NLTP Bulletin

Waka Kotahi Investment Proposal (WKIP)

• The draft WKIP (previously known as the Transport Agency Investment Proposal) sets out the activities that we propose for investment in the NLTP. It includes proposed state highway activities and other activities we lead on behalf of the sector.
   
• We provide the draft WKIP to Regional Transport Committees (RTCs) to help with preparation of Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTPs).
   
• We've delayed the release of the draft WKIP. This is to give our Board more time to consider how we can deliver an affordable programme that best meets the needs of New Zealand.
   
• We acknowledge this delay will have an impact on RTCs completing their RLTPs to the current timeline of April 2021.
   
• We’re looking to see how we can adjust timelines to reduce pressure on you - any decisions to change current timeframes need to be made by our Board. The earliest the Board would consider changes is at the next Board meeting later this week.

Early investment signals for RLTP development

• The strategic direction of the GPS 2021 builds on and embeds that in GPS 2018.
   
• Our focus for investment in the 2021-24 NLTP will be on maintaining current levels of service for the land transport system, delivering continuous programmes and meeting current commitments.
   
• In meeting our commitments for the baseline programmes of activities, we expect funding will remain tight for the 2021-24 NLTP.
   
• The funding allocations in the GPS mean there will be limited funding for any new projects to start in the 2021-24 NLTP. That's why our Board is taking extra time to consider the WKIP and ensure the programme delivers the best outcomes from available funding.
   
• The Board expects to set the Funding Assistance Rates (FAR) for the 2021-24 NLTP at the 20 August meeting.

Transport Investment Online (TIO) guidance and templates

• TIO guidance and templates, including for continuous programmes and improvement activities, are now available.
  
  Access the TIO guidance and templates
   
• It’s important to note that we have new project naming guidelines for TIO that must now be used. The new naming guidelines are easy to use with a simple step-by-step guide.
   
  View the naming guidelines 
   
• Use of the same name through the various development stages of a project will make it easier to track and monitor a project’s progress and manage our investments.
   
• The new guidelines will avoid duplicate projects in the systems that can result in confusion and delays with funding approvals.
   
• Use of the new naming guidelines will ensure better project management, monitoring and reporting.

Continuous programmes 

• The close-off date for initial continuous programmes to be submitted is 21 September.
   
• This means you have about four weeks to enter your initial continuous programme bids, which will go through Investment Quality Assurance and preliminary prioritisation and moderation during October.
   
• Feedback from this process will be provided to you in November, with final proposals to be submitted by mid-December.
   
• Continuous programmes will go through the final prioritisation and moderation process in February 2021, with applicants provided with indicative final programmes in April 2021.

Improvement activities

• The templates for improvement activities are available at the link above, and following this week’s Board meeting we’ll provide you with an updated timeline for submissions and the moderation process.