Planning an integrated transport system is a multi-dimensional task that requires robust and iterative analysis of growth projections, future land use, spatial patterns and the impact of transport on economic activity, social interaction, culture and the environment. Integrated land use and transport planning is an essential input into the business case process and should drive Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTPs). Land use interventions are a critical component of achieving outcomes. RLTP strategic sections provide a good overview of the combined impacts on outcomes of transport and land use planning decisions. Activity management plans, mode shift plans, as well as other cross-agency plans and programmes, such as spatial plans, provide context for the optioneering phase of business case development.
Integrated planning is an evolving area for Government and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Emerging legislation needs to be actively incorporated into strategic analysis and development of land use and transport planning. For instance, the proposed Urban Growth Agenda marks a shift in the approach to urban development and infrastructure and the mix of instruments and levers that are available to relevant stakeholders. Additionally, Waka Kotahi is a signatory to the NZ Urban Growth Protocol where we have committed to planning for, developing and promoting quality urban design.
https://www.hud.govt.nz/urban-development/urban-growth-agenda/(external link)
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/urban-design/protocol/(external link)
Transport cannot be viewed as an isolated activity. To achieve integrated solutions, it is essential that a collaborative approach to national, regional and local transport planning is achieved by working in partnership with other government departments, as necessary, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Education, Kainga Ora (Homes and Communities), iwi bodies, local government and the private sector.
It is good practice to ensure there is a clear correlation between agreed strategies and plans and the problems and benefits identified in strategic cases through all phases of the Business Case Approach (BCA), including during alternatives and options selection.
A spatial plan provides a high-level direction or vision for future urban and economic growth and indicates the location and timing for delivering infrastructure over a thirty-year time frame. It will set the overarching strategic objectives for an area. This is generally at a regional level but can also be at an inter-regional or sub-regional level. Waka Kotahi provides input to, and partners with, the entities involved in creating spatial plans, including local government, multiple Crown agencies, tangata whenua and potentially private sector investors and Post Treaty Settlement Entities. A spatial plan can illustrate:
A number of decisions are made during the spatial planning process that subsequently contribute to the business case process and the optioneering process. Spatial plans and supporting documentation can form part of the strategic context for business cases. Examples include the Auckland Transport Alignment Project or the Urban Form and Transport Initiative in the western Bay of Plenty. Often long-term land use changes and strategic alternatives have already been considered and agreed as part of spatial planning. This will then form the basis for subsequent business case development, including alternative and option development.
