Programme - day one 2025

REGISTRATION, TEA AND COFFEE

TRADE EXHIBITION OPEN

WELCOME FROM THE MC

Andrew Body – managing director, Vitruvius

LEADERSHIP

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS: THE GOVERNMENT’S VISION FOR NEW ZEALAND’S ROADING NETWORK 

As New Zealand faces mounting infrastructure challenges and a growing need for smarter, more resilient transport networks, how we manage, plan and fund our roading network is key. How does the Government plan to address the immediate challenges while setting a long-term course for a connected, efficient, and future-ready network. 

• key priorities for reforming New Zealand’s transport system, with a focus on productivity, efficiency, and modernisation 
• shifting expectations and weightings around safety, resilience, and decarbonisation 
• progress on road pricing reform, including the transition to electronic road user charges and smarter funding models for infrastructure  
• reflections on the draft National Infrastructure Plan and the importance of bipartisan consensus and long-term planning for roading and transport delivery 

Hon Chris Bishop – Minister of Transport, Minister for Infrastructure

LEADERS' PANEL: TIME TO CHALLENGE OLD PARADIGMS 

The roading sector delivers 20-year+ assets and is largely funded and operated by government. By its very nature there is a degree of risk aversion in how it goes about its tasks. Is it time to upend some old paradigms, particularly around road funding and maintenance? In New Zealand we have been dealing with funding pressures and a stalled large-project pipeline. Have we amended processes around bespoke designs, time-consuming planning stages, and challenging NZTA on its processes and specifications? 

• full vs partial road closures as a means to do things faster and cheaper. Has this been working? 
• tolling and congestion charging – which one first? 
• are we ready for more PPPs?
• city and regional deals - the impacts for roading 
• preference of a risk-based approach to everything 

Andrew Clark – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Jonathan Doggett – Ventia
Louise Miller – Napier City Council
Bradley Singh – Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Sarah Geard – New Zealand Automobile Assoication

Facilitator: 
Maurice Hoban – GHD 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: NEW ZEALAND TRANSPORT AGENCY

Kevin Doherty steps into the role of Group General Manager Transport Services at NZTA at a pivotal time for New Zealand’s transport system. In this keynote address, Kevin will share his early reflections on the role, outline his priorities, and provide a view of what’s ahead for the Transport Services division. 

• what NZTA is focusing on to deliver the GPS and National Land Transport Programme
• how NZTA and the sector can work together to innovate and deliver significant transport investment at pace

Kevin Doherty – group general manager, transport services, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

MORNING TEA AND NETWORKING

FOCUS | MATERIALS

Main Plenary

FOCUS | PROCUREMENT

Expo Theatre 1

FOCUS | PROJECTS AND PROFILES

Expo Theatre 2

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR

Johannes Ferreira – group manager infrastructure, Carterton District Council

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR

Simon Hunt – strategic asset engineer, REAAA

LAUNCH OF NPTG INTELLIGENT COMPACTION BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

Intelligent compaction technology is gaining wider usage. The National Pavements Technical Group (NPTG) has developed a best practice guideline for utilising intelligent compaction (IC) technology in New Zealand road construction. This guide is a resource explaining best use of IC technology to achieve productivity gains and uniformity in compaction density, which will also educate all industry parties about appropriate use of IC rollers and how best to specify IC in contracts.

• update on the latest developments and workplans from NPTG and sister industry group – the National Surfacing Technical Group (NSTG) – which is focused on sealing, asphalt, and binders. 

Bryan Pidwerbesky – technical director - pavements and materials, National Pavements Technical Group

INCORPORATING PROMISES REGISTERS INTO ROAD MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

Promises Registers capture specific commitments made by suppliers, often during the tender or proposal stage, that influenced the awarding of the contract. They become a central location to track the progress of promises.

• why are they important and how to implement them
• NZTA guidance
• identifying delivery risks early on
• aligning with broader contract management and reporting tools
• how to include delivery timelines, KPIs

Mark Chamberlain – roading manager, Ashburton District Council  

EASTERN BUSWAY: SURFACING AND MATERIALS CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE SEART INTERSECTION 

Methodologies and learnings gained at the Pakuranga intersection are being applied to the SEART intersection, part of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project in Auckland.

Hear from three key alliance partners about the detailed design, construction and materials considerations for this new intersection following the completion of the Pakuranga intersection.

At Pakuranga:

• retaining components of the existing pavement – how this worked
• the application of dense graded asphalt and concrete paving. How we tested the concrete base
• cost savings we were able to deliver
• the application of in-situ milling
• dealing with camber

For SEART:

• design elements
• surfacing specification
• drainage considerations

Angela Parsonage – AECOM; Anton Benadie – Higgins; Fiona Tang – Auckland Transport 

IN-SITU HOT RE-TEXTURISATION: EXTENDING PAVEMENT LIFE ON COUNCIL ROADS

With tightening budgets and increasing pressure to extend the life of existing road assets, councils are turning to innovative surface treatments that deliver results without the cost of full resurfacing. In-situ hot re-texturisation is emerging as a practical, cost-effective solution for restoring skid resistance and surface texture on smooth flushed chip seals —particularly in urban and rural council networks.

This involves utilising the existing bitumen present in areas of flushing, by controlled heating and liquefaction of the surplus binder and applying sealing chip to regain lost texture. The principles and process of in-situ hot re-texturisation, including surface heating, binder rejuvenation, and aggregate embedment provide many benefits to the asset owner such as:

• performance benefits in terms of safety, durability, and lifecycle cost
• ideal use cases for local roads, intersections, and high-stress areas
• environmental and operational advantages, including reduced material use and minimal disruption
• all of the existing bitumen is retained in place rather than fully or partially removed to contaminated waste
• case studies from councils that have successfully implemented the technique 

Stacy Goldsworthy – customer solutions manager, HIWAY Group

NZTA’S INFRASTRUCTURE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY (IPS) 

Strategic procurement is enabling NZTA to lead infrastructure delivery with clarity, consistency, and measurable impact. This session will highlight the strategic foundations NZTA has laid, progress toward long-term goals, and how procurement is being used as a lever for innovation, sustainability, and system-wide value. A key focus will be on performance measurement, including:

• the use of the new online PACE framework to standardise supplier evaluation 
• integration of performance data into procurement decisions to ensure accountability and continuous improvement 
• how NZTA’s role as an intelligent client is reshaping engagement with councils and contractors 

Jo Carvey – manager procurement intelligence and supplier relationship management, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

PROFILE: THE DoC ROADING NETWORK 

The Department of Conservation (DoC) oversees 1900 kms of roads, the majority of which are unsealed and spread around its vast non-contiguous footprint of parks and landholdings – a truly unique network in some challenging terrain and locations. In this presentation we hear about major upgrades proposed, new innovations being looked at, and its maintenance strategy. 

• procurement strategy around maintenance and capital works 
• alignment with neighbouring Road Controlling Authorities 
• condition monitoring, asset management practices and the use CCDC 
• cycle tracks and bridges 
• materials choices and surfacing considerations 

Kushla Tapper – strategic asset manager South Island, Department of Conservation

THE CASE FOR CONCRETE INTERSECTIONS  

High-traffic intersections are the ideal place to begin applying concrete roading solutions for councils looking to begin using concrete in certain applications. South Taranaki District Council has been using these in a number of locations. In this presentation you can expect to hear about the following considerations:  

• availability/proximity of asphalt plants vs concrete plants  
• contractor skillset and availability  
• aggregate types and suitability  
• performance characteristics including durability and skid resistance  
• quality and finish  
• asset monitoring  
• pavement design incorporating fibre and reinforcement  

Nick Dawe – senior roading engineer, South Taranaki District Council

RECLAIMING SIMPLICITY IN ROAD MAINTENANCE CONTRACTING

As the complexity of road maintenance contracts has grown, so too have the challenges of cost control,transparency, and delivery certainty. In response, a growing number of councils and contractors are revisiting simpler, more agile contracting models—including measure and value approaches and the use of NZS 3917:2013.

Hear from Whangarei DC around the benefits of returning to fundamentals in road maintenance procurement, including:

• how measure and value contracts offer greater flexibility and responsiveness to changing conditions
• the advantages of NZS 3917 in fostering clearer roles, risk allocation, and dispute resolution
• case studies where simplified contracts have improved delivery outcomes and reduced overhead
• opening up access to more tier 2 and 3 contractors
• how these models can complement broader asset management strategies and performance frameworks
• alignment with NZTA approved procurement guidelines

Tim Ward – maintenance team lead, Whangarei District Council
Laura Devcich – senior civil engineer, Whangarei District Council

BACK TO GRAVEL: GISBORNE'S BOLD STEP AROUND MANAGED RETREAT

As weather events increase in severity, local governments are increasingly confronted with difficult choices about the future of vulnerable infrastructure. In this thought-provoking session, Gisborne District Council presents its innovative — and at times controversial — approach to managed retreat through the strategic devolving of sealed roads to unsealed roads.

Faced with recurring storm damage, erosion, and unsustainable maintenance costs, the Council has opted to prioritise long-term resilience over short-term repair. Attendees will gain insight into the policy framework, community consultation process, economic modelling, and environmental drivers behind the decision to transition certain rural sealed roads back to gravel.

This session will explore:

• the role of infrastructure devolution in climate adaptation planning
• how councils balance cost, access, and public sentiment in retreat strategies
• the practicalities and politics of “unsealing” — including technical standards, safety, and funding
• lessons from the East Coast that could inform national approaches to infrastructure retreat and resilience

Libby Young – journey operations manager, Gisborne District Council

NETWORKING LUNCH IN THE EXHIBITION AREA

FOCUS | MATERIALS

Global perspectives and local breakthroughs in sustainable materials and intelligent compaction

Main Plenary

FOCUS | PRECISION IN PRACTICE

Data-driven approaches to underground mapping and compaction

Expo Theatre 1

FOCUS | TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Expo Theatre 2

WELCOME BACK FROM THE CHAIR

WELCOME BACK FROM THE CHAIR

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER: BIOGENIC BITUMEN BINDERS

Swiss company Puma Energy is considering introducing its CarbonBind product into New Zealand.
CarbonBind is a plant-based biogenic bitumen that is blended with conventional bitumen to provide a more sustainable end-product.

• performance comparisons
• supply chain: shipping and local logistics
• cost comparisons
• domestic manufacture?
• compliance with existing specifications
• sustainability credentials and verification

Dr Erik Denneman – global technical manager, Puma Energy

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL: DE-RISKING ROADING PROJECTS THROUGH HOLISTIC DATA MODELLING AND MANAGEMENT

Christchurch City Council is intensifying its efforts to create a risk-based data model by integrating diverse datasets from TDRI, LMD, ESRI, LiDAR, and GPR. This initiative aims to provide a more holistic understanding of its underground and pavement infrastructure, specifically focusing on identifying critical issues impacting roading projects. This includes: unknown or inaccurate utilities; pavement thickness; and water ingress from aging water infrastructure. 

The council is specifically analysing:

• undermaps data management and modelling from its Geosolve, TDRI, NAASRA, and GPR surveys on Amyes Road. The focus was on identifying and mapping existing and potential high-risk underground anomalies, such as voids, unstable ground, unknown utilities, inaccurate utilities and pipe leaks
• the potential identification and mitigation of cold tar, a growing and high-risk issue across New Zealand's roading infrastructure due to its potential for environmental contamination and structural instability
• employment of a 3D predictive risk-based decision-making model that incorporates these high-risk roading elements, designed to directly inform the council’s upcoming draft Long-Term Plan 27-37

David Edge – team leader transport asset management, Christchurch City Council; Nick Hearn – managing director, Reveal

This session has a follow-up Round Table discussion on Day Two

SPOT SOLUTIONS FOR TRAFFIC MONITORING

New Zealand has seen a surge in CCTV and AI-enhanced spot solutions for traffic monitoring—covering vehicle flow, cycle lanes, speed enforcement, and more. Hear about Christchurch City’s experience and advice for other councils.

• cost considerations and scalable solutions
• centralised control centres
• bus lane monitoring
• number plate recognition and navigating privacy issues
• technology brands to consider

Stephen Wright – transport operations manager, Christchurch City Council

INTEGRATING STORMWATER MONITORING INTO YOUR ROADING NETWORK

Councils are increasingly integrating stormwater monitoring and flood-alert systems directly into their roading networks—especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. New Zealand’s roading network is evolving into a digitally integrated, sensor-rich environment: water levels are monitored live, data flows into transport control systems, and automated alerts protect both infrastructure and travellers.

• the use of AI
• integration back into central traffic control centres and traffic management
• using data to support pro-active maintenance and drainage solutions
• automated road closures

Sean Lewis – consultant, Green Signal

FUTURE MATERIALS: BIOMASS TO REPLACE BITUMEN

A New Zealand government-funded research programme being led by WSP New Zealand is looking at using sustainable biomass-derived materials to replace bitumen in roading applications. Indigenous New Zealand Pinus radiata is being used as a sustainable feedstock which can then be converted into a viscoelastic resin, capable of replacing bitumen with a locally sourced, lower carbon footprint alternative.

With a project objective for the biomass-derived materials to replace 100% of bitumen in NZ roading applications, this presentation will update on progress since commencement of the project in 2023, including:

• the biomass materials and conversions being investigated
• the performance results of newly produced, resinous biomass
• the evaluation and implementation plans towards 2027

Matt Sharp – research manager transport, WSP

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS BEHIND A MODERN INTEGRATED COMPACTION TESTING APPROACH

Compaction is one of the most important processes in road construction projects, including bulk earthwork, foundations, backfilling, and pavements. Ensuring high-quality compaction is crucial for the resilience and longevity of infrastructure.

We want to create uniform quantified compaction and deliver it as efficiently as possible.

To achieve the best compaction outcomes, we combine instrumentation on the compactors and with insitu measurements and real time feedback loops to create an Integrated Compaction Control System.

Further, improvements in roller technology and insitu testing methods now enable us to compact effectively and with confidence to deeper depths. 

Using case studies from the Pacific region, we’ll explore how several more innovative compaction related testing methods have unlocked opportunities for these productivity and sustainability gains in civil construction. We’ll show how they can be a valuable training aid for roller operators and be used for Quality Assurance purposes by the asset owner.

The outcomes of this integrated approach are increased rates of construction, lower costs, improved quality, reduced risk and a reduced environmental footprint. 

Robin Power – chief executive, Insitutek

SIGNALS NZ USER GROUP (SNUG) UPDATE

There is a lot happening in the traffic signals and associated technologies area form the deployment of SCATS to radar, and number plate and vehicle-type recognition.

• new specs; traffic signal specification update, and new design standard
• RCA numbers and trends; including who looks after what (e.g. the TOCs)
• technology and developments; e.g. voltage, pole sockets, raised platforms, detector technologies, active mode facilities, emergency vehicle priority, TCD trials

John Kinghorn – transport systems engineer, Hamilton City Council

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER: INTELLIGENT COMPACTION IN PRACTICE - INNOVATIONS, INSIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES

As road construction evolves, so too must the tools and technologies that underpin it. This session takes a look at how OEMs are driving innovation in compaction technology—and what it means for engineers and asset managers in New Zealand. Learn about the principles and performance benefits of intelligent compaction (IC) including real-time data capture, pass mapping, and material stiffness monitoring.

• global construction site impressions, narrow country roads, large highways or busy airport constructions, intelligent compaction demonstrates its strengths on every construction site
• IC meets digitisation, how tools like Bomap in combination with IC will help you to cut down lifecycle costs significantly and their implementation in Germany
• technical innovations such as BVC, Asphalt Manager, BOMAP Connect, and safety-related systems like Emergency brake assist, which integrate GPS, Lidar, and AI for precision and safety
• the New Zealand context, including how IC can support better pavement uniformity, reduce over-compaction, and improve asset longevity—especially relevant as councils seek smarter ways to manage constrained budgets and climate-resilient infrastructure

Jan-Philipp Lay – civil engineer, BOMAG

MAXIMISING YOUR ROAD MARKING PERFORMANCE

Taking a whole-of-life approach to road marking will produce a better overall commercial performance for your dollar and reduce the number of times you are working back across your pavements. Annual refreshes may not be necessary if you use the right solution up front.

So what are the current issues and considerations for the road marking sector?

• pros and cons of different contract types for laying and maintaining your road markings
• night time performance considerations and their impact on safety
• advice on the NZTA specification
• microbeads, anti-slip coatings, cycle lanes, coloured markings
• advanced materials – self-healing coatings, thermoplastics, epoxy-based paints
• learnings from other jurisdictions

Bruce Goodall – general manager, New Zealand Roadmarkers Federation

PANEL Q&A FEATURING ALL PRESENTERS

John Kinghorn – Hamilton City Council

Sean Lewis – Green Signal

Stephen Wright – Christchurch City Council

AFTERNOON TEA AND NETWORKING

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: FULTON HOGAN

Fulton Hogan is one of New Zealand’s largest civil infrastructure contractors. Founded in 1933 it now employs over 6,500 New Zealanders. Across roading, it operates across the full lifecycle of materials production - roading construction, operations, maintenance and asset management.

In this presentation we hear from Chief Executive of the New Zealand business Ben Hayward on the current key priorities and opportunities for the business and the wider roading industry, including: 

• how to drive productivity and efficiency in the New Zealand landscape
• extracting greater value as budgets remain tight across government 
• lessons from and comparisons with Australia 
• electrification and the adoption of new fuels and new technologies 

Ben Hayward – chief executive New Zealand, Fulton Hogan

PANEL DISCUSSION: COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE SURFACING SOLUTIONS

Beyond chipseal: exploring the holy grail of surfacing solutions

As infrastructure budgets tighten and aesthetic expectations rise, the search for surfacing solutions that balance cost, durability, and visual appeal has become more urgent than ever. Traditional chipseal remains a staple for its affordability, but its rough texture and limited lifespan often fall short of community and stakeholder expectations. On the other end of the spectrum, full asphalt pavements offer a premium finish but come with a premium price tag. Alternative surfacing technologies and treatments continue to evolve. From polymer-modified seals and slurry surfacing to innovative recycled materials and low-cost asphalt blends:

• comparative lifecycle costs and performance data
• contractor buy-in and considerations around scale
• NZTA funding preferences
• cross-council collaboration and data collection
• aesthetic and community acceptance considerations
• applications for urban and rural roads, cycleways and pathways
• case studies from New Zealand and abroad

Panelists:

Steven Uffindell – Connect Hamilton
Alan Wallace – Auckland Transport
more panelists to be confirmed

WRAP-UP – END OF DAY ONE

Andrew Body – managing director, Vitruvius

NETWORKING DRINKS

FUTURE ROADS DINNER

The ticketed dinner will feature a three-course meal, great networking, entertainment, and a presentation of the Rising Star Award finalists and announcement of the winner.