Engagement is a necessary part of every project, programme or initiative. It helps you understand your customers, gather user information, assess the needs of the community and ensure what you deliver is right for those that will use it. Additionally, by engaging with communities and bringing them on the journey it helps build important relationships and gather support for the work.
Any planning or design activities have the potential to affect the daily lives of so many New Zealanders, so it’s important that their values, priorities and opinions about how mobility is delivered is important.
Deciding when and how to engage the public requires judgement. The complexity and sensitivity of a project will influence the extent of engagement required and the approach taken. It is important to involve specialists early on in any project that affects pedestrians. Early engagement is important because it can improve the level of community support for a project.
Waka Kotahi engagement guidance
Engagement with the disability sector is particularly important to ensure processes, plans and infrastructure for walking are designed to be as inclusive of all people as possible.
PNG: Disability sector engagement
If your project includes a cycling element then you should refer to the Cycling Network Guidance engagement section for further information.
Cycling Network Guidance: Engagement and consultation
In addition to engaging with the public, collaborative relationships with stakeholders and partners will be required.
Waka Kotahi stakeholder and partner agreements
Engagement is also a requirement of the Land Transport Management Act 2003, Local Government Act 2002 and the Resource Management Act 1991.
Land Transport Management Act 2003(external link)
Local Government Act 2002(external link)
Resource Management Act 1991(external link)
When installing a new facility or intervention for pedestrians, particularly if the intervention is new to New Zealand, it may be necessary to include a programme of education and marketing to support the installation so that all users are aware of what they should be doing and be aware of. This should include, but not be limited to local residents and schools, nearby shops and industry, plus relevant mobility representatives.
