REG’s work aims to address high variability in service and costs across the nationalbetween local road network. Costsnetworks, which were rising above the rate of inflation for at least a decade before the Road Maintenance Taskforce Report of 2012.
We need to better understand variability so that we can achieve value-for-money for New Zealand tax and ratepayers, and a safe road network fit for the country’s economic and social needs. This requires a new approach which places customer journeys at the heart of investment decision making, moving beyond “managing the asset”.
To achieve this, a nationally consistent framework and evidence base for prioritising road investmentroad maintenance is required.
REG has developed the One Network Road Classification (ONRC), completed in 2013, to provide the framework, and an online reporting tool to gather the evidence. The ONRC performance measures, finalised in 2016, further strengthen the framework and provide a basis for comparative analysis between regions.
These tools are designed to help Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) develop Activity Management Plans (AMPs) for the next Regional Land Transport Plan, which apply a new business case approach: clear identification of strategic problems and benefits, customer focused and evidence based.
The shift in thinking from managing the asset to providing for customer journeys is a simple idea, but it must be applied in a complex environment. Recognising this, REG holds workshops for local authority road activity managers to help them develop their investment story. REG Champions are available in most regions to offer one-to-one guidance.
REG promotes collaboration amongacross local authorities.authorities, particularly in the area of procurement. Our templates and guidelines - including specialist procurement guidelines - cancan help local authorities work together without having to start from scratch. We also regularly publish best practice case studies to help roadhelp activity managers learn from each other’s successes and mistakes.
As we build the evidence base, central and local government will have a powerful tool for allocating resources where they are needed most, and achieving consistency across the national road network.
REG's work is divided into five streams: