Planning for these four future urban areas in Auckland is at the very beginning of a lengthy, iterative process. An initial round of stakeholder, iwiA widespread stakeholder and communitypublic consultation waswill be held in Feb-March 2016 to seek early feedback on the long term transport aspirations, issues and ideas being proposed for each network plan. plan. The team will then come back to the public in May 2016 to seek feedback on the short listed ideas.

Find out more and “Have your Say” in this Feb-March 2016 joint public consultation here.

Next steps:The results of this consultation will be fed into a wider technical, social, cultural and engineering analysis process to help develop a recommended transport network plan for each area by mid-2016.

The transport network plans will then be able to be used by other organisations as a long term planning tool.Although recommended transport network plans will be decided upon at this time, this does not mean they will be set in stone. The next step in the transport planning process is to identify which projects need to be further developed, and to apply for funding to investigate them further.

Additional opportunities for consultation will happen as projects start to develop and go through the consents process over the next few decades. This is just the start of the journey to plan for Auckland’s future communities.Further opportunities for consultation will happen as projects start to develop and go through the consents process over the next few decades. This is just the start of the journey to plan for Auckland’s future communities.

The Transport Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Salvation Army Education and Employment to deliver the ongoing contracting and registration of Assessor/Trainers to deliver the Child Restraint Technician training and assessment.

Ernst Zöllner, Transport Agency Road Safety Director says: “Child Restraint Technicians play a very important role in keeping children safe on our roads and are trained and certified through a competence-based system. They provide informed advice on the type of child restraints parents and caregivers may need. They also have the practical knowledge to correctly fit child restraints into a vehicle and show parents and caregivers how to do it too. We’re pleased to be working with the Salvation Army to ensure that the Child Restraint Technicians continue to be trained to a high standard.”

Parents and caregivers should not notice anything different following these operational changes as Child Restraint Technicians will continue to be available via a wide range of organisations including retailers, Plunket and community organisations. An interactive map to find a local CRT is available here: www.nzta.govt.nz/childrestraints

Since 1978 the Salvation Army E&E has upskilled over 60,000 New Zealanders and is New Zealand’s longest running Private Training Establishment. With 16 locations nationwide they’re also one of the largest service providers.    

Gregory Fortuin, National Director, The Salvation Army Education and Employment says: "This exciting relationship with the NZ Transport Agency compliments our mission of transforming lives through education and employment. We see this form of training as supporting our mission and contributing to the safety of New Zealanders.”

The Transport Agency will continue to be involved in the child restraint sector and will continue to maintain the Child Restraint Technician’s Training Manual, update the interactive website map and produce education material.  

For more information contact:

Andy Knackstedt
National Media Manager
04 894 6285
021 276 3222
Andrew.Knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz

Lynne Johnston
Academic Manager
The Salvation Army Education and Employment
Lynne_Johnston@nzf.salvationarmy.org
021 706 278 

Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency have developed the draft preferred transport networks following technical assessments and earlier public consultation in February and March.

A key focus is on increasing access to public transport - with a well-connected rapid transit network at the heart of draft plans for southern Auckland, the north west and Silverdale-Dairy Flat. Another important focus would be new or upgraded roading to improve safety and connections to new growth areas.

For Warkworth the focus is to separate through traffic and freight movements from urban areas with the opening of the Ara-Tūhono Pūhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance (RoNS) and new alternative routes. The network plan also includes a proposal to connect Warkworth and Auckland with a frequent express bus service.

Public consultation on the draft transport network for each area will be open for a month until 13 May with online feedback and public information days.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says it is important to identify the transport needs for growing communities early in the process which why it’s vital the consultation is robust.

“About 110,000 new houses are expected to be built on future urban areas bigger than urban Hamilton. Significant new transport infrastructure will be needed to support the people living and working in those areas.

“Once finalised, the recommended transport networks will be included in Auckland Council’s structure plans that are developed for future urban areas.”

Auckland Transport Key Strategic Initiatives Project Director Theunis van Schalkwyk says there was strong interest during the first stage of consultation with 770 people attending events and 620 pieces of feedback received.

“People giving feedback identified access to public transport as the most important transport feature for both new housing and business areas. There were also a number of important roading connections identified in each area to support the growth.

“It is a good opportunity for people to help guide what mix of transport projects need to happen.”

The NZ Transport Agency’s Auckland Regional Director, Ernst Zöllner says by working together the Transport Agency, the council and Auckland Transport are ensuring there is certainty about the transport needed for new communities and business areas.

“The public feedback will be incorporated into recommended transport networks that will be considered by the Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agencies boards.

“The networks will then be broken down into prioritised projects for inclusion in future investment programmes.”

The draft transport networks are available for public feedback at www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/transport-for-future-urban-growth/

Public information days will be held in Kumeu, Whenuapai, Dairy Flat, Wainui, Warkworth, Pukekohe, Drury, Takanini and Manukau.

Find out more and have your say at:

www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/transport-for-future-urban-growth/

For media inquiries please contact:

Daryl McIntosh, Auckland Transport:

Mobile: 0276 879 935 | Email: daryl.mcintosh@at.govt.nz

Sarah Azam, Media Manager, NZ Transport Agency

Phone: 09 928 8720 Mobile: 021 103 9227| Email: sarah.azam@nzta.govt.nz

This means that State Highway 1, under the bridge, will be temporarily closed with a detour in place during the day and Stop/Go controlling traffic overnight and outside the working hours. Fulton Hogan is contracted to do this work for KiwiRail.

The detour route – see map below

Drivers should expect short delays for the Stop/Go times and factor in extra time for the daytime detours along via Awamoa, Stonewall and Thousand Acre Roads.

• The detour route has been approved for all overweight and HPMV vehicles. 

Dates for the temporary closures

• 16, 17 & 18 April – Saturday to Monday. 
• 30 April, 1 & 2 May - Saturday to Monday. 
• 6, 7 & 8 May, Friday to Sunday.

 Work will start at 7.00 am on each of these days and finish at 8.30 pm. During these hours, the detour will be in place. Outside these hours, drivers will be able to stay on SH1 but should expect short delays with the Stop/Go single lane access and manual traffic management.

 NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Graeme Hall thanked all road users for taking care around crews and traffic management staff and also on the detour route.

The detour route while the Deborah Rail Overbridge, south of Oamaru, is being repaired over three weekends.

Businesses involved in the sale, manufacturing, repair and maintenance of vehicles often need to move vehicles when they are unregistered. These businesses can apply to use trade plates. 

Who can use trade plates?

You can apply for trade plates if you're:

• a  motor vehicle trader

• a manufacturer, assembler, distributor or importer of motor vehicles

• a car wrecker (if you have a second-hand trader licence)

• a government department

• delivering unregistered motor vehicles

• a motor vehicle repairer

• an owner or manager of a transport museum.

Find more about who might be eligible in the Land Transport (Trade Plates) Notice 2011

Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us to find out.

Using trade plates

You can only use trade plates for the purpose for which we supply them. If you use the plates for any other purpose, you can be fined.

Most  trade plates are used on unregistered vehicles. Only vehicle repairers, local authorities and vehicle inspection certifiers can use trade plates on vehicles that are registered but unlicensed.

More information about using trade plates on uncertified vehicles

Types of trade plates

Trade plates are available for:

• standard vehicles (3500kg or less)
• heavy vehicles (over 3500kg) - these will be available from 1 January 2016
• standard trailers
• heavy trailers
• motorcycles and mopeds.

How to apply for trade plates

To apply for trade plates, complete an Application for trade plate form (MR5) and send it in to our Palmerston North office with the following proof:

Trade plate fees

Application and renewal fees

When applying for or renewing a trade plate you will need to pay an administration fee as well as any applicable licence fees and ACC levies. The application fee of $32.30 is included in the table below. 

The fee you will pay depends on which month you apply in.

Replacement fee

The fee for a replacement trade plate is $38.43.

Heavy vehicle trade plates

From 1 January 2016, if you operate unregistered heavy motor vehicles (over 3500kg) you’ll be required to display a heavy vehicle trade plate on those vehicles when driving on the road.

The heavy vehicle trade plate fee includes an additional charge that goes towards road use that was previously collected through RUC. To keep things simple and costs down, you can use the new heavy vehicle trade plate on standard vehicles as well. However, you will still have to have separate trade plates for motorcycles and mopeds.

If you’re driving unregistered heavy vehicles on the road, you will need to apply for a heavy vehicle trade plate.

If you already hold a standard trade plate, you won’t have to provide supporting documentation with your application. You can apply using the  Application for additional trade plate form (MR5A) .

If you don't already have a standard trade plate, you can apply using the  Application for trade plate form (MR5) .

Displaying trade plates

Trade plates have a reflective yellow background and black lettering. They start or end with the letter 'X' and are valid until 31 December of the year shown on the plate.

You must display the plates on the rear of your vehicle. The plates must be upright so that every letter and figure is easily visible.

Minutes of the NZ Transport Agency Board are confirmed and ratified at the following board meeting. They are then added to this page.

For further information please email boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz

Find out about the board’s recent investment decisions

2016 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 3 March 2016Minutes for 12 February 2016
• Minutes for 12 February 2016

2015 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 11 December 2015Minutes for 11 December 2015
• Minutes for 30 October 2015Minutes for 30 October 2015
• Minutes for 17 & 18 October 2015Minutes for 17 & 18 October 2015
• Special minutes for 18 September 2015​Special minutes for 18 September 2015​
• Minutes for 3 September 2015​Minutes for 3 September 2015​
• Minutes for 14 August 2015​Minutes for 14 August 2015​
• Minutes for 8 May 2015​Minutes for 8 May 2015​
• Minutes for 17 April 2015​Minutes for 17 April 2015​
• Minutes for 2 April 2015​Minutes for 2 April 2015​
• Minutes for 5 February 2015Minutes for 5 February 2015

2014 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 31 October 2014
• Special minutes for 17 September 2014Special minutes for 17 September 2014
• Minutes for 15 August 2014Minutes for 15 August 2014
• Minutes for 4 July 2014Minutes for 4 July 2014
• Minutes for 2 May 2014Minutes for 2 May 2014
• Special minutes for 17 April 2014Special minutes for 17 April 2014
• Minutes for 27 February 2014Minutes for 27 February 2014
• Special minutes for 5 February 2014Special minutes for 5 February 2014

2013 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 13 December 2013Minutes for 13 December 2013
• Minutes for 1 November 2013Minutes for 1 November 2013
• Minutes for 20 September 2013Minutes for 20 September 2013
• Minutes for 16 August 2013Minutes for 16 August 2013
• Minutes for 4–5 July 2013Minutes for 4–5 July 2013
• Minutes for 3 May 2013Minutes for 3 May 2013
• Special minutes for 13 March 2013Special minutes for 13 March 2013
• Minutes for 28 February 2013Minutes for 28 February 2013
• Special minutes for 8 February 2013Special minutes for 8 February 2013

2012 board meeting minutes

• Special minutes for 15 December 2012Special minutes for 15 December 2012
• Minutes for 13 December 2012Minutes for 13 December 2012
• Minutes for 25–26 October 2012Minutes for 25–26 October 2012
• Minutes for 7 September 2012Minutes for 7 September 2012
• Special minutes for 24 August 2012Special minutes for 24 August 2012
• Minutes for 26 July 2012Minutes for 26 July 2012
• Minutes for 12 June 2012Minutes for 12 June 2012
• Minutes for 4 May 2012Minutes for 4 May 2012
• Minutes for 16 March 2012Minutes for 16 March 2012
• Minutes for 7 February 2012Minutes for 7 February 2012

2011 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 4 November 2011
• Minutes for 1 September 2011
• Minutes for 17 August 2011
• Minutes for 5 August 2011
• Minutes for 30 June 2011
• Minutes for 20 June 2011
• Minutes for 2 June 2011
• Minutes for 5 May 2011
• Minutes for 21 April 2011
• Minutes for 31 March 2011
• Minutes for 23 March 2011
• Minutes for 4 March 2011
• Minutes for 3 February 2011

2010 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 17 December 2010
• Minutes for 1 November 2010
• Minutes for 23 September 2010
• Minutes for 27 August 2010
• Minutes for 29 July 2010
• Minutes for 24 June 2010
• Minutes for 17 June 2010
• Minutes for 27 May 2010
• Minutes for 29 April 2010
• Minutes for 24 March 2010
• Minutes for 4 March 2010

2009 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 17 December 2009
• Minutes for 11 December 2009
• Minutes for 8 December 2009
• Minutes for 26 November 2009
• Minutes for 30 October 2009
• Minutes for 15 October 2009
• Minutes for 6 October 2009
• Minutes for 25 September 2009
• Minutes for 9 September 2009
• Minutes for 28 August 2009
• Minutes for 31 July 2009
• Minutes for 8 July 2009
• Minutes for 29 June 2009
• Minutes for 29 May 2009
• Minutes for 12 May 2009
• Minutes for 24 April 2009
• Minutes for 27 March 2009
• Minutes for 13 February 2009

2008 board meeting minutes

• Minutes for 18 December 2008
• Minutes for 26 November 2008¹ 
• Minutes for 12 November 2008
• Minutes for 31 October 2008² 
• Minutes for 19 September 2008
• Minutes for 25 August 2008
• Minutes for 1 August 2008

¹  Some information has been withheld from item 1c under section 9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act 1982 to ‘protect the privacy of natural persons’.
² Some information has been withheld from item 5c under section 9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act 1982 to ‘protect the privacy of natural persons’.

Traffic bulletin for the week week 15 April – 21 April8 April to 14 April 2016 for the  Southern Corridor Improvements Project

Traffic bulletins provide a brief overview of likely traffic disruptions for the following week.  Full closures are also advertised in the Weekend Herald.  Traffic bulletins are complemented by monthly construction updates and quarterly newsletters. Traffic bulletins provide a brief overview of likely traffic disruptions for the following week.  Full closures are also advertised in the Weekend Herald.  Traffic bulletins are complemented by monthly construction updates and quarterly newsletters. 

Work in the shoulder and median work zones will continue during the daytime next week, but this willthese will not affect traffic movements.

UPCOMINGFORTHCOMING WORKS

Keep an eye out for worklane changes in the weekcommencing 2617 April southboundnorthbound between Pahurehure Inlet and Takanini and PapakuraInterchange.which will also have narrowed lanes and a reduced speed limit.

We ask that motorists slow down and drive with care through the work areas, particularly in areas with new lane arrangements.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact our team on free phone 0508 NZTA SCI (0508 6982 724) or email southerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz .

DETOUR MAPS

 Southbound-Takanini-Papakura-Detour-Map.pdf

Southbound-Manukau-Takanini-Detour-Map.pdf

Northbound-Takanini-Manukau-Detour-Map.pdf

Northbound-Papakura-Takanini-Detour-Map.pdf

International best practice recommends the use of an appropriate child restraint (or booster seat) until your child reaches 148 cm tall or is 11 years old.  Child restraint and medical professionals recommend that you keep your baby in a rear-facing restraint until as old as practicable, at least until they are 2 years of age.

For more information:

• download the Child restraints save lives information brochure

• download the My booster comes with me brochure

• find a certified child restraint technician

What are child restraints?

 Approved child restraints include:

• infant restraints for young babies (often called baby capsules)

• restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (often called car seats)

• booster seats for preschool and school-aged children

• child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for preschool and school-aged children.

Child restraints protect children from crash forces

Children must be correctly seated in child restraints that are correctly secured into the car to keep them safe from crash forces. 

It’s a driver’s responsibility

When you are the driver, children in your car must be protected in the event of a crash.

As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that any child travelling in your vehicle is correctly using an appropriate child restraint. Find out the legal requirements .

How to tell if a child restraint can be legally used in New Zealand

All child restraints must meet an approved standard. This ensures a restraint's design and construction are laboratory tested under crash conditions and provide the best protection when used according to manufacturer’s instructions.

All approved child restraints display standard markings to show they are approved.

Look for a child restraint that shows:

• a tick mark (indicates the restraint meets the joint New Zealand/Australian Standard AS/NZ 1754)

• an 'E' mark (indicates the restraint meets the European Standard ECE 44) – the number on the circle will vary depending on the country of certification.

Or, look for a restraint that complies with the United States Standard FMVSS 213. The restraint must also show the New Zealand Standard 'S' mark indicating it is certified for use here.

Restraint attachments

Requirements for how the restraints are attached are part of the American and European standards. Restraints that comply with these standards come with connectors called LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) in the United States or ISOFIX in Europe. Both systems have lower anchors in the vehicle and lower attachments on child restraints. This method of installation allows a child restraint to be snapped into place instead of being held by the safety belt.

Some restraints complying with the joint Australia/New Zealand standard also have ISOFIX lower attachments.

Find out more about LATCH and ISOFIX systems .

Exceptions to the law

A child doesn't have to be seated in an approved child restraint if they're travelling in a:

• vintage vehicle (first registered before 1955) that is not fitted with safety belts

• passenger service vehicle (eg taxi, shuttle, bus) when no appropriate child restraint is available.

However, where a safety belt is available, the child must be restrained, and where an approved child restraint is available, it must be used (where appropriate for the child's age and weight).

Taxi companies may provide child restraints if you give them 24-hours notice.

Note that the driver of a passenger service vehicle, such as a bus or taxi, is not legally responsible for ensuring safety belts are used (if fitted). However if an appropriate child restraint is available in the vehicle then that taxi driver is responsible for ensuring that a child under seven is restrained in it (the same as any other driver).

Note that the driver of a bus is not responsible for ensuring a child is appropriately restrained. It is up to the person in charge of the child to make sure they are correctly restrained.

A child aged seven or over, but under the age of 15, may be seated in the front seat of a vehicle without an approved suitable child restraint if there is no back seat, or the back seat is already full of other children under 15 years old. The child must be restrained using the available safety belt.

In exceptional circumstances a medical practitioner may provide a certificate to provide exemption from the use of a child restraint for a specified period of time.

Need a child restraint for your visit to New Zealand?

If you're bringing a child restraint with you into New Zealand it must comply with one of the following approved standards:

• the joint Australia/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1754 
• the American standard FMVSS 213
• the European standard shown by E3 (or another number depicting the European country).

You may be able to hire car restraints for your visit from a number of hire outlets. The largest current supplier is Plunket which currently hires a variety of infant and child restraints in many parts of the country.

Are you in New Zealand and going overseas with your child?  What do you need? 

When overseas

It's unlikely that you'll be refused entry if you take a restraint other than one of those recommended for the country. Most problems are likely to arise over insurance if you have a crash. It is likely that insurance will not be paid out if the restraint you are using is not one recommended for that specific country.

In Australia

While age requirements for the use of child restraints vary from state to state, all states require them to be used. The one accepted standard for a child restraints throughout Australia is the joint Australia/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1754.

Both infant and child restraints have tether straps and all vehicles manufactured in Australia are required to have the tether anchorages inserted, making installation of the tether easy.

When flying

If you want to use your child’s restraint on the aircraft you need to check that it is certified for aircraft use (check the instruction book or check for a sticker on the restraint). You will also need to ask the airlines you're travelling with whether they will accept your child restraint for use on the aircraft.

Some airlines take child restraints as luggage at no cost. Check with the airline you are travelling with beforehand.

Find out more information

Find more information about child restraints:

• in the Child restraints save lives brochure

• in Factsheet 7– Child restraints .

Rental schemes offer a variety of affordable infant and child restraints available for short- and long-term hire.

Learn about other vehicle safety features that can protect you and your passengers in a crash.

Emergency services and the power company are on site but it’s expected to take several more hours before the lines are cleared and the road is opened again.

Motorists traveling north are advised to follow SH1 through Kawakawa and Moerewa rather than turning onto SH11.

Those heading south out of Paihia should follow SH11 through Haruru and Oromahoe.

For the latest traffic and travel information visit www.nzta.govt.nz. Plan ahead by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz to get email notifications about road and traffic conditions on the route you plan to travel. Don’t forget to check twitter and facebook for regular updates on delays and incidents.

The times shown are the busiest times based on previous years travel patterns. These are predictions and subject to change based on weather or other factors. 

It’s likely that congestion will be similarly heavy on these dates and times this coming holiday period, and we advise motorists to consider avoiding travel during the times of heaviest congestion, listed in bold type in the PDFs.

For real time information on the day either subscribe to  OnTheMove or visit the  Traffic and Travel information page.

North island

• Anzac weekend congestion hot spots for the North IslandEaster congestion hot spots for the North Island

South Island

• Anzac weekend congestion hot spots for the South IslandEaster congestion hot spots for the South Island

Information for people who want to teach others to drive for financial gain.

Who needs a driving instructor endorsement

If you teach people how to drive on a road for financial or commercial gain, you must have a current driving instructor endorsement on your driver licence. This is called an I endorsement.

If you are not sure whether you need an I endorsement, call our driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.

Requirements for an I endorsement

You must have held a full licence for two years

To get an I endorsement, you must hold, and have held for at least two years, a full New Zealand class 1 driver licence. 

Holding an equivalent overseas licence does not meet this requirement. 

You must also have held each class of licence that you want to teach for at least two years. For example, if you want to teach both class 1 (car) and class 6 (motorcycles), you must have held each of those classes for at least two years.   

We will check if you are a fit and proper person

Your application will be sent to the NZ Transport Agency so that a 'fit and proper person' check can be done. This will check on things like transport-related offences, criminal convictions and past complaints about you. 

Further information about the fit and proper person criteria

You will need to complete a course

You'll need to provide a certificate showing that you've successfully completed an approved I endorsement course. 

• If you want to, you can make your application before sitting the I endorsement course. You can then do the course while the application is being processed (it can take up to eight weeks).
• If you are not sure whether you might pass the fit and proper person check, you can choose to make your application and have the check done first. If you pass the check, you will be sent a  Notice of determination to let you know, and you can then do your course. 

Find an approved course provider in your area
Find out more about what will be covered in the course

You can't teach until you have the endorsement on your licence

You can’t start instructing just because you’ve got the necessary certificates. You must successfully complete the application process and get the I endorsement added to your driver licence first.

How to make your application

To get your I endorsement, you must apply at a  driver licensing agent . 

You will need to:

• fill out an  application form 

• present  evidence of your identity

• prove your  eyesight meets the required standard

• provide a  medical certificate (if applicable)

• let the agent take your photo and signature

• pay the  driving instructor endorsement application fee

• book a time to sit a full licence test (unless you have passed one in the last five years)

• present an approved I endorsement course certificate (unless you have chosen to present it later).

You should allow six to eight weeks for your application to be processed (providing you have supplied alleverything required), because of the necessary information and documentation). This is because we needtime it takes to carry out ado the fit and proper person check.

Choose the classes you will teach

When you make your application, you will need to choose the classes that you want to teach.  You must have an I endorsement for each class.

For example, if you say on your form that you want to teach classes 1, 2, 4 and 6, you will have an I1, I2, I4 and I6 on your driver licence (if you have held each class for long enough).

You may need a work permit

If you're not a New Zealand citizen or don't hold a residence permit, you will need a work permit or some other temporary permit to show that you are allowed to work in New Zealand.

What’s involved in the course

The approved course is aligned with unit standards on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework. If you successfully complete a course you have the opportunity to have the unit standards you’ve achieved count towards a national certificate as well as a driver licence endorsement.

In the course you’ll be trained and assessed in the following unit standards:

• 16646 – Develop and follow through on individual driver training plans.
• 16647 – Describe implications for driver educators of factors that affect people’s learning.
• 14511 – Describe knowledge required by driver educators of road transport legislation.
• 14521 – Observe and analyse a person’s driving and determine optimal ways to achieve required performance.
• 14523 – Carry out in-vehicle driver training.
• 20179 – Describe light motor vehicle dynamics and handling characteristics.
• 20180 – Demonstrate knowledge of hazard detection and responses.
• 3466 – Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies while driving.

You’ll also have a driving assessment completed on your own driving skills. This assessment, along with all the practical driving on the course, will be conducted in a vehicle with a manual transmission. Note: The ‘I’ endorsement when granted will allow instruction to be given in vehicles with either manual or automatic transmissions.

View the unit standards mentioned above on the NZQA website 

You’ll be given a certificate when you successfully complete the course, which you will need to submit as part of your application.

Download Factsheet 5: I endorsements – how to become a driving instructor

Download Factsheet 66: Driver licensing courses for licence classes and endorsements

Detailed information about the fit and proper person check required for P, V, I and O endorsements. 

What is a fit and proper person check?

If you are applying for a passenger (P), vehicle recovery (V), driving instructor (I) or testing officer (O) endorsement, your application will be sent to the NZ Transport Agency for a fit and proper person check. 

Some of the factors that will be taken into account are:

• transport-related offences, especially relating to safety
• history of behavioural problems
• past complaints about a transport service you may have operated
• history of persistent failure to pay fines for transport-related offences
• criminal convictions (in New Zealand or overseas), including charges and convictions relating to violence or sexual offences, drugs or firearms offences, or offences involving organised criminal activites
• serious convictions – persons convicted of these serious offences and sentenced to imprisonment for more than 12 months are prohibited from holding a P endorsement:
• • murder
  • a sexual crime under Part VII of the Crimes Act 1961 punishable by seven or more years imprisonment, including sections 144A and 144C
  • crimes under any of the following sections of the Crimes Act 1961: 173, 174, 175, 176, 188, 189(1), 191, 198, 199, 200(1), 201, 208, 209, 210, 234, 235 and 236
  • any offence committed outside New Zealand that, if committed in New Zealand, would constitute one of the above offences. 

List of offences in section 29A of the Land Transport Act 1998
List of offences in section 144A of the Crimes Act 1961
List of offences in section 144C of the Crimes Act 1961

Any other information can also be taken into account in the fit and proper person check, where that information is relevant to the interest of public safety.

This includes medical fitness – such as any medical conditions you may have and whether those conditions may affect your ability to drive safely. 

If in doubt, check first

If you have any concerns about the fit and proper person check, contact a commercial road transport administrator at the Transport Agency office before submitting your application.

Extra checks for P endorsement applicants

Every P endorsement applicant, irrespective of their country of origin, will be vetted by the NZ Police as part of the ‘fit and proper person’ check. This is arranged by the Transport Agency once you submit your application and pay the vetting fee.

If you have spent 12 months or more outside New Zealand, then you must also contact the appropriate authority (embassy, consulate or other approved government agency) of your country of origin and/or any countries you visited, and arrange for official documentation verifying the full details of any traffic offences and criminal history (or the absence thereof) to be made available to the Transport Agency.

This applies where:

• you are applying for a new P endorsement, and
• you have been overseas for a continuous period of more than 12 months, and were at that time aged 14 years or older

OR

• you are applying to renew or requalify a P endorsement, and
• you have been overseas for a continuous period of more than 12 months since your last P endorsement application.

This ensures all applicants are assessed to the same standard and enables the Transport Agency to make the thoroughly informed assessment necessary before a P endorsement may be granted.

Note: The Transport Agency can only accept original documents that are received directly from the approved authority. However, copies of documents may be accepted directly from other New Zealand government departments (eg Immigration or Customs), where that department received the original document directly from the appropriate issuing authority and will verify any copy provided as true and correct.

Result of the check

Not cleared

If you’re not cleared by the fit and proper person check, you’ll be sent a letter explaining why, with advice on your right of appeal to the district court.

Cleared

If you meet the fit and proper person requirements, and all other relevant tests have been completed, your application will be approved and the new licence will be mailed to you.

Where you have chosen to have the fit and proper person check completed before the other tests are done, you’ll be sent a Notice of determination (valid for 90 days). Show the notice to the driver licensing agent when you go to complete your application. If the notice expires before you finish the relevant courses or tests, call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.

What does it cost?

The fee for a fit and proper person check is called the vetting fee. 

If you're applying for more than one endorsement at the same time, you will only pay one vetting fee.

You will be vetted once every year, unless you are applying for a P endorsement only to drive large passenger service vehicles (ie you are not applying for an ID card)

Fees that you will pay when applying for a P, V, I or O endorsement

For daily updated closure information click here.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off ramp and Tristram Avenue on ramp, 18 April (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Northcote Road northbound off ramp, 19 April
• Northcote Road northbound on ramp, 18 April
• Northcote Road southbound on ramp, 17 - 18 April
• Southbound lanes between Northcote Road off ramp and Esmonde Road on ramp, 17 - 18 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Northbound lanes between Esmonde Road off ramp and Northcote Road on ramp, 19 - 21 April (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Esmonde Road northbound (loop) on ramp, 19 - 21 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Esmonde Road northbound (diamond) on ramp, 19 - 21 April

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

• (SH16) Hobson Street westbound on ramp, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) northbound to (SH16) westbound link, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH1) southbound to (SH16) westbound link, 17 April
• (SH16 Port) westbound to (SH1) northbound link, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH16) Wellesley Street westbound on ramp, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH16) Westbound lanes between Grafton Road off ramp and Grafton Road on ramp, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Greenlane northbound off ramp, 19 - 21 April (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on ramp, 17 - 21 April
• Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off ramp and SH 20 southbound link, 17 - 18 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 17 - 18 April
• Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 17 - 20 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Papakura northbound (diamond) on ramp, 17 - 20 April
• Papakura northbound (loop) on ramp, 17 - 20 April

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Lincoln Road eastbound on ramp, 17 - 21 April (approx 8:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Lincoln Road off ramp and Te Atatu Road on ramp, 17 - 21 April (approx 8:30PM to 5:00AM)
• Te Atatu Peninsula eastbound on ramp, 18 April
• Te Atatu Road eastbound on ramp, 17 & 19 - 21 April
• Patiki Road westbound on ramp, 17 – 19 & 21 April
• Eastbound lanes between Patiki Road off ramp and Rosebank Road on ramp, 18 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road eastbound on ramp, 17 - 21 April
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Western Springs on ramp, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and SH1, 18 - 21 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road westbound on ramp, 21 April
• Westbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Te Atatu Road on ramp, 21 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Westbound lanes between SH1 and Great North Road on ramp, 17 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• St Lukes Road westbound off ramp, 18 - 21 April
• St Lukes Road westbound on ramp, 17 - 21 April
• Western Springs eastbound on ramp, 18 - 21 April
• Newton Road westbound on ramp, 17 April

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off ramp and Massey Road on ramp, 19 April
• Puhinui Road northbound on ramp, 19 April
• Southbound lanes between Massey Road off ramp and Puhinui Road on ramp, 20  April 
• Massey Road southbound off ramp, 18 April
• Massey Road southbound on ramp, 20 April
• Dominion Road northbound on ramp, 18 - 21 April
• Northbound lanes between Dominion Road off ramp and Maioro Street, 18 - 21 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Southbound lanes between Maioro Street and Dominion Road on ramp, 18 - 21 April (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance. 

Updates on state highway conditions and hazards and get free email alerts on a specific route by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz

The road was closed for several hours after power lines fell across the highway.

For the latest traffic and travel information visit www.nzta.govt.nz. Plan ahead by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz to get email notifications about road and traffic conditions on the route you plan to travel. Don’t forget to check twitter and facebook for regular updates on delays and incidents

As part of the Programme Business Case for the Nelson Southern Link Investigation, the Transport Agency is encouraging people in the Nelson area to make their voices heard on how to improve Nelson’s transport network and solve two identified issues: congestion and accessibility.

“We thank everyone who has already shared their ideas with us. We want to make sure that people know they still have the opportunity to give us their feedback during this phase of the investigation,” NZ Transport Agency regional director Raewyn Bleakley says.

“There are a variety of ways people can tell us what they think, including filling out the feedback form which is available at the Richmond and Nelson Public Libraries or via the Transport Agency’s website. There is also a final information session at the Victory Community Centre on Monday 18 April, from 5.30pm -8.30pm,” Ms Bleakley says.

“Everyone’s feedback will be taken into account along with other important criteria. We’re looking for all ideas at this stage.”

Additional information and an online feedback form can be found on http://www.nzta.govt.nz/nelson-southern-link as well as at the Nelson Public Libraries, and the Richmond Library during their opening hours. People can also phone 0508 NSL INFO/0508 675 4636 or email nelson-southern-link@nzta.govt.nz

The deadline for feedback to be received is Sunday 24 April 2016.

Transport Agency work crews are out in force making the most of the last of the warm, dry weather to maintain the state highways and progress projects such as the Waikato Expressway and Tauranga’s Maungatapu underpass. 

Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management which may cause delays and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys. 

For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at  www.onthemove.govt.nz. 

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or by following the Transport Agency on Facebook or @nztawaibop on twitter. 

Bay of Plenty travellers can also go to www.drivelive.nz/BayofPlenty, a dedicated website that tells drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places. 

Roadworks that are scheduled to start in the next week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling. 

BAY OF PLENTY 

SH36 Ngongotaha ROAD CLOSURE

A section of SH36 Ngongotaha Rd will be closed next week to allow Police to carry out investigations into a recent crash.

From 10am until 1pm on Wednesday 20 April traffic will be detoured via Western Rd and SH5. The detour will add approximately five minutes to normal travel time. 

SH36 Ngongotaha road closure.

Rotorua area

Transport Agency contractors are carrying out road safety improvements around the Rotorua area over the next fortnight and motorists should expect minor delays due to speed restrictions and lane closures

The work involves installing guard rails and carrying out rockfall prevention works.  Sites include: 

• SH5 Tutukau Road right turn bay, Mihi
• SH30 Whirinaki Valley widening and guard rail installation               
• SH5 Rainbow Mountain guard rail installation    

SH35 Maraenui/ SH2 Waioeka Gorge rock scaling works

Transport Agency contractors will be clearing rocks and vegetation this month as part of regular slip and rock fall prevention in the Bay of Plenty.

Stop/ go traffic management, speed restrictions and changes to the road layout will be in place on SH2 in the Waioeka Gorge and on SH35 at Maraenui at times. 

SH29/ Takitimu Drive and SH36/Taurikura Drive roundabout upgrade

Motorists are asked to drive with extra care when travelling through the roundabouts over the next month. Tauranga City Council’s contractor is carrying out works and speed restrictions, lane closures and occasional stop/go traffic management will be in place at times from this week. 

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi

Motorists travelling on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi are urged to drive with extra care as work continues on a major safety upgrade.

A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive is being repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.

Traffic is currently split with works underway in the middle of the two lanes.

Some surfaces are sealed and a 50km/h speed restriction is in place for the safety of workers and to allow the seal to bed in. 

People should only expect minor delays but are urged to stay alert behind the wheel as there will be changes to the road layout over the next month. 

Tauranga - road reseals

Contractors will be carrying out resealing on various sections of state highway around Tauranga next week. The following road closures and lane closures will be in place: 

Cambridge road off ramp from SH2 

• This road will be closed on Tuesday April  19th from 7pm until 5am.
• Detour will be via the Waihi road off ramp 

SH2 Hewletts road

• Contractors will be working on two sections of the highway between Aerodrome road and Newton road, and McDonald Street to Aerodrome road on Wednesday April 20 from 7pm until 5am the following day. Motorists are advised to expect minor delays.

 Tauranga road marking

Speed restrictions and traffic management will be in place on several sections of SH2 north of Tauranga and other state highways in the city area over the next fortnight while contractors carry out road marking. Motorists should expect short delays at times and slow moving vehicles in their lane at times.  

WAIKATO 

SH2 Paeroa

Paeroa’s main street will be resealed on Sunday night (17 April) and traffic will be managed through the site. Contractors will be working from 6.30pm on Sunday to 4am the following morning.  If the weather is poor the job will be transferred to Monday night. Stop/go will be in place and SH2 traffic may encounter short delays. A 30km/h speed restriction will be in place the following day ahead of sweeping and linemarking. 

SH1, Boatie Reserve, Huntly

Asphalt surfacing is to be applied to a recently reconstructed section of SH1 in northern urban Huntly on Monday and Tuesday nights, 18-19 April.

The asphalting of the north-bound lane alongside Boatie Reserve will be done at night, 5pm-5am.  There will be no detour, as traffic will be managed past the works using the south-bound lane and shoulder. But some minor delays can be expected. 

SH1 Mercer

Waikato Expressway travellers at Mercer may experience delays while asphalt resurfacing works are done on both north and south-bound lanes over six nights this month. There will also be a chipseal work on the Mercer north-bound on ramp. Traffic will be down to single lane in each direction during the night time works, 5pm-6am, any time from Sunday until 22 April, depending on weather.  

Cambridge Road – ex SH1

Contractors are this month removing passing lanes on Cambridge Road (the old SH1). The work is part of a package being undertaken following the opening of the Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway in December 2015.

The Cambridge Section is now SH1 the old SH1/Cambridge Road will be transferred to Waipa District Council to manage as a local road. The passing lane removal, lane remarking and shoulder widening is expected to happen over the next two weeks and will require traffic management with speed restrictions of 30km/h, raising to 50km/h to allow new chip to bed-in.

Motorists are advised to be aware of loose chip on this section of road.

Additional works will be progressively rolled out over the next 12 months. 

Waikato Expressway – Huntly and Rangiriri sections

Work continues at both the Huntly and Rangiriri sites and there are on-going traffic management and speed restrictions in place. Motorists are asked to respect these for the safety of all road users and construction staff. 

SH29 – Kaimai Range

A major reseal programme on the Waikato side of the Kaimai Range (SH29) is under way this month.  Works are progressing well but motorists are advised to continue to allow an extra few minutes when travelling up the steep Waikato side as there will be fewer passing opportunities. The work will be carried out during week days and is expected to take most of April to complete. 

SH1 Putaruru

Roadworks south of Putaruru are under way and may cause minor delays for SH1 travellers until mid-April. The works, between the rail overbridge and vehicle testing station south of Putaruru, will wrap up on 22 April. Contractors will be on site seven days a week, 6am-7pm.  Traffic will be managed through the site, and motorists may encounter short delays. 

SH3, Te Kuiti

South-bound traffic is being detoured off SH3 in Te Kuiti until 12 May while contractors carry out roadworks. The work includes surface repairs between George Street-King Street and a deep reconstruction of the road between King Street-Awakino Road. The detour is only during the day, from Monday to Saturday, and is suitable for all types of heavy vehicles. It will take traffic via Lawrence St-Taupiri St-King St East and Rora St.North-bound traffic managed through the sites. 

SH1 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton

Travellers on SH1 through Hamilton should be prepared for minor delays as work is under way to install traffic lights at the Kahikatea Drive and Gallagher Drive intersection.  A speed restriction and traffic management is in place until mid-year when the project will be complete.   

SH3 Ohaupo Road, Hamilton

Work is well under way on the shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along SH3 in Hamilton. The $2 million 3.5km shared path on SH3 Ohaupo Road will be finished in April, followed mid-year by with two signalised pedestrian crossings at the Normandy Avenue shops.  

SH3/SH21 Hamilton Airport turn-off

Motorists can expect occasional minor delays while work continues on a roundabout at the intersection. It is being built away from traffic and will be completed in May.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience caused by the works and thanks motorists for their patience and understanding.

The road was closed for several hours after power lines fell across the highway.

For the latest traffic and travel information visit www.nzta.govt.nz. Plan ahead by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz to get email notifications about road and traffic conditions on the route you plan to travel. Don’t forget to check twitter and facebook for regular updates on delays and incidents