Latest updates

We regularly consult with the sector to gain insights that help us to review and update the documents within our Standards and Guidelines Catalogue. Information on current consultations can be viewed in our public consultation hub, and further information on recently reviewed, updated or archived documents is shared with staff and suppliers in our regular Standards and Guidelines Technical Advice Note newsletter.

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Technical Advice Notes were previously published every time an individual operational policy document was ratified and updated in our standards catalogue. However, in 2024 we have updated the format into a regular newsletter that not only lists recently updated documents, but also notifies future consultations and highlights upcoming plans in our forward work programme.

An archive of our previous Technical Advice Notes is below.

To search for a specific archived policy update if you can’t see it here, use the search filters in our NZTA resources library.

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#22-12 Guideline for preparing an environmental management plan

Published: 29 November 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise that the Guideline for preparing an environmental management plan (EMP) has been published. This updated guideline replaces the 2014 Guideline for preparing an environmental and social management plan.

#22-11 Safe System audit guidelines

Published: 1 November 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise that the Safe System audit guidelines have been updated. The new document is available on the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website and should be used for all new works from the date of this note.

#22-10 National Seismic Hazard Model and what it means for our design standards

Published: 4 October 2022 | Category: Technical advice note , Structures (bridges, culverts & geotechnical) | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise the sector, including local road controlling authorities, the position of Waka Kotahi is that the newly released National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) does not immediately affect Waka Kotahi issued design standards and guidance, including the Bridge Manual.

#22-07 Update to technical appendices for the State Highway Database Operations Manual (SM050)

Published: 29 June 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise that technical appendices three and four of the State Highway Database Operations Manual (SM050) have been updated and will need to be included in all maintenance contracts. The new requirements apply to our Network Outcomes Contracts (NOC) from 1 July 2022.

#22-06 Update to Z19 Taumata Taiao Environmental and Sustainability Standards – June 2022

Published: 29 June 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise that the Z19 Environmental and Social Responsibility Standard has been updated. The standard has been renamed to Z19 Taumata Taiao Environmental and Sustainability Standard (Taumata Taiao). The updated standard is available on the Waka Kotahi website and shall be used for all new works from now on.

#22-04 Release of Bridge manual 3rd edition amendment 4

Published: 10 June 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This technical advice note is to advise that amendment 4 to the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Bridge manual 3rd edition and amendment 1 to the Bridge manual commentary, both published in May 2022, are available on the Waka Kotahi website for download.

#22-05 Update to M23 Specification & Guidelines for Road Safety Hardware

This note is to advise that M23 Specification & Guidelines for Road Safety Hardware has been updated. The new document M23:2022 applies from the date of this notice.

#22-03 Update to State Highway Construction Contract Proforma Manual (SM031) for COVID-19

Published: 8 April 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise of interim updates to the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency State Highway Construction Contract Proforma Manual (SM031). Updated documents have been released to be used for all future procurement and are available for download from the Waka Kotahi website.

#22-02 Interim technical standards for the design of timber bridges

Published: 1 March 2022 | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road controlling authorities, Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note provides guidance on the technical standards that can be used for the design of a broad spectrum of timber bridges, including glue-laminated bridges. These technical standards are interim until Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency standards and guidance are updated. The interim standards apply from the date of this notice.

#22-01 New asphaltic surfacing material and density testing specifications

This note is to advise that there are two new specifications added to the roading toolbox. The M32 asphalt specification sets out requirements for EME 2 High Modulus Asphalt, and the T23 density test method specification sets out a methodology for determining the density of pavement layers that can be used alongside existing methods.

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