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

Published: | 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 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.  

#21-21 Update for tendering to manage cost volatility

Published: | 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 all parties to capital works tenders that temporary arrangements will be made to the tendering process because of the current industry circumstances.  

#21-20 Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Programme Design Framework

Published: | 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 a Design Framework has been introduced for use on all current and future corridors and sites that form part of Road to Zero Speed and Infrastructure Programme (SIP).

#21-18 Amendments to Contractor Health and Safety Expectations Guideline

Published: | 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 amendments have been made to the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency “Contractor health and safety expectations: guidance for supply chain partners” document.   The amended document will apply from the date of publication of this note.

#21-17 Update to the Asset Register in the State Highway Database Operations Manual (SM050)

Published: | 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 staff and suppliers who update the Road Asset Maintenance Management (RAMM) database system that there has been some significant changes to the updating requirements.

#21-11 Amendment of SM014 Cost Estimation Manual

Published: | Category: Project & contract management , Technical advice note , Manuals | Audiences: Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

This note is to advise that an amendment has been made to the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) Cost Estimation Manual SM014 (herein referred to as ‘SM014’).   This is a general update to align the manual with current business and cost estimation practice. The amended SM014 comes into effect from the date of publication of this note.

#21-15 Withdrawal of P23 performance-based specification for hotmix asphalt wearing course surfacing

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

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency wishes to advise that Specification P23: 2005 performance-based specification for hotmix asphalt wearing course surfacing, and its accompanying Notes, have been withdrawn and must no longer be used in new Waka Kotahi contracts.   This change will be active from the date of publication of this notice.

#21-14 Infrastructure Delivery Resource Efficiency Policy

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

This note is to advise that the Resource Efficiency Policy for Infrastructure Delivery and Maintenance for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has been introduced to be used on all of its future projects meeting the criteria set out in the policy.  

#21-13 Seismic design of the facing-to-reinforcing connections for mechanically stabilised earth structures

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

Withdrawn. Superseded by publication of amendment 4 to the Bridge manual 3rd edition. This note sets out the design requirements for  geosynthetic reinforcement-to-facing connections on mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) structures during seismic events.

#21-12 Design and procurement of geosynthetics for soil reinforcement

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

This note confirms and refines the approval process and design requirements for geosynthetics used on Waka Kothi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) projects.