Hawke’s Bay Regional
Council
Regional
Transport Committee
24 May
2024
Subject: Regional Land Transport Plan
2024-2034 deliberations
Reason for report
1. This item provides the
means for the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) to deliberate on the decisions
required to finalise the Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-2034 (RLTP) and
recommend its adoption to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Officers’
recommendations
2. Council staff recommend
that the RTC considers and makes decisions on amendments to the RLTP in
response to submissions and as recommended by the Transport Technical Advisory
Group (TAG).
Executive
Summary
3. The draft RLTP (2024-2034)
was released for public consultation on 18 March 2024 for four weeks.
4. The RLTP contains the region’s proposed transport activities
to be funded from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) by the NZ Transport
Agency (Waka Kotahi) for the three years in line with the NLTF funding cycles.
As a strategic document the RLTP takes a 10-year view. Proposed investments
cover both Local Road and State Highways. The draft RLTP sets out a strong
focus on resilience, rebuild, and maintenance across the transport system.
5. The RLTP is a
statutory document that must be prepared by the Regional Transport Committee
(RTC) as required by the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA). The
current RLTP was adopted in 2021.
6. Fifty-seven written
submissions were received on the draft RLTP and 14 submitters’ verbal
submissions were heard by the RTC on 3 May 2024. There was one late submission
tabled, and accepted by the Committee, at the 3 May RTC meeting, which the
submitter also spoke to.
7. The officers’
assessment of the submissions and recommendations for amendments to the draft
plan as a consequence are detailed for the Committee’s consideration.
Background
8. RLTPs are ten-year
strategic plans that set out the regional visions, priorities, and objectives
for the transport system. It also sets out the policies that will be used to
deliver on these.
9. Typically, RLTPs are
reviewed on three-year cycles with a re-write commencing at year six of the
overall ten-year plan, however, following Cyclone Gabrielle a full review of
the current RLTP was undertaken. Given the scale of damage sustained in
Hawke’s Bay, a full review and re-write of the RLTP was necessary to
reflect the current and future reality of Hawke’s Bay.
Overview
of key themes of submissions
10. The following presents a
high-level overview of the key themes of the 57 written submissions received
against each of the consultation questions. Respondents were asked to rate
their level of support using a Likert scale (1 – 5, strongly against to
strongly support) and were given the opportunity to provide further feedback
using a free text field. The free text field was themed by staff.
Regional transport strategic vision
11. Over 60% of respondents
supported the draft 30-year strategic vision, with 27% indicating a neutral
stance, and 11% indicating minimal support. Overall, responses indicate support
for the proposed strategic vision. Emerging themes from respondent’s
centre around support for enhanced resilience and public transport, along with
transport system efficiency and emissions reduction.
Draft strategic objectives
12. Fifty-nine percent of
respondents indicated support for the draft strategic objectives, with 30%
being neutral, and only 9% of respondents disagreeing with the proposed
strategic objectives. Themes emerging from respondents were enhanced
resilience, increased safety, and a focus on emissions reduction.
10 year transport priorities
13. When asked if the RTC had
got the 10-year transport priorities in the right order, 42% of respondents
supported the order, 38% were neutral, and a further 18% did not support the
order. The primary theme emerging included an overall focus on resilience
– some respondents supported the measures set out in the draft RLTP while
others wanted to see more. While the secondary emerging theme was an increased
focus on both public transport and multi modal integration, particularly as a
means of decreasing travel times, providing choice, and decongesting key
corridors.
Support for overall proposed
investment programme
14. When asked if respondents
supported the overall investment programme, 77% of respondents indicated they
supported the proposal and 20% did not support it. The themes of those
respondents who did not support the programme include an enhanced focus on
rail, a desire for a wider system solution (e.g. including water way
management), and encouragement to simply focus on community connection. There
was broad support for the focus placed on local / rural roads with a number of
respondents highlighting this as a key area of investment need.
Proposed State Highway works
15. When asked whether
respondents felt the proposed works on the vital State Highway links would
provide increased resilience, reliability, and efficiency for our region, an
overwhelming 79.5% of respondents agreed. Themes from the 20% who did not agree
focused on the need for enhanced public transport as a primary investment
outcome, and the need to focus more investment on local / rural roads.
Prioritised programme of capital
projects
16. When asked if the draft
prioritisation of Capital works was right, 43% of respondents supported the
current prioritisation, with a further 43% having a neutral response. Of the
13% of respondents who did not support the prioritised programme of work, the
themes focused on increased public transport funding and a reallocation of the
expressway four-laning funding to local roads.
17. Based on the above analysis
of consultation feedback, staff recommend that the strategic vision,
objectives, and transport priorities remain as drafted. It is clear from
submissions that these are supported by the community.
Other
themes and matters
18. Several other themes
emerged from the public consultation, including:
18.1. A range of respondents
outlined the vital importance of the local and rural roading network, urging
that this is elevated in importance over all other investments.
18.2. The four-laning of the
expressway proved divisive, with some respondents firmly for it, while others
questioned the capital investment and need for enhanced capacity in
Hawke’s Bay, outlining that the capital may be better invested in local
roads or public transport.
18.2.1. This feedback highlights
the opportunity for wider optioneering around what the overall investment looks
like once complete. The interdependencies with the local roading network will
need to be considered, along with the optimal form and function now and into
the future.
18.2.2. Despite some submissions to
the contrary, the RTC is aware that there is a high level of support for the
four-laning of the expressway.
18.3. Many respondents expressed
strong support for enhanced resilience across the transport system,
particularly maintenance, operations, and renewals investment and for our local
and rural roading networks. It was noted there is value in ensuring staff
clearly articulate how resilience is being planned for in the future.
18.4. Many respondents welcomed
the proposed programmes of work on the state highways, particularly investments
in the State Highway 2 and 5 corridors to secure reliable and resilient
journeys for people and freight.
18.5. There was support for
improved and enhanced public transport services in the urban areas,
particularly as a tool to reduce congestion, free up key corridors for freight,
and to get people to their destination efficiently.
18.5.1. Staff note that there are
serious funding constraints emerging in the public transport space. These
constraints have the potential to materially impact the future service delivery
of public transport across the urban areas. The RTC are encouraged to undertake
urgent conversations to understand the potential impacts and options of any
funding constraints.
Recommendations
19. Based on the themes above,
staff recommend the RTC encourages NZTA to undertake a robust optioneering and
investigation process in relation to the expressway four-laning, encompassing
the local roading network as key feeders, to ensure the future form and
function is suitable.
20. Staff recommend that clear
and concise commentary on how the Future Form and Function Review, as well as
the East Coast Connectivity Business Case, will help the region plan for transport
system resilience both now and into the future is included in both the
Executive Summary and the relevant section of the final RLTP.
Written
submissions
21. During the consultation
period a number of written submissions were received that either supported or
were in place of the online consultation questionnaire. The following analysis
and recommendations relate specifically to those submissions.
Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd (HBAL)
22. The HBAL submission
outlined the overall support for direction, vision, and content of the draft
RLTP. The submission noted the airport is not only a key link connecting
businesses, tourism, and industry, but also has a statutory obligation to
ensure operational resilience as a lifeline link under the Civil Defence and
Emergency Management Act 2002.
23. HBAL considers greater
emphasis should be placed on the multi modal interdependencies that exist in
the regional transport system to ensure it is efficient, resilient, and places
community wellbeing at the centre. HBAL has a project included in the
RLTP’s ‘projects for future consideration’ section focusing
on a second access roundabout for the airport. The submission offered several
tweaks to certain sections of the draft RLTP to highlight the need for the second
entranceway.
24. HBAL has usefully included
all of their suggested additions for each appropriate section in the body of
their submission.
Recommendation
25. Staff recommend that all
appropriate and applicable additions set out in the HBAL submission are
included in the RLTP prior to presentation to HBRC for adoption.
Horizons Regional Council
26. Horizons Regional Council
submission expresses broad support for the draft RLTP and the strategic vision,
noting similarities with the vision Horizons RTC has developed. Further,
Horizons expresses their support for Objective 1 – Resilience and
Security and notes the importance of strategic inter-regional road and rail
corridors that provide vital access to ports. Removing constraints and creating
resilient access is key for both regions.
27. Horizons strongly supports
investment in connections to Napier Port, particularly as these relate to and
(to an extent) depend on the Horizons region. Given the importance of Te
Utanganui to Palmerston North and the wider region, the support for securing
resilient and reliable access to Napier Port and beyond is welcome.
28. The submission supports the
maintenance, operations, renewals, and resilience of both the State Highway 2
link, a key lifeline between the regions and further south, as well as
investment in the Palmerston North-Gisborne rail line as a means of ensuring
multi-modal access and movement.
29. Horizons considers public
transport access and connection between our regions is an important enabler of future
growth. The Council seeks an increasingly closer working relationship to
enhance the coordination and subsequent benefits of cross border initiatives
and collaboration.
Recommendation
30. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Staff will continue to work closely with Horizons Regional Council on regional
connectivity and collaboration.
Kinetic
31. Kinetic is the parent
company of GoBus, the current service provider for the Napier and Hastings
urban services. Kinetic is broadly supportive of the proposed new network,
particularly the increased frequency and bi-directional routes. It also notes
that this shift needs to be supported by improved roadside infrastructure, good
signage, fully marked bus stops, bus shelters, and bus stop information (e.g.
timetables, etc). These elements will help to ensure good visibility of the
network and stops for users, making it a more attractive alternative to
driving.
32. Kinetic supports the role
public transport plays in travel demand management and is encouraged that the
RLTP outlines this as an outcome of public transport services. Further, Kinetic
outlines a range of emissions reduction opportunities that public transport
provides, from efficient modern diesel to zero emissions buses. A shift in
fleet will make a material impact on the regional emissions profile, and
Kinetic recommends this is outlined in the emissions reduction section (3.3.1).
Recommendation
33. Staff recommend that
commentary is added, into the emissions reduction section (3.3.1) of the RLTP,
on the role that modern, efficient buses play in reducing emissions, prior to
presentation to HBRC for adoption.
Henare Mita
34. Henare Mita is a member of
the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Māori Committee, however,
he made the submission as a private citizen in support of the draft RLTP.
35. Mr Mita outlined his broad
support for the draft RLTP, particularly as it relates to resilience,
connection, and ensuring the transport system is protected against future risk.
A focus of his submission was about ensuring the RLTP is sufficiently supported
to enable Hawke’s Bay to secure safe and reliable journeys, particularly
on State Highway 2 north to Wairoa.
3
May 2024 Regional Land Transport Plan Submissions Hearing
36. Fourteen speakers presented
their submissions to the Regional Transport Committee at the 3 May Hearing.
37. One late submission, from
Alastair Hailburton, was tabled at the start of the Hearings. The submission
primarily focused on the Devil’s Elbow section of State Highway 2,
encouraging exploration of alternative alignments. The Committee agreed to
accept the late submission and allow Mr Hailburton to speak to his submission
at the Hearing.
38. The Hearing analysis
follows the order of proceedings and includes recommendations for the
Committee’s consideration.
Lisa Malde for New Zealand Transport
Agency Waka Kotahi
39. The NZTA submission and
presentation focused on the recently re-released State Highway Investment
Proposal (SHIP), noting that this was initially developed in August 2023 prior
to central government elections. Following the release of a new Government
Policy Statement on Land Transport (2024) the SHIP has been updated to better
reflect the outcomes of the new GPS. There is a need to ensure that ample
opportunity is given to enable the fulsome and complete updates of the SHIP to
be made within the RLTP up until it is adopted by the Regional Council.
40. Importantly for
Hawke’s Bay, funding for maintenance, operations, and renewals (MOR) will
not be fully confirmed until the 30 May budget. Over the coming years MOR
investment will be vitally important to Hawke’s Bay as a means of
enabling greater resilience of the state highway links. It is essential and any
updates or changes to MOR investment are accurately reflected in the final
RLTP.
41. It was noted that the
walking / cycling connection capital improvements for both Waipawa and Wairoa
have been removed from the SHIP due to limited alignment with the draft GPS. Further,
Transport Recovery East Coast activities are currently in the planning stages,
but these activities involve a lot of maintenance, operations, and renewals
along with capital works.
42. NZTA has discussed the need
for resilience at a system-wide level. It is vital that the state highway
network is resilient in its own right, particularly as it functions as a
critical lifeline link into, out of, and around the region. Local roads play a
key part in the wider transport system and have key interdependencies with the
state highways, making a significant contribution to overall resilience, system
redundancy, and the enabling of alternative routes. To fully recognise this
interdependency, it is necessary to have clear planning around network
alternatives and redundancy across routes and modes. If there is an expectation
that local roads are to be a key system component alongside the state highway
network, there needs to be an equitable funding arrangement in place to bring
the alternative routes up to a suitable standard.
Recommendations
43. Staff will ensure enhanced
resilience across the transport system is highlighted in the final RLTP –
including the local road and state highway investments and the need for clearly
planned-for and adequately funded network alternatives and redundancy.
44. Staff recommend that the
RTC urges NZTA to ensure that any plans or business case processes, either
underway or planned, include clear and explicit planning around network
alternatives for alternative routes and network redundancy (more than likely on
local roads) within those. This must include a transparent and equitable
funding arrangement to ensure the alternative route is suitable to sustain high
levels of traffic, both commercial and private vehicles.
45. Working with NZTA and TREC,
staff will ensure there is a clear view across both activities and
prioritization, of how proposed investments align with the GPS and deliver on
the desired outcomes.
46. Staff will include
commentary around the potential of alternative funding sources for transport
system investments across Hawke’s Bay, such as tolling and Public Private
Partnerships, within the investment programme in chapter 7 of the RLTP.
47. Staff will ensure both the
Waipawa and Wairoa walking and cycling connection projects are retained in the
RLTP, but re-prioritised in line with the draft GPS.
48. Working with NZTA, staff
will ensure that all relevant updates are made to the RLTP ahead of adoption by
the Regional Council. This includes capital works programmes via the SHIP along
with MOR and other investment programmes.
Jim Galloway for Federated Farmers
49. Jim Galloway spoke in
support of the submission by Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay. Federated
Farmers strongly support the increased focus on the rural roading network,
along with the enhanced focus on resilience. It was noted that the rural
roading network provides vital connection for businesses and communities and
disruptions to the network result in both economic and animal welfare
challenges.
50. Federated Farmers support
the draft RLTP and would like to note there should be a focus on ensuring roads
are built back well, are done so in a timely and productive manner with a focus
on value for money.
Recommendation
51. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Guy Wellwood
52. Mr Wellwood’s
submission focused on the limited affordability of what has been proposed, and
the extensive roading investments required. Reservations were expressed around
the four laning of the expressways as to whether this was good value for money
or even necessary. The submission largely focused on the rail line and
encouraged further investment both outside the golden triangle and along the
Palmerston North line to Nuhaka.
53. Ultimately, Mr Wellwood
would like to see the ownership and management of tracks undertaken by another
entity as a means to encourage greater use of the asset. It is noted the region
should be looking at ‘mood change’ as much as ‘mode change.
Recommendation
54. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Mhairi Rademaker for Genesis Energy
55. The submission from Genesis
Energy was in support of the draft RLTP, particularly relating to proposed
investments to increase the resilience of and reliable access to the
Waikaremoana power scheme at Tuai via State Highway 38. The submitters noted
the power scheme is vitally important infrastructure to the region and
the wider East Coast.
56. Genesis has a range of
large maintenance and renewal works planned at the Tuai power scheme site to
ensure operational resilience for the future. Reliable access is a critical
enabler of this ongoing investment.
Recommendation
57. Staff recommend that
specific reference to the Genesis site at Tuai and its importance to the region
as a lifeline infrastructure is added into the RLTP. Highlighting the
importance of the State Highway 38 corridor and the need to ensure investments
are made to enhance the resilience of the corridor.
Karl Goodchild
58. Mr Goodchild’s
submission and presentation focused on the urban public transport services in
Napier and Hastings and the need for increased bus driver wages to ensure
sufficient drivers are available, as well as enhanced frequency and reliability
of services to ensure that public transport provides a viable alternative to
private transport.
Recommendation
59. Staff have assessed the
submission and confirm all elements raised are covered in the Regional Public
Transport Plan, due to be implemented in late 2025, subject to
affordability. Driver wages have been increased in the last financial
year and will continue to be reviewed through the contract terms and as
affordability allows. Staff recommend there are no changes made to the
draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Graeme Mueller
60. Mr Mueller’s
presentation questioned the need for a four-lane expressway, outlining it may
not be the most optimal use of public money. Instead, increased and more
frequent public transport complemented by other modes was presented as a
favourable alternative.
Recommendation
61. Staff recommend that there
are no changes to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
James Smith for National Road Carriers
Association (NRC)
62. The NRC submission
supported the draft RLTP, particularly the focus on resilience and securing
reliable journeys on the lifeline state highways. NRC noted that as the
industry moves to decarbonise via the uptake of new and / or emerging
technologies there will be a need to ensure this investment is as productive as
possible to justify the investment. Ultimately, this means having a resilient
transport network that enables the efficient movement of freight. NRC noted
this can be achieved by ensuring:
62.1. Structures are suitably
designed and built to carry increased mass (and thereby increasing
productivity)
62.2. Shortening the length of
key corridors where possible, effectively reducing travel times.
63. NRC also expressed full
support for proposed road safety interventions, including the proposed
Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre in Esk.
Recommendation
64. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Carol-Anne Guard
65. Carol-Anne’s
submission focused on the public transport network and the need to ensure
disabled people have equitable access. It was highlighted that the MyWay
service has been fantastic for the disabled community and has provided enhanced
independence for a range of users. Carol-Anne also raised the possibility of
public transport concessions for disabled support workers to enable greater
access and overall support.
Recommendation
66. Staff have reviewed and
assessed the content and themes of the submission and note that a range of
policies were included in the Regional Public Transport Plan (2022) focusing on
enhancements for and engagement with the disabled community. Staff note that
the RPTP is the natural home for these policies and inclusions and recommend
that there are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this
submission.
Walter Breustedt
67. Mr Breustedt’s
submission questioned the necessity and cost of a four-lane expressway and
suggested the investment would be better placed in public and active transport,
as well as emissions reduction activities. Mr Breustedt also noted a range of
emissions reduction opportunities across the region and the role rail could
potentially play in public transport services, efficient freight movements, and
emissions reduction.
Recommendation
68. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Allan Newton
69. A long-time Wairoa resident
and local farmer, Mr Newton’s submission was focused on the need for an
investigation and/or feasibility study on alternative routes along State
Highway 2, connecting Wairoa to Hawke’s Bay and beyond. Mr Newton noted
that the resilience of the road has been challenging for a number of decades
and results in ongoing economic and social hardship for Wairoa. It was noted
that some preliminary investigations around a coastal route have been undertaken
and suggested this should be investigated further as part of the works on State
Highway 2 and Devil’s Elbow.
Recommendation
70. Staff recommend that Mr
Newton contacts the Transport Recovery East Coast (TREC) team to encourage TREC
to make the planning and optioneering that has been undertaken publicly
transparent and to have input into the TREC processes. There are no
changes to be made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Andrea Manley and Todd Dawson for
Napier Port
71. Napier Port’s submission
and presentation focused on the areas of concern as set out in the written
submission. In summary, Napier Port expressed concern that there is a
misalignment between the strategic direction of the draft RLTP and the draft
Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, potentially putting funding at
risk. The presenters encouraged a review of some of the strategic direction /
priority to better align with Government direction.
Recommendations
72. Staff have reviewed the
submission and Hearing presentation and make the following observations:
72.1. The primary purpose of the
RLTP is to tell the story of our region, its priority investment areas, and set
out an investment plan to deliver on that over time. While alignment to the GPS
is necessary, The RLTP ensures the long term needs of the region are
represented.
72.2. That staff obtain from
Napier Port an accurate description of port volumes and operations.
72.3. There are no other changes
made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Glenn Marshall
73. Mr Marshall’s
submission focused on safe cycling and active transport in the urban area,
Napier in particular. It was noted that NZTA provides advice about
‘taking the lane’ to enable and encourage safe cycling in urban areas.
Generally, this is around owning the lane, to ensure a safe distance from both
parked and moving cars.
74. Mr Marshall would like
increased signage and / or education / lane marking to educate and encourage
both cyclists and motorists to take the lane. It was noted that ‘taking
the lane’ is a legal right and ongoing education is required to reinforce
this.
Recommendation
75. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
76. Staff recommend the Territorial
Local Authorities provide regular updates to the RTC on improvements to walking
and cycling lanes in Hastings, Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.
Ross
McLeod for the Regional Recovery Agency (RRA)
77. The RRA supports the
importance accorded within the RLTP to recovery works for both local roads and
state highways, along with enhanced maintenance, rebuild, and resilience works.
The RRA outlined the detailed work completed to date with local Road
Controlling Authorities through their detailed recovery programmes and the
associated funding short fall. The work presents a detailed and costed
programme of works required. Through this work, the RRA has identified
approximately $700M of unfunded works are still required across Wairoa
District, Hastings District, and Central Hawke’s Bay District over the
next 4 - 7 years.
78. The RRA has quantified the
funding shortfall for each council and the uplift in the Funding Assistance
Rates (FAR) required to enable the works. This is supplemented by additional
bespoke funding arrangements. Overall, the work sets out the need for a +20%
enhanced emergency FAR along with additional bespoke funding packages. The
detailed information setting this out, along with enhanced FARs for each
council was provided in the RRA’s submission.
79. Critically, the RRA notes
that these works are on the local and rural roading networks. It is vital for
both the economic and community wellbeing of the region that these works are
carried out with urgency and priority. The reality for councils is that budgets
are under extreme stress and enhanced support is required. The key test for
resilience will be whether our transport system performs better if we have
another sizable weather event. To enable this, adequate funding must be available.
80. The RRA noted that state
highway resilience is critical for the region’s people and product. Given
the scope and scale of works required across the network there is a need to
consider the best solutions and alignments for the next 100 years and look at
transformational alignments for key regional links where applicable and
appropriate.
Recommendation
81. Staff have assessed the
submission and see significant benefit in including the RRA’s submission
in the final RLTP and recommend:
81.1. That an overview of the
works and funding required across the region is included in chapter 7 of the
RLTP. This would identify the need for enhanced FARs by councils as well as the
bespoke funding requirements.
81.2. That a sub section of the
RLTP investment programme (chapter 7) is created, which includes the full list
of councils’ costed recovery and rebuild projects (as at 30 April 2024),
FARs required, the overall funding short fall, bespoke funding needs and
contextual commentary.
81.3. That the above points are
built into the final RLTP Executive Summary to outline and highlight its
importance.
Alastair
Haliburton
82. Mr Haliburton leads a
collective of businesses and interested parties who have interests that rely
heavily on the State Highway 2 corridor. The group is made up of local
businesses that have production, process, and/or transport requirements across
the East Coast. They are encouraging the investigation and quantification of
alternative alignments for State Highway 2 north, with particular focus on
using the existing rail corridor.
Recommendations
83. Staff recommend that the
RTC urges NZTA and TREC to be publicly transparent with design and economic
evaluation information used to consider alternative and/or transformative
alternate routes for SH2.
84. Staff recommend that there
are no changes made to the draft RLTP as the result of this submission.
Proposed updated Capital works
programme
85. The first iteration of the
State Highway Improvement Proposal (SHIP) was released in September 2023,
pre-election. Following the release of the draft GPS (2024) on Land Transport a
SHIP was released mid RLTP consultation with projects that better reflect the
direction of the new GPS and the desired outcomes. This has resulted in some
changes to the capital programme of works for Hawke’s Bay. The key
difference is that specific projects have now been identified within broader
programmes.
86. The main changes are:
86.1. Both the Waipawa and Wairoa
walking / cycling connections have been removed
86.1.1. Staff note that the Wairoa
walking / cycling connection was not included in the original RLTP capital
works programme is it was scheduled to commence after the 2024 – 2027
NLTP. Staff recommend including it.
86.1.2. Staff recommend these two
projects are retained in the RLTP capital works programme but are no longer
scored or prioritised.
86.2. The SH38 Wairoa to Murupara
Stage 2 project was not included in the initial capital works programme as it
was scheduled for the next NLTP cycle (2027 – 2030). Staff recommend
including this as part of the wider Tairawhiti Wairoa resilience programme,
clearing noting it is an improvement activity.
86.3. The SH38 Frasertown Bridge
End of Life Replacement is a new initiative. Staff recommend including this as
part of the overall Tairawhiti Wairoa resilience programme, clearing noting it
is an improvement activity.
86.4. The Waipukurau Revocation
was not originally included in the capital programme as it was scheduled for
the 2027 – 2030 NLTP period and was under the CAPEX threshold to be
included in the programme.
86.4.1. Staff recommend including the project
in the Capital works programme to retain visibility, but do not prioritise.
86.5. The ‘Hawke’s
Bay resilience rebuild’ and the ‘Tairawhiti - Wairoa resilience
rebuild’ have been broken out into specific projects / work packages,
such as Devil’s Elbow.
86.5.1. Staff recommend that these
projects are built into an overall programme of capital works with the scoring
and prioritisation remaining the same as the draft RLTP.
86.6. Overall, staff recommend
the RTC adopts the revised Capital Works programme and associated
prioritisation as drafted following.
87. Below is the Capital Works
programme, as consulted on with comments and recommendations following the SHIP
updates.
Capital works programme as set out in
the draft RLTP
|
Rank
|
Project
|
Comments
|
Recommendation
|
|
1
|
Waikare Gorge
Implementation
|
Capital project
still in SHIP – classified as Cyclone Rebuild activity
|
Retain
in current position
|
|
2
|
Future Form &
Function review & PBC
|
Retained in SHIP.
Funding could prove challenging
|
Retain
prioritisation as it is important to Hawke’s Bay, particularly to
highlight and plan for future resilience across the transport system
|
|
3
|
SH2 4 laning
|
Retained in the
SHIP. Now classified as a RONS project.
|
|
|
4
|
Tairāwhiti
Wairoa Resilience - Rebuild (implementation)
|
Split out into
specific projects
|
Include specific
projects (set out below in ‘new’ section) and prioritise
|
|
5
|
Hawke’s Bay
Resilience rebuild
|
Split out into
specific projects
|
Include specific
projects (set out below in ‘new’ section) and prioritise
|
|
6
|
Mahia
Connectivity
|
Limited funding
available from local share
|
Retain the project
in the RLTP with a lower priority
|
|
7
|
SH2 Waipawa Bridge
shared path
|
Removed from SHIP
due to limited alignment with draft GPS
|
RTC retain the
project in the RLTP with a lower prioritisation
|
|
8
|
SH5 (incl. safety)
programme of work
|
Retained in the
SHIP – classified as improvement activities
|
Retain in current
position
|
|
9
|
Te Mata –
Waimarama roundabout
|
Retained as a local
road capital project
|
Retain in current
position
|
|
10
|
North Eastern
Connector – Hastings
|
Retained as a local
road capital project
|
Retain in current
position
|
|
11
|
SIP SH2 Paki Paki
to Napier – Median Barrier
|
Removed from Safety
Improvement Programme (SIP)
|
Remove from Capital
Works programme
|
|
1
|
SH2 Eskdale
commercial vehicle rolling safety centre
|
Retained in SHIP
– classified as improvement project
|
|
|
New or updated projects in the revised SHIP
|
|
|
Project
|
Comments
|
Recommendation
|
|
SH38 Frasertown
Bridge EOL replacement
|
Proposed
improvement activity scheduled for next NLTP
|
Build into
Tairāwhiti Wairoa resilience programme to retain visibility. Retain
current prioritisation
|
|
SH38 Wairoa to
Murupara stage 2
|
Proposed
improvement activity scheduled for next NLTP
|
Build into Tairāwhiti
Wairoa resilience programme to retain visibility. Retain current
prioritisation
|
|
SH5 Taupo to Napier
– highest resilience risk sites
|
Pulled out of HB
resilience rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out HB
resilience as a programme with key projects identified. Retain current
prioritisation
|
|
SH5 Taupo to Napier
priority 2
|
Pulled out of HB
resilience rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out HB
resilience as a programme with key projects identified. Retain current
prioritisation
|
|
SH2 Opotiki to
Napier – Highest Resilience risk sites
|
Pulled out of
Tairāwhiti Wairoa Resilience - Rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out
Tairāwhiti Wairoa resilience as a programme with key projects
identified. Retain current prioritisation
|
|
SH2 Devil’s
Elbow
|
Pulled out of
Tairāwhiti Wairoa Resilience - Rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out
Tairāwhiti Wairoa resilience as a programme with key projects
identified. Retain current prioritisation
|
|
SH5 Lucky Hill
Bridge to SH5 / SH2 and Eskdale flood management
|
Pulled out of HB
resilience rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out HB
resilience as a programme with key projects identified. Retain current
prioritisation
|
|
New or updated projects in the revised SHIP
|
|
|
Project
|
Comments
|
Recommendation
|
|
SH38 Tuai sub
– station to Wairoa and Frasertown bridge
|
Pulled out of
Tairāwhiti Wairoa Resilience - Rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out
Tairāwhiti Wairoa resilience as a programme with key projects
identified. Retain current prioritisation
|
|
SH5 Mohaka bridge
upgrade
|
Pulled out of HB
resilience rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out HB
resilience as a programme with key projects identified. Retain current
prioritisation
|
|
SH2 Napier to
Takapau
|
Pulled out of HB
resilience rebuild as a specific project
|
Build out HB
resilience as a programme with key projects identified. Retain current
prioritisation
|
Proposed
revised Capital Works Programme following SHIP updates
88. An updated prioritised
programme of capital works is presented below.
|
|
Rank
|
Project
|
Score
|
Comments
|
|
|
1
|
Waikare Gorge
Implementation
|
92.5
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
2
|
Future Form &
Function review & PBC
|
91.3
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
3
|
SH2 4 laning
|
85.0
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
Tairāwhiti Wairoa Resilience – Rebuild programme
|
4
|
SH2 Devil’s
Elbow
|
82.5
|
Recommend building
into programme of work, retain scoring and priority rank
|
|
SH2 Opotiki to
Napier – Highest Resilience risk sites
|
|
SH38 Tuai sub
– station to Wairoa and Frasertown bridge
|
|
SH38 Wairoa to
Murupara stage 2
|
Included in wider
programme. Classified as Improvement activity
|
|
SH38 Frasertown
bridge EOL replacement
|
Included in wider
programme. Classified as Improvement activity
|
|
Hawke’s
Bay Resilience rebuild programme
|
5
|
SH5 Taupo to Napier
– highest resilience risk sites
|
82.5
|
Recommend building
into programme of work, retain scoring and priority rank
|
|
SH5 Lucky Hill
Bridge to SH5 / SH2 and Eskdale flood management
|
|
SH5 Mohaka bridge
upgrade
|
|
SH5 Taupo to Napier
priority 2
|
|
SH2 Napier to
Takapau
|
|
|
6
|
Mahia Connectivity
|
78.8
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
7
|
SH5 (incl. safety)
programme of work
|
73.8
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
8
|
Te Mata –
Waimarama roundabout
|
65.0
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
9
|
North Eastern
Connector – Hastings
|
61.3
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
10
|
SIP SH2 Paki Paki
to Napier – Median Barrier
|
48.8
|
Retain pending
further assessments by NZTA
|
|
|
11
|
SH2 Eskdale
commercial vehicle rolling safety centre
|
40.0
|
Scoring and rank
retained
|
|
|
Capital projects for future consideration / future years
|
|
|
|
Project
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
SH2 Waipukurau
revocation
|
Scheduled for 27
– 30 NLTP. Retained for visibility and future programmes
|
|
|
SH2 Waipawa bridge
shared path
|
Important to CHB
residents and forms a key missing link in their transport system. Retain in
the programme for future years
|
|
|
Wairoa bridge
walking / cycling connection
|
Important to Wairoa
residents and forms a key missing link in their transport system. Retain in
the programme for future years
|
Other Considerations
Alignment to the draft
Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (2024)
89. The draft GPS 2024 was
released for consultation two weeks prior to the draft RLTP being released for
public consultation. Consultation has closed and it is likely that the GPS will
not be confirmed until June. An adopted GPS is important as it not only signals
the strategic direction and outcomes desired by the Government, but it also
sets out the activities / investments that will be funded and the associated
funding levels. It is possible the programmes and investments may change
following the formal adoption of the GPS.
90. A number of submissions
outlined a level of concern that the draft RLTP was not fully aligned to the
draft GPS, potentially presenting a funding risk for the region. The purpose of
an RLTP is to create and set a strategic environment that is suitable for the
region long term, enables it to thrive, and delivers what the region needs. The
RLTP sets the strategic direction and provides a means to incrementally invest
in our transport system to deliver on the region.
91. While the Government Policy
Statement is an important document for the sector, it is driven by the
government of the day and is the primary lever the Minister of Transport has to
deliver desired outcomes. Investment will be prioritised against the desired outcomes
set out in the current GPS, and as such the RTLP should align closely with the
outcomes sought in the GPS. However, The RLTP sets a 30-year strategic vision
and plan for more than that which is set out in the GPS.
92. The Hawke’s Bay draft
RLTP has a vision that encompasses our entire transport system. It firmly
delivers on the outcomes set out in the draft GPS (2024) and seeks investment
in other element of our transport system that are important. Our community
needs to stay connected and safe, be resilient, provide choice, and drive
economic growth – a well-considered and integrated transport system does
all of this and is achieved over time.
Funding environment
93. Both continuous programmes
and some capital investment projects may be subject to differing funding
sources. The scoping and phasing of these will be somewhat dependent on the
release of the Government’s budget, due to be released at the end of
June. Some programmes won’t be able to be confirmed until post budget
announcement.
94. It is likely there will be
a remaining level of uncertainty around NLTF funding and allocations until
mid-year, potentially hampering progress on some initiatives.
95. Significant funding
constraints are likely for public transport and walking and cycling
initiatives.
Financial
and resource implications
96. All costs associated with
the development, consultation, hearings, and deliberations of the RLTP have
been budgeted for. Therefore, there are no adverse impacts on transport or
organisational budgets.
Decision-making process
97. Council and its committees
are required to make every decision in accordance with the requirements of the
Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements in
relation to this item and have concluded:
97.1. The decisions do not
significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset, nor are
they inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.
97.2. The consultation process
for the Regional Land Transport Plan was undertaken as prescribed by section 18
of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 and section 82 and 83 of the Local
Government Act 2002.
97.3. The decisions required are
significant under the criteria contained in Hawke’s Bay Regional
Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy and have been the
subject of public consultation between 18 March and 14 April 2024.
97.4. The persons affected by
this decision are all those who use or have an interest in Hawke’s
Bay’s transport networks.
Recommendations
That the Regional Transport Committee:
1. Receives and considers the Regional
Land Transport Plan 2024-2034 deliberations staff report.
2. In response to submissions
and as recommended by the Transport Technical Advisory Group, amends the Regional
Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2034 (RLTP24) by:
2.1. Including clear and concise
commentary on how the Future Form and Function Review, as well as the East
Coast Connectivity Business Case, will help the region plan for transport
system resilience both now and into the future in both the Executive Summary
and the relevant section of the final RLTP.
2.2. Including all appropriate
and applicable additions as set out in the Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd
submission.
2.3. Adding commentary in the
emissions reduction section (3.3.1) of the RLTP, on the role that modern,
efficient buses play in reducing emissions.
2.4. Ensuring enhanced
resilience across the transport system is highlighted in the final RLTP –
including the local road and state highway investments and the need for clearly
planned-for and adequately funded network alternatives and redundancy.
2.5. Ensuring there is a clear
view across both activities and prioritization, of how proposed investments
align with the GPS and deliver on the desired outcomes.
2.6. Including commentary about
the potential of alternative funding sources for transport system investments
across Hawke’s Bay, such as tolling and Public-Private Partnerships,
within the investment programme in chapter 7 of the RLTP.
2.7. Retaining both the Waipawa
and Wairoa walking and cycling connection projects in the RLTP, re-prioritised
in line with the draft Government Poilicy Statement.
2.8. Adding specific reference
to the Genesis site at Tuai and its importance to the region as a lifeline
piece of infrastructure, to highlight the importance of the State Highway 38
corridor and the need to ensure investments are made to enhance the resilience
of the corridor.
2.9. Ensuring that all relevant
updates are made to the RLTP ahead of adoption by the Regional Council,
including capital works programmes via the SHIP along with MOR and other
investment programmes.
2.10. Refining the content of the
RLTP to accurately reflect Napier Port volumes and operations.
2.11. Including the Regional
Recovery Agency’s submission in the final RLTP with:
2.11.1. an overview of the works
and funding required across the region is included in chapter 7 of the RLTP.
This would identify the need for enhanced FARs by councils as well as the
bespoke funding requirements.
2.11.2. a sub section of the RLTP
investment programme (chapter 7) is created, which includes the full list of
councils’ costed recovery and rebuild projects (as at 30 April 2024),
FARs required, the overall funding short fall, bespoke funding needs and contextual
commentary.
2.11.3. the above points built into
the Executive Summary to outline and highlight its importance.
2.12. Including the updated Capital Works Programme as
follows.
|
|
Rank
|
Project
|
Score
|
|
|
1
|
Waikare
Gorge Implementation
|
92.5
|
|
|
2
|
Future
Form & Function review & PBC
|
91.3
|
|
|
3
|
SH2 4
laning
|
85.0
|
|
Tairāwhiti Wairoa Resilience – Rebuild programme
|
4
|
SH2
Devil’s Elbow
|
82.5
|
|
SH2
Opotiki to Napier – Highest Resilience risk sites
|
|
SH38
Tuai sub – station to Wairoa and Frasertown bridge
|
|
SH38
Wairoa to Murupara stage 2
|
|
SH38
Frasertown bridge EOL replacement
|
|
Hawke’s
Bay Resilience rebuild programme
|
5
|
SH5
Taupo to Napier – highest resilience risk sites
|
82.5
|
|
SH5
Lucky Hill Bridge to SH5 / SH2 and Eskdale flood management
|
|
SH5
Mohaka bridge upgrade
|
|
SH5
Taupo to Napier priority 2
|
|
SH2
Napier to Takapau
|
|
|
6
|
Mahia
Connectivity
|
78.8
|
|
|
7
|
SH5
(incl. safety) programme of work
|
73.8
|
|
|
8
|
Te Mata
– Waimarama roundabout
|
65.0
|
|
|
9
|
North
Eastern Connector – Hastings
|
61.3
|
|
|
10
|
SIP SH2
Paki Paki to Napier – Median Barrier
|
48.8
|
|
|
11
|
SH2
Eskdale commercial vehicle rolling safety centre
|
40.0
|
|
Capital projects for future
consideration / future years
|
|
|
Project
|
Comments
|
|
|
SH2
Waipukurau revocation
|
Scheduled
for 27 – 30 NLTP. Retained for visibility and future programmes
|
|
SH2
Waipawa bridge shared path
|
Important
to CHB residents and forms a key missing link in their transport system.
Retain in the programme for future years
|
|
Wairoa
bridge walking / cycling connection
|
Important
to Wairoa residents and forms a key missing link in their transport system.
Retain in the programme for future years
|
3. Delegates the RTC Chair Cr
Williams and one other RTC member, the approval of necessary updates and
editorial changes to the RLTP and the final version for adoption by
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
4. Urges NZTA to ensure that
any plans or business case processes, either underway or planned, include clear
and explicit planning around network alternatives for alternative routes and
network redundancy (more than likely on local roads) within those. This must
include a transparent and equitable funding arrangement to ensure the
alternative route is suitable to sustain high levels of traffic, both
commercial and private vehicles.
5. Encourages NZTA to
undertake a robust optioneering and investigation process in relation to the
expressway four-laning, encompassing the local roading network as key feeders,
to ensure the future form and function is suitable.
6. Encourages Mr Newton to
contact the Transport Recovery East Coast (TREC) team to encourage TREC to make
the planning and optioneering that has been undertaken publicly transparent and
to have input into the TREC processes.
7. Urges NZTA and TREC to be
publicly transparent with design and economic evaluation information used to consider
alternative and/or transformative alternate routes for State Highway 2.
8. Recommends that
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council adopts the Regional Land Transport Plan
2024-2034, which
incorporates the decisions of the Regional Transport Committee meeting of 24
May 2024, and submits it to the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi).
Authored by:
|
Bryce Cullen
Transport Strategy & Policy
Analyst
|
|
Approved by:
|
Katrina Brunton
Group Manager Policy &
Regulation
|
|
Attachment/s
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