Introduction

The Road Controlling Authorities Forum (New Zealand) Incorporated (RCAF or RCA Forum) is a closed, non-political incorporated society of road asset managers and roading professionals from all territorial local authorities (except the Chatham Islands Council), the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The RCAF vision is to assist road-controlling authorities to make informed decisions. The purpose of the RCAF is to exchange information and provide updates on sector working group activities, proposed legislation, new standards and guidelines, highway and procurement strategies and other issues relevant to road controlling authorities and the other member organisations.

Inspired by excellence and innovation

We provide a knowledge community for all owners of road assets within New Zealand to support the development of nationally consistent best practice, and standards and guidelines for roading investment and management, through research, education and the exchange of information for the benefit of all road owners and road users.

Background

The RCAF was established on 15 October 1996 by Transit New Zealand and a group of representatives from the territorial local authorities, the Department of Conservation, Land Transport New Zealand and Local Government New Zealand to address common issues.

In 2004 a working group was established to consider a broader role for RCAF, more consistent with the asset ownership responsibilities of its members, particularly around improved information to assist with asset investment and asset management decisions.  A strategic plan (2004 – 2007) was developed and implemented, and in 2006 the RCAF became an Incorporated Society.

A second strategic plan (2007-2009) built on these developments, and a Strategic Review was completed in 2009. The Rules adopted on incorporation were extensively reviewed in 2012 and new Rules were adopted by the members in 2013.  See Rules.

Objectives

The RCAF Strategic Plans defined five objectives.  They are listed below in no particular order of importance:

  1. To benefit the public of New Zealand by developing consistent roading standards and promoting safety
  2. To be the acknowledged source for industry research and development of guidelines relating to ownership of roading assets
  3. To achieve a nationally consistent and robust method of performance measurement which drives transport industry investment decisions towards a sustainable outcome for the benefit of the community
  4. To be recognised by the transport industry as the primary peer support, networking and educational forum for owners of assets relating to roads
  5. To assist in the education of New Zealanders in relation to roading matters.

Structure

The RCAF consists of an Executive and individual members from the 66 territorial local authorities, the Department of Conservation, Local Government New Zealand and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).  All member organisations pay an annual subscription to fund activities.  To see a presentation on those activities and the role of the RCA Forum, given by Kaye Clark to the 2015 Trafinz Conference in Dunedin, click here.

The RCAF organises and facilitates three one-day meetings annually.  These consist of short presentations, working group reports and activity updates from member organisations.  For information about Forum meetings click here.

More than one representative from a member organisation can attend a meeting, but only one representative has voting rights at any special or annual general meeting of the society.

Strategic Plan

You can read the Strategic Plan here.

Contact us

For more information or queries about the RCA Forum contact [email protected] regarding Forum meetings, agenda and presentations or Wayne Newman regarding working groups.