Working in a socially and environmentally responsible manner

Introduction

The Transport Agency aims to make land transport investments that improve community wellbeing overall and where possible, avoid, reduce or minimise adverse impacts from land transport on public health and the environment.

Working in a socially and environmentally responsible manner 

The Transport Agency will work with its investment partners to plan and invest in land transport solutions that improve linkages and transport mode choices, improve energy efficiency and help to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

The Transport Agency expects Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) to manage resources effectively and efficiently, and to take into account resource limitations, life cycle costs and the benefits of using energy efficiently.    

Protecting and enhancing the natural, cultural and built environment

Urban design elements should be incorporated into urban transport strategies at the outset, to address urban design in an efficient and cost effective manner. Achieving robust and effective urban design outcomes requires the Transport Agency, Approved Organisations and other agencies and communities to work in planning, development, delivery and funding partnership.

As a signatory to the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol, the Transport Agency plans and designs state highways in a way that supports good urban design and value for money Selecting the right things to do, implementing them in the right way, at the right time and for the right price. . In particular, the Transport Agency aims to:

• Ensure state highways contribute to vibrant, attractive and safe urban and rural areas, and
• Achieve integration between state highways, local roads, public transport, and cycling and walking networks and the land uses they serve.

Managing environmental and social impacts.

The Transport Agency expects Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) to consider environmental issues (constraints and opportunities) in network planning, design and maintenance. Public engagement may be required to identify and understand those issues. Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) must ensure that environmental issues are not considered in isolation but alongside other priorities and outcomes, e.g. value for money Selecting the right things to do, implementing them in the right way, at the right time and for the right price. . 

The Transport Agency(state highways) will determine the need for, and scope of, public engagement depending on the potential social, environmental and economic impacts of the decision to be made, the level of public interest, previous engagement, any statutory requirements and the extent to which public engagement is likely to influence the decision.

A reduction in adverse environmental effects from land transport

The Transport Agency recognises that the provision and operation of the land transport network can result in adverse environmental effects. The Transport Agency expects Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) to avoid these effects to the extent reasonable.  However, where there are adverse environmental effects that cannot be reasonably avoided, they may be mitigated by low-impact and preferably, multi-purpose measures. Statutory compliance is the minimum requirement.

In its role as state highway provider and manager, the Transport Agency has developed best practice approaches and implementation plans to address environmental and social impacts. These resources should be utilised by all Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways).

Taking appropriate account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

The Transport Agency recognises the special relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga. The Transport Agency will continue to work with Maori to build effective working relationships with iwi and hapu.