Foreword to the Planning, programming and funding manual

Message from Geoff Dangerfield, NZTA Chief Executive

This Planning, programming and funding manual is the first to be published by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). The NZTA is the new Crown entity combining the expertise and functions of the former Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand agencies.

The NZTA is charged with contributing to an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system. We work in partnership with regional and local authorities, the NZ Police, the transport industry and communities to achieve this.

The amended Land Transport Management Act has introduced significant changes in the land transport planning and funding framework. These changes mean new responsibilities and provide opportunities to improve the planning and funding system. This manual has been designed to capitalise on these opportunities. One of the key changes is signalled by the change of name for the manual. The Programme and funding manual has become the Planning, programming and funding manual, reflecting the important contribution we believe planning can make to better transport outcomes.

This manual will guide the 2009/10–2011/12 regional land transport programmes (RLTPs) and the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) – the first three-year transport programmes. This manual sets out policy and procedures for developing and managing the RLTPs and NLTP during those cycles.

The procedures described in this manual have been developed to assist approved organisations to prepare and plan projects and activities for which they seek funding from the NZTA, within the framework of the NZTA’s overall funding allocation process.

The NZTA has developed this manual by bringing together a working group of staff and advisers to translate the planning and funding requirements of the LTMA, as amended on and from 1 August 2008, into a practical and readily understandable ‘how to’ guide.

The NZTA welcomes suggestions from approved organisations and others for further improvements.

The NZTA would also like to thank all those who have contributed to the development of this manual. Local Government NZ and its members deserve a special mention for their positive approach in commenting on and contributing to the revised processes and policies in this manual.

Geoff Dangerfield
Chief Executive
August 2008

How we developed this manual

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) (and its predecessors, Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand) brought together a working group of staff and advisers to translate the planning and funding requirements of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA), as amended on and from 1 August 2008, into a practical and readily understandable ‘how to’ guide.

Using this manual

It is intended that this manual be used by local government and other stakeholders in the land transport sector, when participating in the new regulatory framework.

As well as the new legal requirements, the manual sets out some recommendations as to good practice and also some practical suggestions from the NZTA as to how the LTMA framework might work in practice. We expect these proposals might evolve over time with experience.

What this guide does not cover

This guide does not cover decision-making processes or how to carry out consultation.

Disclaimer

This manual is intended to provide guidance to stakeholders in performing their roles and meeting their legal obligations in respect of land transport planning and funding. It is necessarily general and does not cover every conceivable situation. While the NZTA has taken care to provide accurate information, this manual is a general guide and is not a substitute for legal advice applicable to specific situations. Where there is a specific query concerning any of the processes or obligations contained in the LTMA, independent professional advice should be sought.

This manual has been prepared carefully and in good faith, but the NZTA is not liable for any errors in, or costs or losses arising from use of, this manual.

Planning, programming and funding manual, first edition, amendment 1, effective from 1 July 2009.

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