Programme - day two

EXHIBITION OPEN, NETWORKING AND COFFEE

DAY TWO WELCOME AND RE-CAP FROM THE MC

Steve Davis

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE

ASPHALT 4.0 – BITUMEN IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

As an industry we need to get quicker at embracing technology to understand and meet our sustainability objectives.

In this presentation we hear from Eurobitume – the European association of bitumen producers – on how bitumen can make a contribution to a sustainable construction environment and how it can help the industry continue to meet UN sustainable development goals. In Europe bitumen is the most recycled material in construction.

• unique recycling properties of bituminous materials
• incorporating modifiers to reduce temperature susceptibility, improve flexibility and reduce application temperatures. How to enable thinner pavement structures
• the low carbon vs long life dilemma
• the importance of working with key stakeholders in the industry

Ian Lancaster – general manager, Eurobitume UK

• delivered online with live intro and live Q&A

PANEL DISCUSSION: TRANSMISSION GULLY – A REVIEW. RESOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

The country’s largest recent-year roading project stands out for technical complexity, unforeseen delivery challenges, scale and its delivery model.

On any international comparison, TG has been a major and complex project to deliver. However, like any PPP the benefits will come over the next 25 years as people and business start using the road.

The construction phase for TG has taken longer than expected and faced unexpected challenges. Covid interruptions has been one of these, which has been a global event affecting all major construction projects domestically and internationally. Ministers have sought an Independent Review of the project which has been overseen by Te Waihanga (The Infrastructure Commission), with one report on the table and another to be released. In this panel we look at the successes of TG, what might be done better, and what is the future for large-scale roading projects:

• as a new and major part of New Zealand’s road network, what can we expect from TG in its operations phase?
• what parts of the project have worked well, and what might have been done better?
• the future of PPPs – when to apply and what have we learned as a country?

Panelists:

Steve Richards – NineSquared

Blake Lepper – Te Waihanga/Infrastructure Commission

Simon Bridges – Auckland Chamber of Commerce

Steven Proctor – HRL Morrison

Facilitator:

David Holden – David Holden Law

LET’S GET WELLINGTON MOVING PROJECT UPDATE: ROADING’S ROLE IN A MODERN CITY RETROFIT

Let’s Get Wellington Moving is a $7.4 billion joint initiative between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to make major investments over 20 years in mass rapid transit, walking and cycling, public transport and state highway improvements in Wellington city. In this update we take a look at the roading components and next steps:

• embedded carbon – how we source materials and payback period
• procurement suggestions – role of social procurement and working with mana whenua
• construction and travel behaviour considerations within a busy CBD
• embracing future travel

Adam Nicholls – technical director, Let’s Get Wellington Moving

MORNING TEA AND NETWORKING

GENERAL STREAM

FOCUS | TECHNOLOGY

Introduction from the chair

Steve Davis

Introduction from the chair

Chris Gray

TYRE CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED ASPHALT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE NEW ZEALAND CONTEXT

The use of tyre crumb rubber in New Zealand roads has previously been met with technological barriers such as high processing temperatures and concerns about whether crumb rubber modified bitumen is structurally equal to or better than SBS. Tyre crumb rubber is used extensively in other countries with stringent technical requirements and so is the time ripe for a serious look at this material in the New Zealand context?

Extensive research by Evonik in Germany has resulted in the introduction of a revolutionary crumb rubber processing technology which eliminates many of the safety, technological and performance barriers to use of crumb rubber in roading applications. In this presentation we take a look at this process utilising a novel polymeric additive which not only aids processing but imparts enhanced physical properties to asphalt mixes and chip seal.

• European case studies and field data
• application of the Tyrewise Stewardship scheme that will likely be in place 1st July 2023

Frank Lindner - Evonik Operations GmbH, Germany 

• delivered online with live intro and live Q&A

3D SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY AS A SOLUTION FOR SAFETY

The Leica Pegasus Mobile Mapper captures spatial data using a combination of Inertial Measurement Unit, cameras, GPS and laser profiling technology to deliver geo-referenced data for a complete 3D dataset for road pavement surveying and analysis. One of the key benefits of this technology is it takes humans off the road. Road Science has had the Pegasus mapper in use for a number of years now. In this presentation we hear about the pros and cons and advice for others considering utilising this type of technology.

Nik Vishwanath – product manager, Road Science

HARNESSING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONTRACTING WORLD

How we are delivering our contracts more efficiently, safely and sustainably using technology:

• trialling BIM technology as a means to reducing H&S risk
• utilising digital visualisations for construction methodology and stakeholder engagement across projects big and small
• digital step-change – paving the way for paperless sites

Chloe Smith – national manager innovation and digital engineering, Fulton Hogan

THE NEXT GROUP OF PEOPLE IN THE ROOM – FINDING AND GROWING THEM

Te Ringa Maimoa Competency Frameworks

It is critical we understand the skills, or more importantly skills gaps, within an organisation if we want to minimise risk, maximise the return from investment in constrained learning and development programmes, or procure the right services to effectively run your business.

Te Ringa Maimoa has developed tools to enable organisations to assess staff competencies for individuals and at an organisational level. In 2019 Te Ringa Maimoa released the Asset Management Competency Framework (AMCF), this year a Procurement Competency Framework will be completed and in 2023 a Network Management Competency Framework will follow.

The AMCF is founded on the ISO 55001 Standard and is asset agnostic, making it relatable for staff working across most asset groups.

The Te Ringa Maimoa programme is a partnership between LGNZ, Waka Kotahi, and all RCAs focused on addressing high variability in service and costs across the national transport system

Andrew McKillop – Te Ringa Maimoa, Adam Bevins – Downer

USING 3D DIGITAL TWINS IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

New smart construction systems provide numerous benefits to operators in terms of productivity, labour savings, safety and performance. What does the road to semi-autonomy look like?

• implementation from design to earthworks
• fuel efficiency gains
• reduced equipment wear and tear

Marc Brook – technology consultant, Komatsu

TWO-WAY DISCUSSION: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

It’s all about cones, signs and trucks, maybe not . . .

TTM is not about cones, signs and trucks, TTM is about managing risk, it is about health and safety, it is about everybody going home every day.  Waka Kotahi’s new traffic management guide is designed to improve the safety of road workers, road users and event participants. CoPTTM first published 22 years ago, the safety record is poor, costs are high, and it is not consistent with current legislation. It is time for change.  

In this presentation we hear from Waka Kotahi and also a roading contractor about how it is working in practice and what improvements can be made.

• what are my obligations as a Client, Contractor or Road Controlling Authority?
• experience with implementation to-date Waka Kotahi
• who is bearing the cost of TTM?
• next steps

Ryan Cooney – Waka Kotahi, Scott Ford – Isaac Construction

NETWORKING LUNCH IN THE EXHIBITION HALL

FOCUS | REGULATION

FOCUS | PROJECTS

Introduction from the chair

Amelia Linzey opens the regulatory session with an overview of the regulatory and planning landscape and future directions and considerations for the roading sector including:

• what is the purpose and intent of the changes to the Resource Management Act and what does that mean for road owners
• considerations relating to the Treaty of Waitangi when it comes to consenting. Iwi investment in roading projects
• other regulatory developments

Amelia Linzey – group director, Beca

Introduction from the chair

Stacy Goldsworthy – technical manager, Civil Contractors New Zealand

TAKITIMU NORTH LINK

Takitimu North Link is a $655m new 6.8km four-lane expressway and shared path connecting Tauranga and Te Puna. It will improve safety, ease congestion and provide greater travel choice. Construction is now underway. A further stage two of the project has been put on hold.

Jo Wilton – regional manager infrastructure delivery, Waka Kotahi

PRACTICALITIES OF SPATIAL PLANNING REGULATIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A ROADING ASSET OWNER

• Urban planning and transport considerations
• The Eastern Busway project in Auckland is a worthy example of Waka Kotahi and council (Auckland Transport) working together

Jane Small – Auckland Transport

DUNEDIN RETAIL QUARTER (GEORGE ST) UPGRADE

Dunedin City Council is undertaking a once-in-a-generation $65m-plus project through the central city, including George Street – Dunedin’s illustrious main drag.

A significant portion of this work is to replace old water, wastewater, and stormwater pipes, some of which were amongst the first lain in Dunedin, date as far back as the 1870s and are still in service.

At the same time the streetscape will undergo its most significant change in over 150 years to create a more people friendly space to reinforce the area’s status as the region’s preeminent shopping area, with new bespoke paving, street furniture, lighting, and public art. Council is doing this in partnership with mana whenua, incorporating a Kāi Tahu narrative throughout the design, in a way that celebrates Dunedin’s heritage, while also improving safety and accessibility in the area.

Josh von Pein – programme manager – major projects – Dunedin City Council

PREPARING FOR THE NEW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LAW LANDSCAPE

RMA reform will impact the way we consent roading operations going forwards and at the time of the conference a new bill will have been introduced to parliament laying out the much-publicised new laws. How will roads be accommodated in the new legislation?

• Natural and Built Environment Act
• Spatial Planning Act

What will the impacts be in roading operations, maintenance, development?

Nicky McIndoe – partner, Dentons Kensington Swan

PENLINK

Penlink will form a vital transport link in north Auckland with a new 7km two-lane road and shared walking and cycling path. Funded by the Government’s $8.7 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme, it will provide better transport choices and improved travel times between Whangaparāoa and wider Auckland.

Norman Collier – project director, Waka Kotahi

PANEL DISCUSSION: REFORM OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ROADING AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

In early 2021, the Government announced its intention to repeal the Resource Management Act and introduce new legislation (the Natural and Built Environments Act and Spatial Planning Act). In the meantime, there have been other changes to our resource management processes, particularly in urban environments, to enable and facilitate infrastructure projects including roads and transport. This session provides an overview of these changes and some of the key implications for delivery of transport projects including timeframes and roading construction processes.

In this panel discussion we will provide a profile of these changes and some implications for the roading / transport system, including

• purpose and need for changes in the resource management system
• implications for deliver from some in the process, including case study examples from Auckland Transport
• timing and technical implications of the changes

Panelists:

Jane Small – Auckland Transport, Nicky McIndoe – Dentons Kensington Swan

Facilitator:

Amelia Linzey – Beca

PEACOCKE PROGRAMME – HAMILTON

Peacockes is a greenfields project in Hamilton City that will deliver a state-of-the-art new suburb. Works over the next decade include a $177m extension to Wairere Drive and a new bridge over Hamilton River. The new east-west arterial road is part of a package of new roads and upgrades totalling $50m.

Andrew Parsons – strategic business development manager, Hamilton City Council

TE AHU A TURANGA

The Manawatu Gorge roading project is $620 million of high technical complexity requiring 6 million m3 of earthworks alone. Wayne will provide an overview of the new highway which will replace the untimely closed Manawatu Gorge, and highlight some of the engineering challenges that the construction team must overcome to enable its construction. It is being built under an alliance model and is being heralded for its consultation with iwi and communities and overall approach to sustainability.

Wayne Stewart – CPS Lead, WSP

AFTERNOON BREAK AND REFRESHMENTS

CEO ADDRESS: CIVIL CONTRACTORS NEW ZEALAND

Hear from the new CEO of the peak body of the New Zealand contracting industry:

• strategic priorities for CCNZ in the roading area
• what challenges and opportunities are roading construction contractors facing?
• building our roading workforce

Alan Pollard – chief executive officer, Civil Contractors New Zealand

TAKING IT NEXT LEVEL

PANEL DISCUSSION: SUSTAINABLE ROADS – A MATERIALS-FIRST PLAN

For New Zealand to take a lead in sustainable roading, a co-ordinated approach will be required for design, construction, maintenance and materials-sourcing activities. Early planning should consider the sourcing of local materials. Consultants will need extensive local knowledge and design specs should match local geology and material availability.

Transport emissions is another concern. Contractors have commercial imperatives loaded on them in the procurement process. Often this sees them carting materials – aggregate, asphalt – over longer distances than required rather than using alternative localised supply. In this panel we take a look at:

• localising materials specifications, and rationing premium-grade materials in specs
• an update on RAP ( Recycled Asphalt Pavement ) blends and the use of binders – using old asphalt millings
• material recovery and recycling – using recycled crushed concrete in the sub-base improvement layers – costs of disposing in hardfill is going up and helping to drive this
• R&D of plastics and rubber into roads
• options for transporting aggregates and asphalt and the freighting challenge
• whole-of-life road considerations

Mike Chilton – AQA
Natalie Rowe – Waka Kotahi
Thorsten Froebel – Higgins
Greg Arnold – Road Science

Facilitator: Cathy Bebelman – Auckland Transport

CONFERENCE CLOSE AND WRAP BY MC