Legal Framework

Legal obligations governing traffic management in New Zealand.


Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

HSWA acronym

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 — Primary workplace safety legislation in NZ.

PCBU acronym

Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking — Entity with primary duty of care under HSWA.

Key obligations:

  • PCBUs must manage risks “so far as is reasonably practicable”
  • Traffic management is a high-risk activity
  • Applies to both worker and public safety

Full Act on legislation.govt.nz


Corridor Access Request (CAR)

Corridor Access Request — Formal application to work within road reserve.

Process:

  1. Submit TMP to RCA
  2. RCA reviews and approves/requests changes
  3. Approval required before work starts

Requirements vary by RCA — check local operating procedures.


Road Controlling Authorities

Road Controlling Authority — Entity that owns/manages a road network.

  • State highways: Waka Kotahi NZTA
  • Local roads: Territorial authorities (councils)

Each RCA sets:

  • Local operating procedures
  • Approval requirements
  • Fee structures

See Key-Organizations for links.


Compliance Responsibility

RoleResponsibility
PCBUOverall duty of care
TTM DesignerPlan meets standards
STMSOn-site implementation
RCAApproval and oversight

References