All change at NZTA
The NZTA is to roll out a new operating model aimed at strengthening how it delivers regulatory outcomes for the country’s land-transport system.
The model provides a “clear framework for aligning people, processes and systems to our purpose of ensuring safety and integrity across the regulatory system”.
A spokesman adds: “To embed this effectively, we are refining our organisational structure to ensure the right roles and capabilities are in place.
“The changes will enhance collaboration, streamline decision-making and position us to deliver regulation that is responsive, efficient and future-focused.
“We are currently recruiting for a number of roles and will continue to deliver our core regulatory functions and services while this process is under way.”
Change in leadership
Brent Alderton, the agency’s director of land transport and group general manager of regulatory, is moving into a new role in February. He is becoming strategic adviser in the chief executive’s office.
Alderton’s contribution to regulatory has included expanding the commercial-vehicle safety centre and safety camera programmes, reducing driver-licence testing wait times and changes to the NZTA’s operating model.
Mike Hargreaves is stepping up from deputy director of land transport, and into the roles of director of land transport and group general manager, next month.
His experience includes more than 10 years at WorkSafe NZ where he held executive roles, along with his contribution to regulatory since joining the NZTA in March 2024.
Saliva tests for drugs
Roadside drug testing by NZ Police has started across the Wellington region and will start nationally from April. Devices are being used to screen saliva for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine.
If the first roadside test is positive, the driver will need to provide a sample for laboratory analysis and then do a second roadside test. Two positive roadside tests mean the motorist is banned from driving for 12 hours.
Laboratory analysis will test for 25 drugs with 21 being prescription medicines. Those that qualify for lab testing are listed in schedule five of the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act.
A positive test following lab analysis results in $200 for one drug and 50 demerit points, and double that for two or more drugs along with 75 demerits. Refusal to accompany an officer for a test without delay is a $400 fine and 75 demerits.
A driver with a valid prescription for their medicine as prescribed is unlikely to break the law and a medical defence is available to those prescribed medicines who want to dispute the infringement.
The NZTA is developing and delivering public education and promotion to support roadside drug testing. An advertising campaign will start in April.
