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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 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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#20-17 Procurement - Invoice payment terms for all Waka Kotahi suppliers

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

This note is to advise that there is an instruction to staff to help to facilitate a quick turn-around on invoices to help businesses meet their costs.   This note shall apply from the date of publication.   The aim is not to over-rule the required processes but to bolster the turn-around on invoices once they are confirmed.

#20-15 Use of timber poles for ground improvement

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

Withdrawn. Superseded by publication of amendment 4 to the Bridge manual 3rd edition. This note is to advise that there is an issue with the use of timber poles for ground improvement where used in conjunction with a structure and outlines interim requirements pending the next Bridge manual update.  This note shall apply from the date of publication.

#20-14 Contract Procedures Manual (SM021)

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

This note is to advise that the third edition, amendment 1 of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency manual SM021, Contract Procedures Manual, has been released.  The third edition is to be used for all future procurement of infrastructure and non-infrastructure goods/services/works and is available for download from the Waka Kotahi website.  The changes are mainly internal process changes, all-of-Government and sector requirements and editorial changes. This new version of the Manual applies from the date of this notice.

#20-13 State Highway Construction Contract Proforma Manual (SM031) Appendix D Issue 14 and State Highway Maintenance Contract Proforma Manual (SMO32) Appendix B Issue 11

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

This note is to advise that a new Alliance contract model proforma has been released to be used for all future procurement where an Alliance model will be used.  The updated Alliance contract model appears in Appendix D to issue 14 of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency State highway construction contract proforma manual (SM031) and Appendix B to issue 11 of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency State highway maintenance contract proforma manual (SM032).

#20-12 Removal of references to 'Engineer to the Contract'

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

This note outlines a minor change to the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency manual SM030 Professional Services Contract Proforma Manual, amendment 9 October 2019.   The change involves removal of references that are no longer relevant.   The change outlined in this note shall be implemented from the date of publication.

#20-05 Contract Procedures Manual (SM021)

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

This note is to advise that the third edition of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Contract Procedures Manual (SM021) has been released to be used for all future procurement of infrastructure projects and is available for download from the Waka Kotahi website.  

#20-06 State Highway Construction Contract Proforma Manual (SM031) Issue 16

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

This note is to advise that issue 16 of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency State Highway Construction Contract Proforma Manual (SM031) has been released to be used for all future procurement of infrastructure projects and is available for download from the Waka Kotahi website.

#20-07 State Highway Maintenance Contract Proforma Manual (SM032) Issue 11

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

This note is to advise that issue 11 of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency State Highway Maintenance Contract Proforma Manual (SM032) has been released to be used for all future procurement of infrastructure projects and is available for download from the Waka Kotahi website.  

#20-11 Personal Protective Equipment and Site Access Requirements

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

This note advises of changes to the health and safety and site access requirements that clarify the standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and access requirements and helps establish a better framework of clear expectations for our contractors. The changes outlined in this note shall be implemented from the date of publication.

#20-04 Update to State Highway Control Manual (SM012)

Published: | Category: Technical advice note | Audiences: Road traffic engineers & consultants, Roading contractors | Author: Operational Policy, Planning and Performance (OP3) team, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

A new version of the SM012 manual is now available to assist practitioners involved in state highway corridor management to carry out their day to day tasks. The content of the new version can be used as guidance with immediate effect.
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