50 Victoria Street
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
T 64 4 894 5400
F 64 4 894 6100
www.nzta.govt.nz
5 August 2022
Michael Brown
[FYI request #19987 email]
REF: OIA-10594
Dear Michael
Request made under the Official Information Act 1982
Thank you for your email of 22 July 2022 requesting information under the Official Information Act
1982 (the Act). A response to each of your questions is provided below.
1. NZTA policy (if such exists) about consulting with cyclists and/or cycling interest groups in
planning cycleway developments.
Waka Kotahi uses a business case approach as the basis for activity and programme development for
investment from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF). The business case process and the
consenting phase for most transport projects, including cycling infrastructure projects, generally
includes public engagement. The public engagement provides the opportunity for any interested
individuals to provide feedback.
Our engagement policy can be found at: https://nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/public-engagement-
manual/docs/nzta-public-engagement-guidelines.pdf. This details our rationale, expectations,
principles, and processes for public engagement as they relate to our projects. Please refer to page 16
for a concise summary of guidance for our project teams on who to engage with. This includes
potential users, such as cyclists, as well as advocacy groups, including cycle advocacy groups.
Alongside the engagement policy, Waka Kotahi also has comprehensive Cycling Network Guidance
(CNG) that provides a range of technical advice for our transport planners, including advice on
engaging with cycling stakeholders. You can find more information that guide the planning and design
of cycling infrastructure projects at the following links:
• https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-standards-and-
guidance/cycling-network-guidance/
• https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-standards-and-
guidance/cycling-network-guidance/cycle-network-and-route-planning-guide/
• https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-standards-and-
guidance/cycling-network-guidance/cycle-network-and-route-planning-
guide/process/engagement-and-consultation/
It is important to note that there is no policy that sets out the precise form of engagement as it varies
depending on the type and size of the project.
2. Any assessment of how such policies are being implemented.
Waka Kotahi has a continuous improvement programme in place to update the existing guidance
where appropriate and carry lessons learned forward from past projects. The output from these
learnings and improvements are encapsulated in case studies available on our website at:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-standards-and-
guidance/cycling-network-guidance/case-studies/.
3. NZTA policy (if such exists) around cycleway planners conducting their own field research by
cycling routes to gain experience and insights.
Waka Kotahi does not have any such policy. However, the detailed design phase commonly includes
street/route walks with advisory group.
4. What consultation with cyclists and field research (as described above) occurred during
planning of the Te Ara Tupua cycleway along Wellington Harbour.
The first engagement on the Te Ara Tupua project commenced with cyclist surveys in 2012/13. A
report that outlines the findings from these surveys can be found at:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/w2hvlink/docs/n2p-cyclist-survey-findings.pdf
During the business case phase in 2014, Waka Kotahi carried out community and stakeholder
consultation, which considered two main alternatives for the project – a seaward-side option and a
road-side option. This included consultation with walking and cycling advocacy groups and the wider
public on the two options. The consultation report can be found at:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/w2hvlink/docs/w2hvlink-consultation-report-20141110.pdf
During the consenting phase in 2019, further community and stakeholder consultation was completed
to further develop the seaward side option. The engagement summary can be found at:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/wellington-to-hutt-valley-walking-and-cycling-link/n2p-
engagement-summary.pdf
You may also be interested in the report of engagement and consultation, which was submitted as part
of the project’s consent application (please refer to page 126) here:
https://epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/Fast-track-consenting/Te-Ara-
Tupua/LP01_Te_Ara_Tupua_AEE.pdf
There has also been ongoing engagement with local cycle advocacy groups, such as Cycle Action
Network, Hutt Cycle Network, Cycle Wellington and others, as the project progressed. This includes
regular meetings about the wider regional approach to developing the cycling network.
In addition to this engagement, at different times during the project’s development, our project team
members have cycled the existing SH2 route to understand the existing user experience better.
2
If you would like to discuss this reply with Waka Kotahi, please contact the Ministerial Services team
by email to [NZTA request email]
Yours sincerely
Sarah Azam
Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement
3
