Temporary traffic management
Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) has introduced the New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM), which replaces the current Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM).
Whanganui District Council is now transitioning all road corridor works to NZGTTM. Currently, we are accepting Corridor Access Requests (CARs) with Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) prepared under NZGTTM.
We are undertaking a ‘soft transition’ to NZGTTM from 1 March 2026, ensuring full compliance by 1 July 2026.
From 1 March 2026, all TMPs submitted to the council must meet NZGTTM requirements. This gives contractors and TMP designers time to review the guidance documents and prepare suitable solutions, documentation, and practice notes ahead of implementation. We encourage you to start using the NZGTTM guidance before March 2026 to become familiar with the new forms and processes.
For most companies and contractors, this change should be straightforward. You already complete a risk assessment before starting work. Under NZGTTM, this risk assessment must be shared with your TMP designer and included with your TMP when applying for access to the council’s road reserve.
From 1 July 2026, all CAR applications must be submitted under NZGTTM. CoPTTM-based TMPs will no longer be accepted after this date.
This transition is a significant step towards a risk-based approach that better aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).
It means:
- Contractors will have greater flexibility and responsibility for developing and implementing Traffic Management Plans (TMPs).
- Councils will continue to coordinate road closures, temporary speed limits and access to the road corridor.
- Early adoption is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth transition for all parties.
Support and guidance
The following links provide useful information and templates to support preparation for the NZGTTM transition:
Our contractor competency requirements
As part of the NZGTTM transition, NZTA stopped issuing most TTM warrants (e.g., TMO and STMS) from 1 November 2024. These are now covered by equivalent NZQA Unit Standards.
Whanganui District Council will accept:
- Existing TTM Warrants
- NZQA Unit Standards
- New TTM Credentials Framework
These will all be accepted as proof of competency for working on the local road network.
SiteWise - contractor prequalification
From 30 June 2025, all new contractors working with the council have been required to be prequalified through SiteWise (or an equivalent such as IMPAC, Totika, or SHE).
Why this matters
When contractors are working on the road, Whanganui District Council, as the Road Controlling Authority (RCA), also acts as a PCBU under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. This means the council has shared responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved. Prequalification helps us meet these duties and ensures that all contractors are working to a safe and consistent standard.
What this means
- If you already hold ISO 45001/48001, IMPAC, SHE, Totika, or another equivalent audited qualification, you may be eligible for an exemption. To apply, please contact the council’s HSW Manager or the council’s corridor access officer.
- If you're already prequalified with SiteWise, no further action is required.
- New contractors without an exemption will receive a SiteWise invitation to complete a 14-step questionnaire and achieve a grading of 70% or higher.
- Suppliers of materials or professional advice do not need to prequalify -please let us know if this applies to you.
Sitewise Support available
Up to three assessments in the first six months are included in the annual $225 + GST fee. SiteWise provides free templates, tutorials, and webinars. Our team and SiteWise staff are available if you need help.
More information
How it works I Help tutorials I SiteWise website
If you have any questions, please email temptrafficmanagement@whanganui.govt.nz