The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) is proud to announce its new partnership with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, starting in the 2023/24 financial year.
The agreement will focus on continuing to improve how Waka Kotahi manages the New Zealand state highway network using the latest data and evidence, engineering innovation, and learnings.
Waka Kotahi looks after the national land transport system of New Zealand, partnering to make sure the system is safe, efficient and sustainable to unlock opportunities that contribute to long-term system outcomes and keep New Zealand moving.
Group General Manager Transport Services, Brett Gliddon, is pleased with the new partnership which will further enhance the asset management of New Zealand’s State highway network.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Waka Kotahi to bring more innovative techniques and learnings into our management of New Zealand’s state highway network. NTRO stands out for their cutting-edge work in the field of applied research and road condition assessment and analysis, so I’m really excited to lean on their expertise for greater operational efficiencies and experiences for communities across New Zealand,” said Brett.
Waka Kotahi is an owning member of NTRO, a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to carry out roads, transport or other related activities for the benefit of its members.
Building upon more than 60 years of experience through the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), the NTRO now services the Australian and New Zealand communities as a central hub of transport research, policy and project work.
“We aim through this partnership to continue to improve the resilience and level of service of the New Zealand transport system. Our skills that have been developed over the last 63 years are world class and this new partnership will assist Waka Kotahi on their journey of delivering a next generation transport network for New Zealand,” said Michael Caltabiano, NTRO Chief Executive Officer.
The new partnership will provide Waka Kotahi access to some of the world’s brightest minds in the NTRO to tackle challenges that the New Zealand state highway network is facing, alongside Australian peers in an open and inclusive way for the benefit of New Zealand and its people.
Key components and projects delivered throughout the partnership will include asset management, infrastructure measurement, project delivery and construction quality, capacity and capability building, climate change and a zero emissions future.
The relationship will leverage the NTRO’s existing experience and relationships with Australian State Transport Agencies to provide specialised operational and tactical research to help Waka Kotahi quickly and practicably overcome the various challenges faced on the New Zealand transport network.
To find out more about Waka Kotahi, visit https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
To learn more about the NTRO, visit https://www.ntro.org.au/