Planning & Investment Knowledge Base

Glossary

Acronym

Term

Definition

abutment An end support of a bridge or similar structure.
accommodation hub Area near an existing NZ Cycle Trail, with accomodation options, that is likely to be a destination for cyclists using the Cycle Trail.
Activity A land transport output or capital project, or both.
Activity Class A grouping of similar activities, as defined in the Government Policy Statement.
AMP Activity Management Plan An activity management plan prepared in accordance with clause 2 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2002, or a similar plan.
Activity management planning considers the assets in the context of the services they are supporting, and clarifies the purpose for holding the asset. The goal of good asset management is to support the delivery of a level of service (whatever the service may be) in the most cost effective manner, taking long term sustainability into account.
Activity Management Plans should be based on the National Asset Management Steering (NAMS) Group's International infrastructure management manual.
administration The components of activities that are reasonably provided in administering the delivery of land transport-related activities.
affected community Means a group of people who are affected by a proposed activity, that is people living, studying or working in close geographical proximity to the proposed activity.
affordable Demonstrates that adequate funding to deliver the activity, or combination of activities, is available from identified sources, e.g. a funding plan has been identified.
affordable Demonstrates that adequate funding to deliver the activity, or combination of activities, is available from identified sources, e.g. a funding plan has been identified.
agreed level of service A level of service agreed with the NZTA for funding (in the current NLTP) or planning (for future NLTP periods) For roading the agreed levels of service means the maintenance target values for the particular road group set out in the NZTA's Maintenance guidelines for local roads, or as otherwise agreed with the NZTA.
Alignment The horizontal or vertical geometric form of the centreline of the carriageway.
Allocation The level of funding set aside for individual activities, combinations of activities, or activity classes upon which funding approval is pending.
alternatives A strategic option that may encompass a mix of modes and/or high level routes and/or land use options. Alternatives would be considered during strategy development, with the preferred alternative being selected and taken through into package and project development.
AAR Annual Achievement Report

Data on road infrastructure, and public transport network and usage which is required to be updated by the 31st July each year.

AADT Annual average daily traffic Annual average daily traffic
AP Annual plan An annual plan adopted under section 95 of the Local Government Act 2002
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/whole.html#DLM172347
ASR Annual Statistics Report
AO Approved Organisation A regional council, a territorial authority, an approved public organisation. In respect of this P&I Knowledge Base, the definition includes Auckland Transport.
Approved Public Organisation A public organisation approved under section 23 of the LTMA. Currently the Department of Conservation and the Waitangi National Trust Board.
area-wide traffic control A linked system of traffic signals that allows regulation of traffic flow.
assessment profile The three-part rating for an activity, rated as high, medium or low e.g. HMM, and representing the assessment for Strategic Fit, Effectiveness, and Benefit and Cost Appraisal respectively.
Asset Management Plan Refer to Activity Management Plan. National Asset Management Steering (NAMS) Group defines asset management plans as
  • A plan developed for the management of one or more infrastructure assets that combines multi-disciplinary management techniques (including technical and financial) over the lifecycle of the asset in the most cost effective manner to provide a specific level of service.
  • The NZTA considers assets exist to support service delivery, and so refers in all instances to Activity management planning which encompasses the outcome focus of a transportation network, not just the asset.
Associated facilities These include the supporting measures required to optimise an implemented route, for example - connections to the local road network or other cycle facility, parking and signage, short term promotion of the new facility.
Associated facilities

Associated facilities include the supporting measures required to optimise an implemented route, for example - connections to the local road network or other cycle facility, parking and signage, as well as short term promotion of the new facility.

Auditor-General The Controller and Auditor-General is a statutory office created by Parliament by the Public Audit Act 2001. In tune with the Public Audit Act and common usage, the title is normally abbreviated to Auditor-General.
bailey bridges A temporary bridge of lattice steel designed for rapid assembly from prefabricated standard parts.
Base programme The underlying programme against which incremental changes in the programme may be considered and assessed.
Basecourse The layer of material constituting the uppermost structural element of a pavement, immediately beneath the wearing course; or the graded aggregate that can be used in such a layer.
benchmarking Benchmarking is undertaken when the NZTA makes comparisons against similar regions and the national average. A lack of information supporting differences from regional and national averages may result in changes to the efficiency rating for public transport or maintenance programme or a requirement for a study as a condition of investment approval. Trends in these measures over time are used rather than just annual values.
BCR Benefit Cost Ratio The NZTA uses the BCR as a measure of economic efficiency from a national perspective as defined in the NZTA's Economic Evaluation Manual. The ratio compares the benefits accruing to land transport users and the wider community from implementing a project or providing a service, with that project or service's whole of life costs.
berms The edge of a road reserve between the kerb or surface water channel and property boundary, exclusive of footpath.
Betterment The increased value of land arising from improved access in terms of s.326 of the Local Government Act.
Board The NZ Transport Agency Board.
bridges A structure designed to carry a road or path over an obstacle by spanning it. This includes culverts with a cross-sectional area greater than or equal to 3.4 square metres.
Business unit A management unit within an approved organisation that marshals physical and human resources to provide services and undertake works.
capacity constraints When demand, in terms of volume or load, routinely exceeds operating capacity
Capital project An individual land transport-related activity of a capital nature, including:
  • planning, design and supervision related to the particular capital project
  • construction and reconstruction
  • any activity of a capital nature the purpose of which is to improve public safety in relation to land transport
  • administration related to a particular capital project.
CO2 Carbon dioxide
carriageway That portion of the road devoted particularly to the use of travelling vehicles, including shoulders.
Carryover The unexpended allocation for an approved project in any year that is required in the next year.
cattle stop A grid across the road to prevent stock movement.
Causeway A raised road across water or a swamp.
Centre line Pavement marking on a road, which delineates opposing traffic flows.
Centreline The basic line, at or near the centre or axis of a road or other work, from which measurements for setting out or constructing the work can conveniently be made.
Channelisation A system of islands or markings on a carriageway to direct traffic into predetermined paths usually at an intersection or junction.
Chevron board A patterned reflective sight board with chevrons that indicates an abrupt change in road direction.
chip seal A wearing course consisting of a layer or layers of chips originally spread onto the pavement over a film of freshly sprayed binder and subsequently rolled into place.
cluster A group of territorial authorities that have come together for the purpose of planning and delivering community programmes and/or road policing activities across their combined area.
coastal shipping The carriage of coastal cargo by means of any ship (as defined in section 2(1) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994), being carriage that is authorised by or under section 198 of that Act.
Combination of activities Two or more activities from the same activity class or two or more activity classes, e.g. programme, group or package.
commercial case Is the proposal able to be procured successfully? The commercial case looks at the commercial viability of a proposal and the consenting and procurement strategy that will be used to engage the market. It presents evidence on risk allocation and transfer as well as details of responsibilities for delivering different aspects of the programme.
Commercial service A service that is open to the general public and required to be registered under the Transport Services Licensing Act. The service is fully funded by the passenger.
CVIU Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit Unit within the NZ Police that enforces commercial vehicle legislation and regulation.
Commitment The balance of financial allocation required to complete an approved activity in the current and future years.
Communities at Risk The Communities at Risk Register developed by the NZTA to identify communities that are over-represented in terms of road safety risk. The register ranks communities by local authority area based on the Safer journeys areas of concern (i.e. restraints, speed).
complex project A project with a construction/implementation cost estimate greater than $20 million and/or considered to be high risk.
Concession agreement An agreement or a suite of agreements approved under section 56 of the LTMA.
Concession road A formed or unformed road to which a concession agreement applies.
Concessionaire A person who has a concession agreement with a public road controlling authority.
conditions precedent
Get Funding Approval but cannot claim until action taken (any commitments are at Applicant’s own risk).

conditions subsequent Get Funding Approved, but an additional action required.  Normally with a deadline. 
congestion congestion is where the volume to capacity ratio exceeds 80% for 5 days per week over at least a 1 hour time period that affects at least 1.5 km of a route.  For information on the volume to capacity ratio, see Appendix A3 of the NZTA's Economic Evaluation Manual
Considered Taken into account, and adequately assessed to a detail commensurate with the size of the activity
contracted services A specified service for which an approved organisation has contracted to pay for its supply.
Corrugations Closely spaced ripples on the road surface running across the line of traffic, generally where braking and acceleration of vehicles occurs.
Cost effectiveness Cost effectiveness analysis is used instead of a full cost-benefit analysis where the objective is to compare the cost of different ways of achieving a given effect (e.g. level of service), or comparing the relative cost of different strategies with different effects. The NZTA uses this approach to evaluate the economic efficiency of components of a public transport programme and operations, maintenance and renewals programme by comparing a programme with similar programmes for other Approved Organisations and the NZTA (state highways).
CCO Council-controlled organisation A council organisation as defined in section 6 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Council-controlled trading organisation A council-controlled organisation that operates a trading undertaking for the purpose of making a profit.
CAS Crash Analysis System
Crash reduction studies Studies of crash sites aimed at identifying low-cost engineering works, education and road policing that improve road safety
Crib wall A retaining wall made of interlocking concrete or timber sections with earth or gravel fill between.
Critical to the operation of a RONS These are local roads connecting to RONS that are critical to realising the benefits of the RONS. These local roads will be identified by the NZTA in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the RONS network plans.
C funds Crown funds Special funding for specific regions and specified activities as appropriated or directed by the government.
culverts One or more adjacent pipes or enclosed channels running across and below road formation level having a cross-sectional area less than 3.4 square metres.
Cycle facility

Infrastructure that is cycling specific, such as cycle lanes, paths and parking.

Cycle lane That portion of the carriageway devoted to the use of cycles only and marked accordingly (but which may occasionally be crossed by motor vehicles, turning at intersections or driveways or manoeuvring into parking spaces).
Cycle path A separately formed path designed specifically for the use of cycles, to which motor vehicles do not have access.
DSI Deaths and serious casualties Number of deaths and serious casualties. May be reported , estimated or predicted. To avoid confusion if describing estimated or predicted risk, it is described as DSI equivalents.
Demand management Demand management is a generic classification of activities that encourage more efficient and sustainable travel and transport behaviour. Demand management has the objective of encouraging motor vehicle users to use alternative means of transport when appropriate while also reducing total vehicle kilometres travelled. This includes freight transport as well as personal travel.
Demographic pressures Demographic pressures are changes in the demographics of a community or communities, e.g. changes to the age profile of the region or communities within the region, consolidation of populations such as decreases in rural and peri-urban population and increases in urban populations.
Designated HPMV route A route that carries a sustainable 5 year volume of HPMV of greater than 100,000 freight per year that are typically:
  • Freight routes greater than 800 HCVs (over 3.5 tonnes) per day OR
  • Routes that are connected to points of significant long-term generation of freight movements (with significant ongoing annual tonnage x km. distance) AND/OR
  • Routes identified in regional or national studies as High Productivity Motor Vehicles Routes
Direction sign A sign placed usually at an intersection to direct traffic along a route or toward a destination.
District The district of a territorial authority. In relation to land in respect of which a Minister of the Crown is the Council, that land.
Divided highway A road with physically separated carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions.
economic case Does the proposal optimise value for money? The economic case assesses the economic, environmental and social impacts of a proposal to ensure it provides value for money and that its benefits outweigh its costs. 
EEM Economic evaluation manual The NZTA's Economic evaluation manual.
Edge break A road fault where the edge of the seal has broken away.
Edge line A line painted on a road to indicate the outer edge of the traffic lane.
efficient freight supply chains Moving a volume of freight at the lowest whole of life and transport system cost
Embankment A construction work (usually of earth or stone) that raises the ground (or formation) level above the natural surface.
emergency reinstatement The work required to reinstate a road facility damaged by a sudden and unexpected natural event.
Emergency Works The work category which covers both initial response and the work required to reinstate a road facility damaged by a sudden and unexpected natural event.
Employment Number of people aged 15 or over and usually resident in NZ working for themselves or for other people. Employment, as used in this section, is the employee count as defined by Statistics NZ.
Endorsement of packages A strong indication from the NZTA that it considers the implementation package(s) will achieve the outcomes, strategic vision and objectives of the supported strategy. The proposing organisation(s) can progress assessment of the projects in the package(s) with a reasonable confidence that funding, if available, is likely to be approved. For a package to be endorsed, it must have an economic feasibility level evalaution at the least, which will enable funding for investigation of the package and its projects. Endorsement of packages does not commit the NZTA to funding them.
Enduring benefits Expectation that benefits delivered by a activity In response to the potential identified in the strategic fit over the life of the asset or service. In urban and semi-urban areas, transport solutions are often only enduring if they are part of a package of activities balancing demand and supply measures and if they optimise the function of each transport mode taking into account local constraints and opportunities.
extracting maximum value Extracting maximum value from existing services and infrastructure includes optimising services and the use of existing infrastructure to realise the full potential capacity and benefits.
financial case Is the proposal affordable under available funding? The financial case outlines the financial viability of the programme and possible funding sources
Financial year The 12 months beginning on 1 July and ending on 30 June.
Firms Company, commercial business, corporation. Firms means geographical units as defined by Statistics NZ. This is a separate operating unit engaged in New Zealand in one, or predominately one, kind of economic activity from a single physical location or base.
First coat seal The initial seal placed on a prepared base course.
FYRR First Year Rate of Return A calculation used to indicate the best start date for activities. For further information see the NZTA's Economic Evaluation Manual.
flanking The removal of excess material, between the shoulder and water channel, which is inhibiting drainage.
footpaths That portion of the road reserve set aside for the use of pedestrians only.
Ford A shallow place in a watercourse, stream or river where the bed may be crossed by traffic.
Freight routes Freight routes are: - connections between freight generators and attractors with traffic volumes of greater than 800 heavy commercial vehicles per day, including: - ports - airports - distribution centres - areas with a high concentration of firms, i.e. at a local authority level, the number of firms in the local authority area is greater than 2% of the total number of firms in New Zealand; or, - a route that: - handles a volume or value of freight that is greater than 10% above the national total, or - handles significant volumes or values of specialised commodities not normally transported on routes, and - has no freight transport alternative if the route is closed.
Funding allocation The amount of funding allocated by the NZTA for an activity or combination of activities.
Funding approval Approval given by the NZTA under section 20 of the LTMA.
FAR Funding assistance rate The usual contribution in percentage terms, that the NZTA augments funding of an approved organisation, for the delivery of an activity or combination of activities.
furniture A general term to describe features placed on or near the road to improve safety and assist drivers. Furniture includes barriers, guard rails, lighting, parking meters, poles, posts, signs, lights, etc.
gabion A rectangular wire-mesh cage filled with boulders, used to retain embankments and riverbanks.
General Circular Formal notification of policy change to funding rules and procedures will be notified to approved organisations through the release of a General Circular.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/general-circulars/general-circulars.html
GPS Government Policy Statement A Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding issued under section 86 of the LTMA
Granular material Material with a particle size no smaller than sand.
Grit A fine granular material passing a 4.75 mm sieve.
Ground water Water flowing or lying under the natural surface of the ground.
guardrails A rail erected to restrain vehicles from physically leaving the road, including wire-rope barriers.
high growth urban areas

Either:
“a resident population of over 30,000 people according to the most recent Statistics New Zealand urban area resident population estimates"
or
"at any point in the year a combined resident population and visitor population of over 30,000 people, using most recent Statistics New Zealand urban area resident population estimates"
and
"in which the resident population of that urban area is projected to grow by more than 10 percent between 2013 to 2023, according to the most recent Statistics New Zealand medium urban area population projections for 2013(base)-2023”.

This definition is from the National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity 2016. It is a transitional definition, and will be reviewed and amended no later than 31 December 2018.

Only those councils which are in, or part of, a high growth urban area, as at September 2016 are eligible for funding through the HIF. Those councils include:

Auckland Council, Hamilton City Council, Tauranga City Council, Christchurch City Council and Queenstown-Lakes District Council; and 

Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council to the extent that parts of these councils form part of a high-growth urban area.

HOV High Occupancy Vehicle A vehicle that carries two or more occupants.
HPMV High Productivity Motor Vehicles A truck that carries a divisible load that exceeds a mass of 44,000kg and/or the maximum length dimensions allowed for standard vehicles (As set out in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002). HPMVs operate under HPMV permits issued by a Road Controlling Authority (RCA) for access to specific roads that have been determined to be suitable to accommodate the additional mass and/or length.
high risk rural road A high-risk rural road is defined in the NZTA High Risk Rural Road Guide (HRRRG) as:
  • a rural road where the fatal and serious crash rate (personal risk) or crash density (collective risk) is classified as high compared with other roads (HRRRG section 4.4.1 and figures 4-1 and 4-2); and/or
  • a high or medium-high collective risk and/or high or medium-high personal risk (as defined by KiwiRAP risk maps) (HRRRG section 4.4.2); and/or
  • a rural road that has features that are likely to increase the potential for fatal or serious injury crashes along a route as determined by the KiwiRAP star rating or RPS, i.e.. 1 or 2 star road or an RPS greater than 10 (HRRRG section 4.4.3); and/or
  • an equivalent process such as the Road Safety Infrastructure Assessment (RISA) where the risk score is greater than 3.0 (HRRRG section 4.4.4).
    High risk rural road guide
high walking and cycling crash risk The predicted (estimated using exposure models, latent demand, crash history or other accepted modelling or audit) fatal and serious crash rate for pedestrians and/or cyclists is greater than 3 fatal and serious crashes over a 5 year period or 5 fatal and serious crashes over a 10 year period.
Impact The contribution made to an objective or outcome, including by a specified activity class or activity classes.
Improving journey time Potential to improve journey time by a minimum of at least 5 minutes or 5% for end to end journeys
Information sign A sign for the purpose of giving information, not being a warning or regulatory sign.
integrated planning For the NZTA, integrated planning means leading and working with central, regional and local government, private developers and other partners such as Kiwi Rail and port companies, to bring land use planning, and transport planning and investment together, to deliver an affordable transport system that supports a growing economy, safe and vibrant communities and a healthy environment, now and in the future. It is an approach we follow to deliver on the outcomes we seek.
Integrated ticketing The purchase of a single ticket that allows travel on one or more modes of transport provided by one or more operators.
IAF Investment Assessment Framework The NZTA framework which identifies the investment priorities and expectations for project assessment. The IAF interprets the strategic priorities and impacts of the government identified in the current Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding.
journey time reliability The reliability of trips on the network, as defined in section A4.5 of the NZTA's Economic evaluation manual. Improvements in journey time reliability will reduce the level of unpredictable variations in journey times, which are experienced for a journey undertaken at broadly the same time every day.
journey time reliability Journey time reliability is the reliability of trips on the network, as defined in section 3.5 of the NZTA's Economic evaluation manual, volume 1. Improvements in journey time reliability will reduce the level of unpredictable variations in journey times, which are experienced for a journey undertaken at broadly the same time every day.
Judder bars Rounded ridges on the road surface positioned to encourage drivers to restrain vehicle position or speed.
kerb A border of rigid material, usually raised, which is formed at the edge of a traffic lane or shoulder.
Kerb and Channel Combined kerb and drainage channel.
Key freight routes Key freight routes handle end to end journeys for:
  • connections between major freight generators and attractors including: - areas with a high concentration of firms, i.e. at a local authority level, the number of firms in the local authority area is greater than 3% of the total number of firms in the industry classification; - ports, airports, and distribution centres that handles a volume, value or weight of freight that is greater than 5% of the national total; these connections typically are
  • routes with high freight volumes that are: - inter-regional routes with traffic volumes of greater than 800 heavy commercial vehicles per day along the majority of the route - intra-regional routes with traffic volumes of greater than 1,500 heavy commercial vehicles per day along the majority of the route or
  • a route that: - handles a volume, value or weight of freight that is greater than 5% of the national total, or - handles significant volumes or values of specialised commodities not normally transported on routes; and - has no freight transport alternative if the route is closed. or
  • a designated High Productivity Motor Vehicle route
Key routes Key routes are routes providing access to: - Markets, areas with: - volume or value of freight greater than 10% of the total volume or value of freight in New Zealand; or - areas with a high concentration of firms, i.e. at a local authority level, the number of firms in the local authority area is greater than 1% of the total number of firms in New Zealand; or to: - Areas of employment, areas with: - share of employment greater than 1% of the total number of employees in New Zealand; or to: - Areas of economic growth, areas with: - growth in number of firms over the last 5 years is more than 20% above the national average; or - growth in number of firms in an industry over the last year is more than 20% above the national average for that industry; or - growth in employment over the last 5 years is more than 20% above the national average.
key routes Key routes are routes providing access to: - Markets, areas with: - volume or value of freight greater than 10% of the total volume or value of freight in New Zealand; or - areas with a high concentration of firms, i.e. at a local authority level, the number of firms in the local authority area is greater than 1% of the total number of firms in New Zealand; or to: - Areas of employment, areas with: - share of employment greater than 1% of the total number of employees in New Zealand; or to: - Areas of economic growth, areas with: - growth in number of firms over the last 5 years is more than 20% above the national average; or - growth in number of firms in an industry over the last year is more than 20% above the national average for that industry; or - growth in employment over the last 5 years is more than 20% above the national average.
Key tourism routes Routes that have high volumes and/or values of tourism related traffic. Tourism routes:
  • provide access to tourism areas with forecast tourists (domestic and international visitors) greater than 5 million per annum (e.g. Waipu to Taupo, Amberley to Ashburton), or
  • have tourism flows greater than 60% of the total traffic and greater than 1 million tourists per annum, or provide access to one of the top five tourism areas outside major urban areas.
land drains Those drains whose main purpose is to drain adjacent land rather than road reserve.
Land transport Transport of people and freight on land by any means and the infrastructure, goods and services facilitating that transport. Includes coastal shipping and associated infrastructure.
Land transport disbursement account An account kept under section 24 of the LTMA
LTMA Land Transport Management Act 2003 The Land Transport Management Act 2003, as amended from time to time.
Land transport options and alternatives Alternatives are strategic choices that are considered in order to select the preferred alternative, e.g. which mode or modal mix, or general route is preferred? Options are macroscope choices considered in order to select the preferred option, e.g. should the road be 2, 3 or 4 lanes?
land use development Land use developments which are considered by the NZTA for the effect they may have on the land transport network.
Lane line A line other than the centre line or edge line painted on the road, which divides adjacent traffic lanes.
large project An improvement project with a cost of more than $5 million.
legalisation surveys Surveys related to the formal acquisition and documentation of land for roads.
local authority Any territorial authority or regional council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002.
LGA Local Government Act The Local Government Act 2002.
LGNZ Local Government New Zealand
LGR Local government region An area within the administrative jurisdiction of a regional council.
Local road Any road, other than a state highway, in the district, and under the control, of a territorial authority.
Local share The percentage of the funding for an activity that is provided by an approved organisation to balance the NZTA's usual funding assistance rate.
LTP Long Term Plan Long-term council plan in accordance with section 93 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Macroscope The information required for the "notice of requirement" under the Resource Management Act 1991, reflecting the scope of the preferred option selected for an improvement project.
macroscope The information required for the "notice of requirement" under the Resource Management Act 1991, reflecting the scope of the preferred option selected for an improvement project.
main urban areas Main urban areas represent the most urbanised areas with respect to the concentration of employment, firms and population. Main urban areas are centred on a city or main urban centre. They have a minimum population of 30,000 and an above-average concentration of businesses (typically greater than 90 businesses per 1,000 population). Main urban areas are as defined by Statistics NZ.  Under these criteria the main urban areas are represented by Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Kapiti, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. The extent of the main urban areas is depicted in maps which can be found on the Statistics NZ website.
maintenance programme The total of the organisation's approved maintenance, operations and renewal activities.
major urban areas Major urban areas have the highest concentration of economic activity in employment and firms within the main urban areas. These are currently represented by the major business and employment areas within the main urban areas of Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. 
making better use Making better use of existing services and infrastructure means fully considering and analysing existing services and use of infrastructure and identifying opportunities for change without significant additional expenditure.
management case Is the proposal achievable and able to be successfully delivered? The management case assesses whether a proposal is deliverable. It tests the project planning, governance structure, risk management, communications and stakeholder management, benefits realisation and assurance.
Maori land Maori customary land and Maori freehold land as defined in section 4 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993.
Maori roadway A roadway laid out or to be laid out by order of the Maori Land Court under sections 315 to 326 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 or laid out under any former Act relating to Maori land.
marker posts A post placed at the edge of the road, equipped with a reflector to assist night driving.
Median barrier A device used on multi-lane roads to keep opposing traffic in prescribed carriageways.
medians A raised or flush divider separating traffic.
medium walking and cycling crash risk The predicted (estimated using exposure models, density prediction, crash history or other accepted modelling or audit) fatal and serious crash rate for pedestrians and/or cyclists is greater than 1 fatal and serious crash over a 5 year period or 3 fatal and serious crashes over a 10 year period.
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MoH Ministry of Health
MoT Ministry of Transport
Minor improvements Improvement projects (both roading and PT) of $300,00 (was $250,000 for the 2012-15 NLTP) cost or less than are within the definition of existing improvements work categories. Minor improvements are delivered as a programme with block funding under delegated authority.
MBT Mobile breath test
MVR Motor vehicle register
National activities Activities managed or delivered nationally by the NZTA
NEECS National energy efficiency and conservation strategy A strategy issued under section 10(2) of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000. See also NZ Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.
NLTF National Land Transport Fund The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA
NLTP National Land Transport Programme A National Land Transport Programme adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied
National land transport strategy A national land transport strategy prepared under Part 3 of the LTMA.
national strategic In relation to the One Network Road Classification System, national strategic roads are roads that make a significant contribution to social and economic well being by connecting major population centres, international ports or major airports. They must meet ONRC threshold levels for "national strategic" for at least three criteria.
N funds Nationally distributed funds The balance of funds in the National Land Transport Fund after accounting for R (regionally distributed) and C (crown) funds. N funds are allocated to the highest priority activities in each activity class across New Zealand, having accounted for R and C fund allocations.
nationally significant contribution The combination of volume or quantity of demand or probability and consequence or magnitude makes the potential or delivery of the impact or outcome nationally significant. E.g. high impact high volume vs. low impact low volume
NPV Net Present Value Net present value (NPV) is the present value of a future benefit less the present value of the associated future cost, all benefits and costs reflecting current values without adjustment for inflation.
network optimisation See Optimise levels of service, Optimised transport solution and Optimising public transport services and infrastructure. Network optimisation considers any changing transport demand, all network components including the contribution across modes and existing infrastructure and services. It aims to make better use of existing networks and services towards a outcome or impact and may require relatively small improvements to achieve this.
network security Network security means the elimination of risks or effects of a disruption.
NZIPS New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy The New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy issued by the ACC.
NZTA New Zealand Transport Agency The New Zealand Transport Agency established under section 93 of the LTMA.
NZTS New Zealand Transport Strategy The 2008 New Zealand Transport Strategy that has been replaced by Connecting NZ in August 2011.
NoR Notice of requirement Notice of requirement issued under the Resource Management Act 1991.
optimised transport solution Optimisation involves:
  • considering a hierarchy of interventions, starting with low-cost alternatives and options (e.g. integrated planning, demand management, making best use of existing services and infrastructure, small infrastructure improvements) through to high-cost alternatives and options (e.g. large infrastructure investments)
  • appropriate analysis, including incremental assessment where appropriate, of viable alternatives and options to maximise the contribution, for the funds used, towards achieving the GPS impacts and the purpose and objectives of the LTMA
  • balancing the various (positive and adverse) impacts to get the highest net impact for the funds used. The NZTA expects that the optimisation process will consider a range of alternatives and options for a stated objective, rather than a single predefined solution, and will provide evidence demonstrating how and why the optimised solution has been selected.
optimising levels of service Optimisation of levels of service for roads involves rational analysis of current and future:
  • demand in volume and loading
  • asset condition
  • asset deterioration/life
  • service level targets
  • whole-of-life costs
  • risks and mitigation
  • decision-making processes, and
  • maintaining the existing levels of service, including the service level target values, with reduced resources, or
  • increasing the existing service levels, including the target values, within existing resources in response to changed demand, or
  • reducing government costs while maintaining the existing service levels, including the target values,
  • through the consideration of:
    - making better use of existing infrastructure, and
    - extracting maximum value from existing services and infrastructure.
Optimising public transport services and infrastructure Optimisation of public transport services and infrastructure involves rational analysis of:
  • passenger transport demand forecasts
  • passenger transport policies and measures, including farebox recovery policy
  • related strategies, e.g. land use, demand management, walking and cycling
  • service level targets
  • whole-of-life costs
  • risks and mitigation
  • decision-making processes, and
  • reducing the government cost per passenger in the medium to long-term,
  • through the consideration of making better use of existing services and infrastructure, and extracting maximum value from existing services and infrastructure.
Outcome A state or condition of society, the economy or the environment, and includes a change in that state or condition.
outputs Goods or services delivered by an activity or combination of activities.
overpass A grade separation where the traffic passes over an intersecting road or railway.
passenger kilometres The total number of passengers carried over the relevant period multiplied by their average distance travelled on that service.
passenger service Any bus service, harbour ferry service, passenger rail service, cable car, hovercraft, monorail, tramway or other form of public transport (other than air transport) that is available to the public generally.
Passing bay A widened length on a narrow bridge or road at which vehicles travelling in opposing directions can pass each other.
passing lane An additional lane on a road to allow one to overtake vehicles travelling in the same direction.
pavement The road structure that is constructed on the subgrade and supports the traffic loading.
Pavement markings Any markings on the road to control traffic movement or parking.
peak time
Peak vs off-peak hours for public transport are defined as those pertaining to the operation of the Supergold Card scheme
Peak time hours are defined as:
  1. The commence of services at the start of the day to 9:00am Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays
  2. From 3:00pm to 6:30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays
All services commencing outside of these hours and days are considered off-peak services, i.e. 9am to 3pm and beyond 6:30pm on weekdays excluding public holidays and all hours of operation on Saturdays and Sundays.
Peak time
Peak vs off-peak hours for public transport are defined as those pertaining to the operation of the Supergold Card scheme
Peak time hours are defined as:
  1. The commence of services at the start of the day to 9:00am Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays
  2. From 3:00pm to 6:30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays
All services commencing outside of these hours and days are considered off-peak services, i.e. 9am to 3pm and beyond 6:30pm on weekdays excluding public holidays and all hours of operation on Saturdays and Sundays.
pedestrian crossing A specially marked area giving right of way to pedestrians crossing the road.
Peer groups

NZTA developed groups for the purpose of comparing road safety performance within territorial authority boundaries. They are:

- Peer group A = Major urban areas with some rural areas on the outskirts. (Population > 97,500 and/or rural crashes less than 30 percent)
-
Peer group B = Major urban areas with some rural areas on the outskirts.  (Population 40,000-97,500 and/or rural crashes less than 35 percent)
-
Peer group C = Large provincial towns and hinterland. (Population 35,000-75,000 and/or rural crashes less than 55 percent)
-
Peer group D = Provincial towns and hinterland. (Population 20,000-75,000 and/or rural crashes greater than 55 percent)
- Peer group E = Small provincial towns, low traffic volumes. (Population less than 20,000 and/or rural crashes greater than 55 percent)
personal security Personal security means the reduction of risks or perceived risks for users of land transport services and facilities in respect of their personal wellbeing.
Plans Plans describe the tactics to give effect to a strategy. They are specific in content, action oriented and outputs focussed, resulting in a tangible set of activities to be delivered within a clear timeframe.
Police The police of New Zealand within the meaning of the Police Act 1958.
Police activities Activities, approved by the Minister of Transport in conjunction with the Minister of Police, paid from the National Land Transport Fund, to be delivered by the police.
PAR Post approval review NZTA review of project funding decisions made under delegation to ensure consistency and robustness of funding decisions.
pothole A hole in the pavement, frequently rounded in shape and greater than 70 mm in diameter, resulting from loss of pavement material.
predicted crash risk The predicted crash risk is calculated using crash prediction models outlined in section A6 of the NZTAs Economic Evaluation Manual.  A high predicted fatal and serious crash rate is greater than 3 fatal and serious crashes over a 5 year period or 5 fatal and serious crashes in the last 10 years 
PV Present value A future cost or benefit at its discounted value at the present day. Net present value (NPV) is the present value of a future benefit less the present value of the associated future cost. All benefits and costs are in current day values, without adjustment for inflation.
primary corridor A primary corridor is the highest classification level route in a walking and/or cycling strategic network that carries the largest volume of pedestrians and/or cyclists and has the greatest potential to attract new pedestrians and cyclists. Primary corridors  provide for trips across town and between suburbs. For example in Auckland the strategic route would be the ‘metros’, in Christchurch the ‘majors’ etc.
Primer A bituminous material applied to a prepared base in preparation for sealing.
Procurement The purchase of works, goods or services.
procurement procedure A procurement procedure approved under section 25 of the LTMA.
procurement strategy A document required by the NZTA that sets out each approved organisation's strategy for procuring services and infrastructure using funds from the National Land Transport Fund.
productivity benefits The benefits derived from improvements in productivity impacts of the GPS (being a net increase in outputs of production over inputs).
professional services Technical inputs to an activity undertaken by persons skilled in fields relevant to that activity.
Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities.
Project An activity that has a defined start, end and scope. Also see capital project.
PFR Project Feasibility Report A report, which provides a simple, rapid method of analysis to facilitate the identification of economically viable projects.
PT Public transport The carriage of passengers for hire or reward by means of vehicles as defined in section 5 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2003/0118/latest/DLM226238.html?search=ts_act%40bill%40regulation%40deemedreg_land+transport+management+act_resel_25_a&p=1
purpose and objectives of the LTMA Refer LTMA s3(1) Activities and combinations of activities should make a contribution to achievement of the purpose and objectives of the LTMA. Although these are requirements that regional land transport programmes and the National Land Transport Programme must meet, the contributions from individual activities and combinations of activities need to be taken into account by the NZTA in approving activities or combinations of activities for funding.
Recreational cycling The riding of cycles for enjoyment or fitness (i.e. the main purpose of the trip is the ride itself).
Region The region of a regional council, and includes the district of a territorial authority, if the territorial authority is a unitary authority.
RAG Regional advisory group
RA Regional authority Any regional council or unitary authority, or a territorial authority that formally has had some of the powers and functions of a regional council transferred to it. In respect of the P&I Knowledge Base, Auckland Transport is included in this definition.
RC Regional council A regional council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002.
RFT Regional fuel tax scheme A regional fuel tax scheme established by Order in Council made under section 65O(1) of the LTMA. Note: The government announced in March 2009 that the provisions for regional fuel tax will not be used as a source of funding.
RLTP Regional Land Transport Plan A regional land transport plan, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied.
RLTPs Regional Land Transport Plans Regional land transport plans, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied.
RLTS Regional Land Transport Strategy A regional land transport strategy prepared under Part 3 of the LTMA. As of July 2013 this is no longer a requirement of the act.
RPTP Regional Public Transport Plan A plan which specifies how the regional council intends to give effect to the public transport service components of the regional land transport plan that applies to the region. As of June 2013, the contents and management of the plan is defined by Part 5 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
regional strategic In relation to the One Network Road Classification (ONRC) System. Regional strategic roads are roads that contribute to the social and economic well being of a region and connect regionally significant places, ports or airports. They are also major connectors between regions. They must meet ONRC threshold levels for "regional strategic" for at least two criteria.
RTC Regional Transport Committee A regional transport committee established under section 105 or clause 11 of schedule 7 of the LTMA.
R funds Regionally distributed funds Funds from a 5 cent per litre increase in fuel excise duty and an equivalent increase in road user charges for light vehicles, to be distributed regionally on the basis of population (with Auckland receiving 35 percent of the total collected) for 10 years from April 2005. R funds are to be allocated to the highest priority projects in a region ahead of N (nationally distributed) funds.
Relevant LTMA objectives 5 objectives from LTMA s14(a)(ii), s15(a)(ii), s18J(a)(ii), s19B(a)(ii) and s20(2)(c) that programmes and activities need to consider their contribution to:
  • assisting economic development:
  • assisting safety and personal security:
  • improving access and mobility:
  • protecting and promoting public health:
  • ensuring environmental sustainability
Relevant NZTS objectives 5 NZTS objectives of:
  • assisting economic development:
  • assisting safety and personal security:
  • improving access and mobility:
  • protecting and promoting public health:
  • ensuring environmental sustainability
RFP Request for proposal
Research Owner
The role of research owners (ROs) involves managing research projects and providing 'technical leadership' in overseeing research projects by:
  • submitting research topics for consideration
  • working with RTGOs in developing research specifications 
  • participating in the rationalisation, assessment and procurement processes for research topics
  • leading tender evaluation teams (TETs)
  • leading research brief negotiations
  • preparing recommendations to appoint and contract
  • establishing and chairing research project steering groups 
  • managing and overseeing, from a technical perspective, research projects in consultation with the National Programmes Team, and
  • ensuring the implementation and use of research findings.

Research Project Steering Group
Each NZTA research programme project has a steering group, chaired by the NZTA research owner, which is likely to also include representatives from the NZTA, Ministry of Transport, local government and the transport sector. The role of the steering group is to:
  • oversee the project 
  • ensure the project is on track 
  • ensure the project is meeting its objectives 
  • suggest any changes or improvements to the project 
  • comment on the preparation and content of the research report 
  • ensure dissemination of the research, and
  • ensure the implementation of the research findings.
RRG Research reference group
Research Topic Group Owner
The role of research topic group owners (RTGOs) is to provide 'thought leadership' in developing and overseeing research, and the 'research leadership' of research owners (ROs) by:
  • providing strategic input for the enhancement of NZTA’s Research Programme
  • providing ‘thought leadership’ in the development and overseeing of topic groups
  • providing ‘research leadership’ for ROs
  • leading rationalisation, assessment and procurement processes for the topic group
  • participating as members of tender evaluation teams (TETs) 
  • participating in research brief negotiations
  • ensuring research projects are aligned with NZTA strategies and protocols 
  • coordinating the writing of specifications for RFPs by ROs
  • being a key contact for NZTA liaison about the topic group
  • carrying out policy alignment checks of draft research reports, and
  • ensuring research findings are promoted and used.
resilience The ability of the network to withstand, or recover quickly after a disruption. The availability and restoration of each facility when there is a weather or emergency event, whether there is an alternative route available and the road user information provided.  This can be measured through the number of journeys impacted by unplanned events, or acceptable risk where there is no viable alternative access should it be closed by an unplanned event.
RMA Resource Management Act 1991
Retaining wall A wall constructed to resist lateral pressure from the adjoining ground or to maintain in position a mass of earth.
RTPP Risk targeted patrol plan NZ Police operational tasking documents with the primary objective of allocating strategic road policing resources to known safety risks by location and time.
Road An area formed for vehicular traffic to travel on. The term "road" describes the area between kerbs or surface water channels and includes medians, shoulders and parking availability within this defined area.
RAMMS Road assessment and maintenance management system A computer-based road asset/activity management system including an inventory that helps to manage the maintenance and rehabilitation of pavements and related road assets.
RAMS Road Asset Management System
RCA Road Controlling Authority The Minister, Department of State, Crown entity, state enterprise or territorial authority that controls the road.
RISA Road infrastructure safety assessment.
RPP Road policing programme
road reserve A legally described area within which facilities such as roads, footpaths and associated features may be constructed and maintained for public travel.
RSAP Road Safety Action Plan Plans developed at the local level to address road safety issues in the area, as a result of the road safety action planning process.
Road safety action planning Road Safety Action Planning is a process for local engagement, planning and implementing road safety interventions by road safety partners based on evidence, knowledge and experience from a wide range of participants. Effective action planning requires a collaborative approach from participating partners to provide focus, commitment and urgency in order to address and mitigate road safety risks, particularly within the Safer Systems environment by coordinating interventions within all four pillars. Action planning works most effectively when informed by regional leadership and monitoring.
RSA road safety audits A procedure for auditing the safety of projects during their development. The "Road Safety Audit Procedures" Manual describes their purpose and how they should be carried out.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/road-safety-audit-procedures/
Road tolling scheme A road tolling scheme established by Order in Council under section 46 of the LTMA.
Road type The classification of a road relating to the type of funding assistance applying. Local roads, state highways, and special purpose roads are the three currently established road types.
RUC Road User Charges Road user charges in accordance with the Road User Charges Act 1977.
RoNS Roads of National Significance Roads of National Significance (RONS) are listed in the GPS. They are:
  • Puhoi to Wellsford – State highway 1
  • Completion of the Auckland Western Ring Route – State highway 20/16/18
  • Auckland Victoria Park bottleneck – State highway 1
  • Waikato Expressway – State highway 1
  • Tauranga Eastern Corridor – State highway 2
  • Wellington Northern Corridor (Levin to Wellington) – State highway 1
  • Christchurch motorway projects.
ROC Rough order of cost
Roughometer An instrument that measures the roughness of a road's surface.
roundabout An intersection of two or more carriageways at a common level where all traffic travels around a central island, which induces weaving movements in lieu of direct crossings.
Route marker A sign indicating, by means of a number, device or colour, the course of a particular route.
running course A thin layer of loose stone that protects the basecourse of an unsealed road.
Safe System demonstration project Where an approved organisation or the NZTA (state highways) will integrate the Safe System into its transport policies and delivery
Safer Journeys The government's strategy to guide improvements in road safety over the period 2010–2020. http://www.transport.govt.nz/saferjourneys/Pages/default.aspx
Safer Journeys action plan A action plan to develop and implement initiatives over a specified period for Safer Journeys. http://www.transport.govt.nz/saferjourneys/Pages/default.aspx
Safer Journeys area of high concern The high priority areas identified in Safer Journeys action plan where the greatest improvements could be made over the period covered by the Safer Journeys strategy. These include: - Reducing alcohol/drug impaired driving - Increasing the safety of young drivers - Safe roads and roadsides - Safe speeds - Increasing the safety of motorcycling
Safer Journeys area of medium concern The medium priorities that need to be addressed but relative to the high priorities require less change in policy or practice to improve safety in Safer Journeys action plan. These include: - Improving the safety of the light vehicle fleet - Safe walking and cycling - Improving the safety of heavy vehicles - Reducing the impact of fatigue - Addressing distraction - Reducing the impact of high risk drivers
Safety Potential for significant improvements in safety means:
  • where there is a potential to reduce accident costs by at least 50% when analysed in accordance with Appendix A6 of the NZTA's Economic Evaluation Manual,
  • where there is a potential to reduce the actual or predicted crash risk by at least 30%, or
  • risk of road accident reduction and the mitigation measures is assessed in accordance with Appendix A13 of the NZTA's Economic evaluation manual, volume 1, for projects for which risk analysis is required as specified in Part C Regional land transport programmes.
SAR Scheme Assessment Report A detailed report that includes a precise problem definition, a description of options available to address the problem, a project evaluation, an assessment of environmental impacts, and a recommendation.
Second coat seal A chip seal placed on top of a first coat sealed surface.
secondary corridor

A secondary corridor is an identified component of a walking and/or cycling strategic network that connects potential users to the primary corridors. Secondary corridors provide for trips across suburbs or between destinations (i.e. schools, workplaces). For example in Auckland the secondary route would be the ‘feeders’ or ‘collectors’, in Christchurch the ‘locals’ etc.

secure and resilient A secure and resilient transport network means eliminating the risks of effects of disruption. Network security means the elimination of risks or effects of a disruption. Network resilience means the ability of the network to withstand, or recover quickly after a disruption. Consideration of the effects of risk from natural hazard or other transport operation disruptions, and agreed level of service appropriate to the network. To meet agreed levels of service improvements in network security and resilience requires that there is no alternative, and the network or route is demonstratively susceptible to disruption.
severe congestion Severe congestion is where the volume to capacity ratio exceeds 100% for 5 days per week over at least 1 hour in a time period on at least 3 km of a route and the average annual daily traffic (AADT) is greater than 20,000 vehicles per day.
For information on the volume to capacity ratio, refer to Appendix A3 of the NZTA's Economic Evaluation Manual
shoulder That portion of the carriageway outside the traffic lanes.
shoulders That portion of the carriageway outside the traffic lanes.
Shoulders That portion of the carriageway outside the traffic lanes.
Sight rail A timber of metal rail (usually reflective or painted white) placed to highlight a change in road direction or some other hazard.
significant change A significant change in strategic context is:
  • a change in planning assumptions in relation to demographic (i.e. population or age profile changes) projections as a result of the next official census, or
  • a change in planning assumptions relating to the nature and shape of dominant industries in the region, or
  • a need to alter a region's RLTS or RPS to address impacts of projected sea level rises, coastal erosion or significantly increased flood risk in areas where key networks are at risk, or
  • a legislative requirement to renew a region's RLTS or RPS.
Significant change pressures within the context of regional growth are:
  • a change in planning assumptions relating to the nature and shape of dominant industries in the region, or
  • impacts from sea level rise, coastal erosion or significant flood risk from climate change that threatens or is projected to threaten local and or key state highway networks.
Significant growth Significant growth is equal to, or greater than, 10% population growth between 2006 and 2031 using low projections from Statistics NZ published projections. Population project data will be updated following published results of the next official census.
significant safety outcome Education, advertising, and awareness raising activities within the Road Safety Promotion activity class are defined as having a significant safety outcome when the safety benefits exceed 50% of the total benefits. The NZTA may ask for a benefit cost ratio to be completed for any activity within the activity class to demonstrate the safety benefits. If the benefits can not be demonstrated to exceed 50%, the activity will be considered network user information and will not be eligible for funding in the road safety promotion activity class.
Slow vehicle bay A shoulder constructed with sufficient width and strength to allow slow vehicles to pull aside to permit other vehicles to pass.
Slurry seal A road surface treatment consisting of a mixture of bitumen emulsion and fine aggregate.
small project An improvement project with a construction/ implementation cost of $5 million or less and more than $300,000.
Smartcard A credit card sized card that can be used to obtain transport services, particularly public transport services.
spatial plans Spatial planning gives geographical expression to the economic, social, cultural and ecological policies of society. Spatial planning incorporates a wider more inclusive approach with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best use of land by evidence based analysis, it represents a move away from traditional land use planning.
Special Purpose Roads A local road that was historically accepted as a special purpose road in terms of section 104 (now repealed) of the Transit New Zealand Act 1989 (renamed the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 from 1 July 2008).
Specified service A passenger service specified in a regional passenger transport plan.
Stabilise The modification of any material to improve or maintain its load-carrying capacity. Usually lime or cement is used as the modifier.
State highway A road, whether or not constructed or vested in the Crown, that is declared to be a state highway under section 11 of the National Roads Act 1953, section 60 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 (formally known as the Transit New Zealand Act 1989), or under section 103 of the LTMA.
SOI Statement of Intent
strategic assessment The Strategic Assessment uses robust tools and methodology to determine quickly and at low cost:
• what the problem is and whether it has a consequence that needs to be addressed;
• what outcomes will be gained from any potential investment;
• what potential benefits will arise from investing, and;
• whether there is stakeholder agreement to proceed or not to proceed.
These are most often answered using a Problem and Consequences workshop and a Outcomes and Benefits workshop.
strategic case Is the proposal aligned with the organisation’s strategic context and plans?  The strategic case determines whether or not an investment is needed. It demonstrates the case for change and the strategic assessment of evidence, i.e. how the proposal will further the aims and objectives of the organisation. 
strategic context The Strategic Context represents the alignment of the proposed investment with the business problem owner’s priorities, regional and national priorities, other programmes and strategies and other organisations’ priorities (if relevant).
It includes:
the assumptions or view of the future, including transport and population growth, economic and industry change statistics, etc. 
  • underlying/umbrella strategic documents, such as the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport or regional strategies, to position the outcomes sought within the strategic assessment against wider national and regional outcomes.  A problem with perceived significance may be identified in the strategic assessment but, when placed within a wider strategic context, it is acknowledged that it is not of high significance and does not present value for money for investment at this time.
  • the proposing organisation’s objectives.
Strategic road policing activities Enforcement activities delivered by NZ Police covering speed control, drinking and drugged driver control, restraint device control, visible road safety enforcement and commercial vehicle investigation and road user charges (RUC) enforcement.
strategies Strategies articulate long term transport needs of the community, explaining why these needs are likely to emerge and how the land and transport infrastructure should respond and adapt to these needs. Strategies may include the strategy elements of an Activity Management Plan.
strategy strategic case This strategy strategic case is the first deliverable in the business case approach, it outlines the case for change and demonstrates why further investment if justified. The strategic case is made up of a strategic assessment (problem and consequence) and strategic context (assumptions, environment and interdependencies).
street A road within an urban locality.
Studies Studies seek to inform and respond to future transport needs in a comprehensive manner. They are conducted to understand or respond to changes in transport demand, technological advances and impacts of legislation. The purpose of studies is to directly inform or respond to strategies and plans. They are not intended to be precursors to investigations - they must be wider in scope and reach.
Substructure The piers and abutments (including wing walls) of a bridge, which support the superstructure.
Subway A structure constructed to permit the passage of pedestrians, cycles or stock beneath the road.
Superstructure That part of a bridge structure that is supported by the piers and abutments.
supplementary funds Funding contributions that are additional to the contributions of the NZTA and standard approved organisation local share. They usually reflect third party benefits.
Supplementary funds Funding contributions that are additional to the contributions of the NZTA and standard approved organisation local share. They usually reflect third party benefits.
Support of Strategies A strong indication from the NZTA, through its strategic fit assessment, that the direction proposed in the strategy is considered to be aligned to the NZTA's impacts and priorities and that its vision and objectives are supported. The proposing organisation(s) can progress identification and evaluation of the implementation package(s) with a reasonable confidence that funding, if available, is likely to be approved. If an economic feasibility evaluation accompanies the strategy, funding for the investigation of the implementation package(s) may be considered at the same time. Support for strategies does not commit the NZTA to funding them.
Surface water channel An open drain or ditch along the side of the road that collects water running off the road's surface.
surplus budget Excess funds which must be declared as soon as they are identified.
Early declaration of excess funds will not preclude the later consideration of a request for reinstatement of funds. Such requests will be given first priority for available funds.
sweeping The removal of loose material from the carriageway.
SCATS Sydney Co-ordinated Adaptive Traffic System A computer-linked system of traffic signals, the purpose of which is to enhance traffic flows.
TAG Technical Advisory Group
Technical reviews The review of outputs and general operations of road controlling authorities that receive funds from the NLTF.
TOR Terms of Reference
Territorial Authority A territorial authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002. This is usually taken to refer to a city council or a district council.
timely intervention action taken appropriate to the risk and consequence
tolling A toll payable under Part 2 of the LTMA.
tolls A toll payable under Part 2 of the LTMA.
Total Mobility scheme The scheme to assist eligible people with impairments to access appropriate transport to enhance their community participation. Assistance is provided in the form of subsidised door-to-door transport services.
Tourism Increased ability of international visitors to travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes in a safe and efficient manner.
Traffic island A defined area within a road, usually at an intersection, from which traffic is intended to be excluded and which is used for control of vehicular movements and for pedestrian refuge.
traffic lane A portion of the carriageway allotted for the use of a single line of vehicles.
traffic management Activities/devices that facilitate management of the road network
traffic volume The number of vehicles flowing in both directions past a particular point in a given time (e.g. vehicles per hour or vehicles per day).
transport choice Transport choice means making available to transport users, particularly those with limited access to a car or who are vulnerable to changes in fuel prices, alternative means of transport.
Transport disadvantaged Those who do not have access to a private means of transport and who face actual or potential obstacles in using traditional public transport by living in areas not served by public transport, or by being unable to afford public transport, or by being unable to access public transport due to having a permanent or temporary disabling condition.
transport hub Area near an existing NZ Cycle Trail or accommodation hub that is likely to be used as a port to get transport (bus, plane etc.) in and out of the region of the existing NZ Cycle Trail.
TIO Transport Investment Online The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system.
underpass A grade separation where the traffic passes under an intersecting highway or railway.
underpasses A grade separation where the traffic passes under an intersecting highway or railway.
Unitary Authority A territorial authority carrying out the additional functions of a regional council.
urban areas An area within a permanent speed limit of less than or equal to 70 km/h.
Utility cycling

Cycling done mainly to get to an activity at the journey’s end, such as commuting trips to work, education, or shops. Utility cycling facilitates economic growth.

utility cycling Cycling done mainly to get to an activity at the journey’s end, such as commuting trips to work, education, or shops. Utility cycling is used as a proxy for walking and cycling’s contribution to economic growth outcomes.
Utility services Services such as gas, water, electricity, telephone, sewer and storm water.
valuation of the economic growth Economic growth and productivity is defined in the GPS, research is required to determine and value the GPS impacts to the delivery of economic growth.
value for money Selecting the right things to do, implementing them in the right way, at the right time and for the right price.
Vehicle crossing A formed area where vehicles can cross over channel and footpath.
VOC Vehicle operating costs.
Void-fill seal An emulsion seal, usually consisting of grit or small chips, for filling the voids in an existing coarse-textured chip-seal surface.
walking and/or cycling strategic network The network of strategic cycle corridors, feeders, connectors  and collectors that comprises an agreed walking and/or cycling network dedicated to facilitating economic growth, productivity and easing congestion by providing safe and convenient cycling  journeys to work, education or shops
Walking and/or Cycling Strategic network

The network of strategic cycle corridors, feeders and collectors that comprises an agreed cycle network dedicated to promoting economic growth and easing congestion by providing safe and convenient cycling journeys to work, education or shops.

Water channel A channel for the purpose of conveying water, whether lined or unlined.
Water table The level at which ground water will finally stand in an unpumped bore hole, well or other depression.
wearing course The surface layer of a pavement intended for skid and abrasion resistance.
Windrow The long ridge of material formed by a grader or earth-moving machine.
Wing wall A wall extending an abutment, as in a bridge, for retaining the side slopes of earth fill.
work category A type of activity – not confined to a particular activity class, e.g. new roads (work category 323) appears in:
  • activity class 12 – local road improvements
  • activity class 13 – state highways improvements