy, inclusive of establishing significance and
remediation policies. This action is in the Foundations package as its application extends beyond
the functions of Waka Kotahi called out here.
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Deliver part or all, of the noise remediation programme as funding allows.
•  Develop an integrated national asset management system, toolkit and data standard
to support data capture and analytics, management and monitoring of environmental
assets.
•  Improve performance monitoring, audit, compliance and incident management functions.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 17
WAKA KOTAHI CORPORATE
SUSTAINABILITY
EXPLORING OUR CHALLENGES
Our business travel emissions
Where we can make comparisons with other government agencies, our emissions are high,
driven by business travel.21 In calendar year 2018, about 94% of our GHG emissions arose
from business travel, primarily domestic air travel. Domestic air travel emissions on their
1982
own make up more than 80% of our travel emissions, with long and short haul international
air travel making up close to 5% of emissions.
ACT
Our vehicle fleet emissions
In line with Government expectations for the public sector, we are transitioning our vehicle
fleet to all new vehicles being 100% electric (as far as practicable) by 2025.22 We have 164
fleet vehicles, 23% of which are EVs. We are transitioning our fleet and our vehicle fleet
emissions profile is relatively low compared to many other government agencies. There is
potential to do better as utilisation of these vehicles is low.
Our office energy
Our data is incomplete for waste and electricity emissions, but we’ve made a start on
INFORMATION
improving this.
Our estimated carbon footprint: Tonnes of CO2 per annum (tCO2/pa): Calendar year
2018
Air
Vehicle
Office
OFFICIAL
travel
fleet
energy
TOTAL
4,407t
485t
314t
5,206t
85%
9%
THE
6%
100%
Public sector leadership
Our Environment Position Statement sets an ambition for leading the public sector in
UNDER
reducing staff travel emissions and vehicle emissions. We must put our own house in order
if we want to lead by example.
RELEASED

18 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACH
Our opportunities
Our corporate sustainability challenge offers an opportunity for public sector
sustainability leadership.
We have a great opportunity to put our house in order and align our corporate behaviours
1982
with our sustainability principles and expectations. As the largest transport planner and
investor in Aotearoa, this is the time to find smart ways of meeting our business needs and
improving our effectiveness, while tracking towards carbon reductions, learning from and
ACT
sharing our lessons learned with public sector colleagues.
Our approach
Realising our vision for a low carbon, safe and healthy land transport system requires us
to align our own corporate behaviours and practices with this vision. We must walk our
talk and grow an internal culture of sustainable practice if we wish to model authentic
leadership.
WHAT WE WILL DO
INFORMATION
WORKSTREAM 4: LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Focus: Reducing our business travel emissions while growing our effectiveness; building a
culture of sustainability into all we do and all we are; and providing public sector leadership.
OFFICIAL
Summary actions Headline actions to June 2021
Robustly measure and verify our carbon footprint and set r
THE
eduction targets.
Reduce our corporate travel emissions, addressing technology barriers and
opportunities for working more effectively.
UNDER
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Improve the sustainability performance of the products and services we use
•  Improve our energy efficiency and waste minimisation
•  Step up to public sector sustainability leadership for reducing business travel emissions
•  Support sustainable commuting choices for our people.
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 19
CROSS-CUTTING WORKSTREAMS
Two cross-cutting workstreams are critical enablers of our vision and actions:
•  Workstream 5: Invest for sustainable outcomes
•  Workstream 6: Foundations for enduring success.
OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACH
1982
WORKSTREAM 5: INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES
Recalibrating the Transport Agency’s investment settings for long term sustainability.
ACT
We manage over $4 billion of land transport funding and co-investment each year on behalf
of Government. Government sets our investment framework and priorities; we determine
how priorities are achieved and what is or is not funded via our investment assessment
and prioritisation settings. Our investment settings are a powerful mechanism for shaping
activities and behaviours to support sustainable outcomes.
This workstream focuses on enabling investment settings for long term, balanced and
multiple outcomes that seek ‘win-win’ solutions ahead of trade-offs.
Long term outcomes
INFORMATION
Investment for long term outcomes is vulnerable to near term priorities. There are currently
no tests for assessing the impact of land transport investment decisions on long term
outcomes such as emission reductions. In the absence of such tests, investment risks
addressing near term challenges, while undermining long term goals.
Balanced outcomes
OFFICIAL
Investing for sustainable outcomes is about balanced social, environmental and economic
outcomes over time. How impacts are assessed is important. Some environmental impacts
THE
are not currently monetized or supported by good measurement tools, and so despite best
efforts, they are not fully considered. When impacts are assessed is also critical. Currently,
environmental impacts are largely considered at a project level. This can miss opportunities
to inform earlier strategic decisions and consideration of alternatives that avoid adverse
impacts or reduce the need for mitigation.
UNDER
Designing for and driving multiple outcomes: Win-Wins
As the government’s investment manager of the National Land Transport Fund, we have an
obligation to ensure investment decisions deliver on government expectations for the land
transport system, and for Aotearoa. Every dollar of investment must work hard and deliver
on the outcomes sought by government.
Traditionally, investment pr
RELEASED  oposals have focused on delivering a primary outcome. They
may identify a range of secondary co-benefits that could accompany the proposal, but
which are not deliberately targeted for achievement or designed into it. We are reviewing
our Investment Decision-Making Framework. Our new investment principles encourage
and support a more deliberate approach to designing and investing for multiple outcomes
to ensure every dollar invested works harder and more effectively, supporting government
expectations for transport, and wider government priorities.

20 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
The key to doing this well means calibrating smart sets of results or outcomes that can
drive ‘win-win’ solutions designed to powerfully deliver multiple outcomes at the same
time. For example, imagine a transport solution is required to significantly improve access
to affordable housing, reduce congestion, improve road safety and reduce emissions at the
same time.
•  Increasing EV uptake addresses the emissions objective, but not the other objectives
1982
•  Building a new road can address access, congestion and safety objectives but fall short
on emissions.
ACT
Deliberately designing for these multiple outcomes could lead to interventions that intensify
affordable housing options in areas well served by public transport, walking and cycling;
increase levels of service and safety for public transport and active modes; and use pricing
and network management mechanisms to encourage people into more efficient, reliable
and low carbon public transport or active modes. The approach looks for win-wins ahead of
trade-offs, resolving conflicts between outcomes.
Including GHG emission reduction objectives in the primary outcome ‘mix’ for transport
solutions could be a powerful catalyst for resolving near term challenges unrelated to
INFORMATION
climate change (such as congestion, air and noise pollution, urban sprawl and poor
accessibility), while also tracking towards long term GHG emission reduction targets. This
is because many of the interventions that reduce emissions can also deliver safety, health
and access benefits, if designed that way.
WHAT WE WILL DO
OFFICIAL
As part of the Investment Decision-Making Framework Review, we will:
Summary actions Headline actions to June 20
THE  21
Enable investment for land transport GHG emission reductions through:
•  Embedding long term emission reduction objectives and emissions-based
thinking into planning, investment and accountability instruments (includes
UNDER
consideration of planning and investment bottom lines)
•  Designing and implementing a methodology to support emission profiling
and monitoring of national and regional land transport programmes; and
significant infrastructure with an inter-generational life
•  Working with central government partners to establish values for carbon
aligned to international best practice.
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 21
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Enable investment for long term outcomes, through embedding sustainability principles
into our decision-making approach; and establishing early strategic impact assessment
for near and long term sustainability outcomes, to value avoidance of irreversible adverse
climate, public health, cultural, heritage, natural and built environmental impacts.
1982
•  Enable balanced assessment of outcomes to support transparent consideration of
monetised and non-monetised social and environmental outcomes, benefits and costs.
•  Embed the investment hierarchy into investment decision-making to ensure a broad
ACT
range of options and alternatives, including non-transport solutions are considered
•  Optimise programmes and packages for delivery against multiple/priority outcomes
specified in the strategic case.
OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACH
WORKSTREAM 6: FOUNDATIONS FOR ENDURING SUCCESS
Establishing the building blocks for success
INFORMATION
The task of this workstream is to establish the building blocks to embed the focus,
principles and actions of Toitū Te Taiao into the work of individuals and teams across
Waka Kotahi, and allow us to become a land transport sector sustainability leader.
We’re at the start of a significant journey of change
Delivery of Toitū Te Taiao requires accountability and engagement across every part
OFFICIAL
of Waka Kotahi. It’s a significant change programme. While we are already supporting
sustainable outcomes, this plan puts our efforts on a new footing.
For individuals and organisations, successful chang
THE  e can be difficult, and for organisations
aiming to lead successful sector-wide change for the long term – change can be even more
difficult. Research has shown that most change projects do not fully deliver their expected
returns and value.23
Successful projects and programmes share common best practice change management
UNDER
elements:
•  Active and visible executive leadership
•  A structured change management approach
•  Dedicated change management resources
•  Middle management engagement for delivery
•  Employee engagement and participation
RELEASED
•  Frequent and open communication
•  Integration and engagement with project management.24
This workstream will put these elements in place to ensure the enduring success of our
commitment to environmental sustainability and public health in the land transport sector.

22 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
WHAT WE WILL DO
Summary actions Headline actions to June 2021
Establish and support effective sustainability leadership
1982
Establish and implement supporting frameworks, plans and policies:
•  Review our Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy (inclusive
ACT
of establishing significance and remediation policies to address RMA
considerations of avoidance, remediation and mitigation)
•  Change management plan, inclusive of culture change and capability
development
•  Communications plan
•  Sustainability Monitoring Framework, inclusive of sustainability reporting
and developing our evidence base.
INFORMATION
Integrate Toitū Te Taiao into our strategy, business plan, policies and
accountability mechanisms
Additional actions to be prioritised and sequenced for the next three years
•  Establish a strategic partnership framework
OFFICIAL
•  Establish a research and innovation programme to address knowledge gaps
and identify new opportunities
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 23
MONITORING PROGRESS
We will publish an annual Sustainability Monitoring Report to track the progress towards
our long-term outcomes and our vision for a low carbon, safe and healthy land transport
system.
The first Sustainability Monitoring Report will be published in 2020. It will establish a 2018
baseline for a range of measures.
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED

24 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
APPENDIX 1
HEADLINE ACTIONS TO JUNE 2021
WORKSTREAM 1: SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
1 Define and embed a strategic approach for Waka Kotahi on urban form and transport planning for sustainable
development that reduces emissions, improves access and liveability.
2 Size the land use/mode
2a Support lead government agencies and the Climate Change Commission to
1982
shift contribution to
understand the land use (Avoid/Reduce) and mode shift (Shift) contribution
net zero land transport
to achieving net zero land transport emissions, relative to vehicle fleet
ACT
emissions 2050
transformation (Improve).
2b Baseline the current and planned transport emissions profile of major urban
areas targeted by Keeping Cities Moving.
2c Identify the gap between baseline emissions and the scale of emission
reductions required to deliver the land use/mode shift contribution to net zero
carbon emissions 2050.
WORKSTREAM 2: SAFE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT VEHICLES
INFORMATION
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
1 Gear up and administer the Government’s proposed Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard when approved.
2 Support the feasibility study and pilot (if necessary) for social leasing to help low income households into safe
and clean vehicles.
OFFICIAL
3 Size the land use/mode
3a Identify partners and customer needs; leverage existing touch points;
shift contribution to
coordinate a new level of service for light vehicle public charging infrastructure
net zero land transport
to support acceler
THE ated uptake of EVs.
emissions 2050
3b Maintain oversight of the effectiveness of interoperability standards for light
charging infrastructure; and maintain a watching brief on public charging
infrastructure needs of other light modes (eg e-bikes, e-motorcycles).
UNDER
3c Work with the electricity industry to identify additional land owned by Waka
Kotahi that may be suitable for public charging infrastructure.
3d Continue to use our EVRoam data and analytics to support sector and
customer decision-making.
3e Improve signage and other information to help EV users easily locate and use
charging infrastructure.
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 25
WORKSTREAM 3: PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
1 Review and update
1a Review and update the ESR Standard to ensure tools, guidance and
our Environmental and
requirements give effect to Environmental and Social Responsibility Policy
Social Responsibility
(Foundations workstream), enabling consistent management and monitoring
1982
Standard: Applicable
of environmental performance (especially biodiversity and water quality);
to all infrastructure
social, cultural and heritage outcomes; and public health outcomes (related to
projects and activities
air and noise emissions). Ensure application to all relevant infrastructur
ACT  e (eg
for the whole lifecycle
rail, public transport and active mode infrastructure as well as roads, bridges
(ie including maintenance
etc).
and operation)
1b Establish desired levels of service and KPIs for the broad range of
environmental, social, cultural and heritage assets managed by the asset
data management system; and social and environmental levels of service for
infrastructure assets.
1c Clarify the application of the ESR Standard for different types of programmes
and projects across the decision-making and infrastructur
INFORMATION  e life-cycle.
1d Align the ESR Standard to other key levers, tools and policies (eg business
case approach, Te Ara Kotahi; good practice guides.
2 Leverage procurement for
2a Review and implement procurement processes and collateral, to reflect
a step-change in sector
environmental and social responsibility policy.
environmental and social
OFFICIAL
2b Review and implement standard contract specifications and performance
responsibility practice
measures to ensure they give effect to environmental and social responsibility
policy: Prioritise Network Management Contracts coming up for renewal; and
THE
contracts under the Infrastructure Upgrade programme
2c Include environmental and social responsibility policy within future
procurement improvement, engagement and capability development activities
(including those involving industry and Councils).
UNDER
2d Review and implement the policy guiding use of sustainability rating tools to
provide for a broader application and use of such tools.
3 Develop and embed a
3a Develop and implement a resource efficiency and waste minimisation strategy
resource efficiency and
and supporting policy, measures and targets.
waste minimisation policy
3b Identify quick wins and form a prioritised set of actions to support Waka
RELEASED
Kotahi, Regional Councils and our contractors to embed resource efficiency
and waste management practices into core practice.
3c Facilitate a national conversation on resource efficiency for the wider
infrastructure sector (eg addressing sustainability of aggregate supply).
3d Incentivise and champion innovation.

26 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
WORKSTREAM 4: LEAD BY EXAMPLE
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
1 Robustly measure and
1a Establish processes for the collection and reporting of all corporate carbon
verify our carbon footprint
data.
and set reduction targets
1b Set corporate emission reduction targets (aligned to the science-based target
1982
methodology which reflects the Paris Agreement and/or NZ carbon emissions
budgets).
ACT
1c Obtain independent verification of our corporate carbon footprint to standards
set by Enviromark Solutions.
1d Investigate off-setting options and costs for residual corporate emissions to
achieve carbon neutrality.
2 Leverage procurement for
2a Significantly reduce corporate travel emissions.
a step-change in sector
2b Establish and audit guidelines for sustainable corporate travel.
environmental and social
responsibility practice
2c Identify and address technology barriers and opportunities for working more
INFORMATION
effectively.
2d Sequence the transition of the vehicle fleet to achieve as near as practical
100% EV by TBC.
2e Increase utilisation of the EV fleet by staff.
OFFICIAL
WORKSTREAM 5: INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
THE
1 Enable investment for land 1a Embed long term emission reductions objectives and emissions-based
transport GHG emission
thinking into planning, investment and accountability instruments, including
reductions
national and regional land transport programmes.
UNDER
1b Design and implement a methodology to support GHG emission profiling
and monitoring of national and regional land transport programmes; and
significant infrastructure with an intergenerational life.
1c Work with central government partners to establish values for carbon aligned
to international best practice to support assessment of carbon impacts.
RELEASED

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 27
WORKSTREAM 6: FOUNDATIONS FOR ENDURING SUCCESS
HEADLINE ACTIONS
SUB-ACTIONS
1 Establish effective
1a Establish and support a governance group to champion Toitū Te Taiao
sustainability leadership
internally and externally, provide executive leadership, and maintain the
commitment and momentum required to deliver the workstreams across
1982
Waka Kotahi
1b Establish a community of interest to support the governance group, lead the
ACT
execution of Toitū Te Taiao into and across Waka Kotahi and contribute to the
ongoing development of our sustainability maturity.
1c Establish a review and refresh cycle for Toitū Te Taiao.
2 Establish and implement
2a Review and implement a refreshed Environment and Social Responsibility
supporting frameworks,
Policy, inclusive of establishing significance and remediation policies to
plans and policies
address RMA considerations of avoidance, remediation and mitigation.
2b Establish sustainability monitoring and reporting:
INFORMATION
•  Agree and implement a regular measurement and monitoring process
•  Align key performance measures with:

– The Transport Outcomes Framework

– The Government Policy Statement on land transport

– Investment performance measures
OFFICIAL

– Transport Agency and Group objectives
•  Develop a comprehensive evidence base to underpin our sustainability work
and development; and identify and r
THE
esolve data gaps
•  Transition monitoring and reporting on Toitū Te Taiao into the Transport
Agency’s regular reporting process.
•  Publish the first annual sustainability report in 2020, setting a baseline to
measure future performance against.
UNDER
2c Establish and implement a Communications and Engagement Plan for Toitū Te
Taiao to:
•  Embed Toitū Te Taiao into Waka Kotahi and support the culture change
required to make sustainability part of our DNA
•  Implement regular checks on communication effectiveness and update the
RELEASED
plan accordingly.
2d Establish and implement a change management plan, inclusive of culture
change and capability development:
•  Change management
•  Culture change
•  Capability
3 Integrate Toitū Te Taiao into our strategy, business plan, policies and accountability mechanisms

28 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 29
APPENDIX 2
TE WHAKAKITENGA - OUR VISION 2050: A LOW CARBON, SAFE AND HEALTHY LAND TRANSPORT SYSTEM
MĀTĀPONO:
OUR PRINCIPLES
KAITIAKITANGA2
RECOGNITION OF
STEWARDSHIP
PRECAUTIONARY
EQUITY
REMEDIATION
COMPREHENSIVE
CULTURAL VALUES
We recognise the environment is a
We take a long-term view to
When an activity raises threats
We consider broad equity
We put right elevated
We consider social, cultural,
We recognise and provide
taonga that must be managed carefully.
ensure a sustainable transport
of harm to human health or
impacts of land transport
harm arising from the
environmental and economic
for Māori perspectives, tikanga
We also recognise that Māori have a
future and conservation of
the environment, we take
interventions, including
land transport system.
costs and benefits, including
(customs) Te Reo Māori and kawa
responsibility and obligation of care over
resources.
precautionary measures.
intergenerational impacts.
those that are indirect, long-term
(protocols) in the work we do.
their communities and environments.
and not monetized.
1982
TRANSPORT AGENCY HEADLINE
CROSS CUTTING
TRANSPORT AGENCY HEADLINE ACTIONS TO JUNE 2021
OUR CHALLENGES
LONG TERM OUTCOMES TO 2050
GPS OUTCOME MEASURES
MEDIUM TERM OBJECTIVES 3-10 YRS
TARGETS
WORKSTREAMS
WORKSTREAMS
FOR ADDITIONAL ACTIONS REFER TO TOITŪ TE TAIAO
ACT
INVEST FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES
•  Embed long term emissions reduction objectives
and emissions-based thinking into planning, investment
REDUCING LAND TRANSPORT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
and accountability instruments
Although by global standards, New Zealand is a small emitter, our per person
Tonnes of greenhouse gases
emissions are amongst the highest in the OECD. Transport accounts for approximately
Reducing greenhouse gas
•  Long term emission reduction
•  Design and implement a methodology to support
emitted per year from land
20% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, 90% of which arise from road transport.
emissions: Net zero land transport
objectives are embedded in planning
GHG emission profiling and monitoring or national and
transport by vehicle and
The light vehicle fleet accounts for 75% of road transport GHG emissions and is the fastest
GHG emissions 2050
and investment instruments
regional land transport programmes; and significant
by region
infrastructure with an intergenerational life
growing source of GHG emissions. These emissions must be significantly reduced if
•  Urban access in major urban areas
Aotearoa is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
is transitioning to low emission,
•  Work with central government partners to establish
shared and active modes
carbon values aligned to international best practice.
1
•  Intra and inter-regional freight
Sustainable
SUSTAINABLE URBAN ACCESS
movement is safer and more efficient
INFORMATION
urban access
•  Define and embed a strategic approach for Waka Kotahi
•  Physical activity as a component
on urban form and transport planning
of travel choice is increasing
2
•  Size the land use/mode shift contribution to net zero land
•  Exposure to harmful air pollution
Safe, clean and
transport emissions 2050, relative to changes
IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH
Total number of journeys
is reducing in targeted areas
efficient vehicles
in the vehicle fleet.
Active modes: The land transport
by mode [active modes] and
Air emissions play a role in shortening the lives of over 250 people a year.
•  The carbon intensity of the
SAFE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT VEHICLES
system supports physically active
Road Controlling Authority
Approximately 38,000 people are exposed to high levels of noise from state highways
vehicle fleet is reducing
•  Gear up and administer the Government’s proposed
and healthy travel options
and major local roads in Aotearoa – many more are exposed if we use European
Exposure to elevated
•  Individuals and fleet owners find
Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard when
standards. In terms of physical activity levels, in 2016/17 only 50.2% of adults in
OFFICIAL
Air quality:  No harm from land
concentrations of air pollution
it easy to purchase and use
approved
Aotearoa (15 years and over) were physically active (at least 30 mins on 5 days per
transport air emissions
from the transport system
electric vehicles
5
•  Support the feasibility study for social leasing to help
week) and 13.4 percent of adults did less than 30 minutes per week. Our active mode
Invest for
low income households into safe and clean vehicles
share is low by international standards. And our land transport system is not as safe as
Noise: No harm from land
Number of people exposed
Sustainable
it could be: In 2019, over 350 people died and over 2500 were seriously injured on our
transport noise
to elevated levels of land
To be developed
•  Partner to provide individuals and fleet owners with
THE
Outcomes +
roads, which comes at a social cost of more than $4.6B per annum.
transport noise
following
the knowledge and confidence to purchase and use
baselines to be
electric vehicles
identified in the
6
Sustainability
Foundations for
Monitoring
enduring success
•  Known harm is programmed for
Framework (first
(Leadership;
PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM
remediation
report due June
Frameworks and
AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Biodiversity: The land transport
UNDER
The land transport system is a substantial presence in our natural environment, traversing
network is managed to support
•  Infrastructure activities are assessed,
2020)
policies; Integration  •  Review and update our Environmental and Social
many sensitive habitats and waterways. Just as significant as the ‘footprint’ of the land
TBD: Not covered by the GPS
and enhance indigenous
designed, delivered and managed to
into strategy,
Responsibility Standard: Applicable to all infrastructure
transport system, is the kind of urban land use and development it enables. Productive land
biodiversity
protect and enhance the natural
3
business planning
projects and activities across the whole lifecycle
and loss of native land cover, habitats and biodiversity are casualties of urban sprawl. The
Tonnes of selected
and built environment
Protect and
and policies)
•  Leverage procurement for a step-change in sector
land transport system and the kind of development it supports has a variety of impacts
contaminants discharged
Water: Water bodies are
enhance the
environmental and social responsibility practice
on biodiversity from destruction and severance of habitat to enhancing transport corridor
from the land transport network
•  Procurement processes, KPIs,
protected from adverse effects of
natural and built
ecological and cultural values. Storm-water run-off from roads contains a variety of toxic
into sensitive water bodies
specifications and policy improve sector
land transport storm-water run-off
environment
•  Develop and embed a resource efficiency and waste
elements that can adversely affect the ecological health of water bodies. Construction
sustainability practice and outcomes
minimisation policy
TBD: Not covered in the GPS
and demolition waste represent about 50% of all waste going to landfill. Land transport
Resource efficiency: We use
•  Waste from construction, maintenance
FOUNDATIONS FOR ENDURING SUCCESS
construction and demolition waste is not routinely recycled and the use of recycled or
resources and energy sustainably
and demolition is reducing
•  Review and implement a refreshed Environmental
alternative materials in new builds is limited.
•  Use of sustainable materials is increasing
RELEASED
and Social Responsibility Policy
REDUCING CORPORATE EMISSIONS
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
In calendar year 2018 our total carbon emissions were 5.2 kilo tonnes,
94% of which arose from travel; and most of this arising from domestic air travel.
Reducing corporate emissions:
•  Our business travel emissions
4
•  Robustly measure and verify our carbon footprint
Waka Kotahi carbon footprint
Travel emissions have increased 80% since 2016 (calendar year); domestic air emissions
Waka Kotahi is carbon neutral
are significantly reduced
Lead by
and set reduction targets
example
have increased 94%. We must transition our vehicle fleet to 100% electric (as far as
•  Reduce our corporate travel emissions
practicable) by 2026; and we aspire to public sector sustainability leadership.

30 Waka Kotahi
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
END NOTES
1 Arataki is our 10-year view of what is needed to deliver on the government’s current
priorities and long-term objectives for the land transport system. It’s our way of being
more transparent about what we see coming nationally and regionally, and about how we
want to work with you to shape the best land transport system for New Zealand. https://
www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-investment/planning/arataki/
2 Our first two principles are shared with Te Ara Kotahi – Our Māori Strategy
1982
3 Environment Aotearoa 2019: New Zealand’s Environmental Reporting Series, Ministry for
the Environment and Statistics NZ, p. 92.
ACT
4 Annual Fleet Statistics 2018, Ministry of Transport, p. 15; NZTA Vehicle Emissions
Mapping Tool; Moving the light vehicle fleet to low-emissions: Discussion paper on a
Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount, Ministry of Transport, (9 July 2019), pp.6-7
5 The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act sets a net zero carbon
emissions target for all greenhouse gas emissions (except biological methane) by 2050.
6 According to the Ministry of Transport’s Annual Fleet Statistics 2018, there were nearly
4.3 million vehicles in the fleet by 2018; and as of 4 December 2019 and according to
the Ministry of Transport monthly vehicle registraiton data (https://www.transport.govt.
INFORMATION
nz/mot-resources/vehicle-fleet-statistics/monthly-electric-and-hybrid-light-vehicle-
registrations/ ), there were !8,000 electric/hybrid vehicles in the fleet, constituting about
0.4%. Replacing nearly 4.3 million fossil fuel vehicles with no/low emission vehicles by
2030 constitutes a replacement rate of over 142,000 vehicles a year.
7 Ministry of Transport: Monthly Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Registrations: https://www.
transport.govt.nz/mot-resources/vehicle-fleet-statistics/monthly-electric-and-h
OFFICIAL
ybrid-
light-vehicle-registrations/
8 Transport Outlook: Future State, Ministry of Transport (2017), p.74
THE
9 Road Safety Outcomes: Supplement to the NZ Transport Agency’s Quarterly Results
and Insights Q2 2019/20, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/road-safety-
outcomes/docs/rso-oct-dec-2019.pdf
10 Updated Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand Study, Volume 1: Summary Report
UNDER
(March 2012), Table 6.3, p.31; Environment Aotearoa 2019, pp. 68-70
11 ‘National Land Transport (Road) Noise Map’, 2019 Project Report (AECOM)
(unpublished)
12 Turning the Tide – From Cars to Active Transport, University of Otago (April 2019), p. 10
13 Turning the Tide, p. 10
14 Sustainable Urban Transpor
RELEASED t: Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI), Sustainable Urban Transport
Project

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN
Waka Kotahi 31
15 The Cross-Government Low Emission Vehicles Work Programme is a whole of
government effort to accelerate the transition to a low carbon vehicle fleet. It has four
areas of focus and primarily addresses the light vehicle fleet.
16 Modelling by the Ministry of Transport shows that the scale of projected EV uptake is
uncertain; and current projections of land transport emissions are not consistent with
achieving the 2030 Paris Agreement target (30% below emissions at 2005) or achieving
1982
net zero land transport emissions by 2050. ( Moving the light vehicle fleet to low-
emissions: Discussion paper on a Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount, Ministry
ACT
of Transport, (9 July 2019) https://www.transport.govt.nz/multi-modal/climatechange/
electric-vehicles/clean-cars/
17 Keeping Cities Moving is a our plan for supporting and enabling greater mode shift from
cars to public transport and/or active modes in our fastest growing cities – Auckland,
Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. It aims to deliver on
social, environmental and economic outcomes by growing the share of travel by public
transport, walking and cycling. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-
transport/keeping-cities-moving/
18 Environment Aotearoa 2019, p. 7; p. 17.
INFORMATION
19 https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/research-and-data/state-highway-frequently-
asked-questions/#useful-facts
20 BRANZ: Reducing Building Material Wastes: Construction
Guide 2014: https://www.branz.co.nz/cms_show_download.
php?id=5e8633f5234594b316612f186e49687aff5475dd
OFFICIAL
21 While government agencies are required to disclose their average vehicle fleet emission
profile of their vehicle fleets, there are no requirements for government agencies
THE
to measure or disclose their complete emission profile. The Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Authority (EECA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Ministry for the Environment however do. Based on 2018 data from these agencies, we
have identified that our overall emissions are high, and our per FTE emissions is also high
when compared to these agencies. Comparisons must be treated with some caution since
UNDER
Waka Kotahi is a different and much larger agency than these other agencies.
22 https://www.procurement.govt.nz/broader-outcomes/reducing-emissions-and-waste/
reducing-government-fleet-emissions/
23 Helping Employees Embrace Change, McKinsey Quarterly 2002 Number 4, Jennifer A. La
Clair and Ravi P. Rao
24 https://www.prosci.com/resources/articles/change-management-best-practices
RELEASED

1982
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
If you have further queries, call our contact
centre on 0800 699 000 or write to us:
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
RELEASED
This publication is also available on
NZ Transport Agency’s website at
www.nzta.govt.nz
April 2020

Document Outline