From the Chair
The big focus for us over the next 2 months is the NZUAG seminars. The Board has spent considerable time preparing for the seminars, and we are delighted to have been able to engage the services of NZIHT (NZ Institute of Highway Technology) to provide logistical support for their roll-out. The details appear later in the newsletter.
One of the common issues that came out of the Code review last year was the need for greater awareness and understanding of the Code and its operation. The Board has taken up this challenge, and is hoping for a good turnout when the seminars are rolled out across the country. More information, including registration details, will soon be available on our website: www.nzuag.org.nz
We hope to see you there.
Regards,
Paul Swain
Chair, NZUAG
Working Groups
The Board Working Groups reported on their activities at the recent May 18 Board meeting, with steady progress being made in their respective areas. While The Code Education and Awareness Seminar series remains the major focus, important work is continuing on updating the website and improving insights into Code Compliance and Enforcement issues.
- Code Compliance and Enforcement: Members of the Working Group reported on concerns raised with them over the difficulty in getting changes made to RAM CAR Manager to meet the changing needs of users and ensure it fully complies with
the National Code. A number of TA’s are considering banding together to produce their own alternative package. A discussion paper will be prepared by Working Group members canvassing the issues, including NZUAG response options. This will be discussed at the August Board meeting.
The Working Group is looking to identify NZUAG members willing to be surveyed to assist in the development of response options to broader issues surrounding Code implementation and how to best ensure all industry players comply with its provisions. Please contact the NZUAG administrator if you would be willing to participate in such an ongoing exercise.
- Website Update: Work is continuing on the website updating, with the intention being to keep the site more responsive to what is happening within the industry and ensure it is as easy to navigate and find key documents and information as possible.
- Code Promotion and Awareness Seminars: The
Board finalised the plan for this series of seminars.
NZUAG have enlisted NZIHT to assist with registrations and logistics. The seminars are entitled Transport Corridors and Utility Access – an NZUAG seminar on the Code and have a three-fold aim – namely:
- to promote the role of NZUAG;
- to promote the National Code of Practice; – to enhance local relationships.
A total of 9 seminars will be held around the country, starting at 10am and running through to 2pm including lunch. The cost will be $50 per attendee, excluding GST (ie $57.50 incl GST).
Dates and locations for the upcoming ½ day Code Education Seminar series are as follows, with all sessions starting at 10am:
| Day and Date | Location |
| Wednesday 8th June | Auckland |
| Tuesday 14th June | Hamilton |
| Wednesday 15th June | Tauranga |
| Tuesday 21st June | New Plymouth |
| Wednesday 22nd June | Napier |
| Tuesday 29th June | Palmerston North |
| Wednesday 30th JuneTuesday 5th JulyWednesday 6th July | WellingtonChristchurchDunedin |
Revised National Code of Practice
A updated version of the National Code was signed off by the Board at the May meeting. This fixes a number of minor errors, largely typographical or editorial in nature, which were pointed out to NZUAG by Industry members. Due to all of the changes being minor in nature the Board determined it is able to issue an amended version of the Code without requiring a full consultation exercise or formal Ministerial sign-off process. The Treasury Infrastructure Unit is however being advised of the changes, with the revised version being uploaded to the NZUAG website once they have responded back. It is anticipated that the revised version of the Code will be in place by the end of June.
| Code Seminars Location Details | RIMS Forum March 2017 |
Diarise these dates now; Wed 22 Mar and Thur 23 Mar 2017. The post-forum survey from this year’s event revealed the continued popularity of the Corridor Manager Stream with 98% of attendees strongly agreed it was value for money. Comments ranged from “didn’t like the food” (we are changing that) to “give us more solutions” (we are doing that) to “very informative and excellent opportunity to peer network” (we are expanding that). Make sure you add next year’s event to your diary now! Next year’s venue will be:
Waipuna Hotel, Mt Wellington, Auckland Wednesday 22nd and Thur 23rd March
Trade Display set-up on the 21st, with the Corridor Manager Stream happening on the Thursday
Would you like give back to the industry by becoming a speaker, to share your experience and solutions?
Contact Brett North (email brett.north@wcc.govt.nz), our NZUAG rep on the Forum planning committee, with your thoughts and suggestions.
KiwiRail Rail Corridor Access Changes
KiwiRail has recently implemented a new nation-wide rail corridor access protocol, designed to provide consistency and alignment with the NZUAG National Code of Practice. Any work on KiwiRail land now requires a permit to enter. Permit applications can be made via the KiwiRail website:
www.kiwirail.co.nz/infrastructure/northern–region–rail.html
Any questions on the new access protocol can be directed to the KiwiRail permits team via email (northernregionpermit@kiwirail.co.nz) or phone (09) 270 5426.