Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency confirms that its construction projects in the Auckland region are operating under
COVID-19 Alert Level 3 protocols from Midday Wednesday.
The sites are working under the same strict health and safety protocols that applied under Alert Level 3 in April. That
includes working in “bubbles” to limit contact with other work teams, restricted access to sites, requirements for
workers to increase hygiene measures, maintain physical distancing, and use additional personal protective equipment and
clothing, says Waka Kotahi Senior Manager Project Delivery Andrew Thackwray.
“The safety of workers and road users is our top priority, and we're working with contractors on operating plans that
align with the strict industry standards provided by Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ).”
“Some sites may need their plans to be refreshed before resuming work. This could be because the work has moved to a new
phase or a new part of the site and plans have to be updated to reflect that. It may be because there are different
people on site and new site inductions are required to ensure correct health and safety procedures are followed.”
Road maintenance crews are also working under Alert Level 3 health and safety protocols to ensure Auckland’s transport
network is safe for road users.
Mr Thackwray says staff will also be maintained in Auckland’s traffic control operations centre. Other staff in
non-essential roles are working from home.
Outside of Auckland, Waka Kotahi construction projects are operating under Alert Level 2 protocols, first used in May
this year. This includes measures such as increased hygiene, restricted access to sites, requirements for workers to
maintain physical distancing and use additional protective clothing.
Waka Kotahi offices outside the Auckland region remain open and the 0800 free phone lines and online services are
operating. The Contact Centre is open 8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday to Friday but is experiencing higher than normal volumes of
calls and emails, leading to significant wait times. If your query is not urgent, please read the Frequently Asked
Questions online or consider contacting us at a later date.
Driver licensing agents in Auckland are closed from midday 12 August 2020. Practical driving tests in Auckland this week
have been postponed and are held in the booking system. VTNZ will contact people directly regarding new test booking
dates and times. Driving tests will be rescheduled as soon as practically possible once Auckland moves down to Alert
Level 2.
Elsewhere, licensing agents are open for driver licensing and driver testing services. Please be aware that there may be
wait times due to higher than usual demand.
Public transport remains operating across New Zealand. Please follow the Government’s health and safety guidelines when
using public transport or contact your local government.
“We are all having to adjust to the COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and 2 requirements. If you must travel, please be patient and
kind to other road users so that everyone gets home safely,” says Andrew Thackwray.