How can you plan a journey without a reliable map? That’s the challenge the 70 road-controlling authorities (RCAs) in New Zealand shared as they struggled with inconsistently gathered data that was expensive, disconnected and unfit for spatial analysis. 

This meant that despite best intentions, their ability to plan and collaborate with contractors, consultants and even each other was going to be a challenge. The RCAs also had trouble making improvements, as they lacked a clear image of how infrastructure assets affected users’ journeys. It even impacted their disaster response efforts.

“The whole situation seemed fraught with a raft of different national road datasets, none of which were fit for purpose to be the authoritative, single source for roads data in an emergency,” explained Susan Shaw from Land Information New Zealand. “One example of the critical importance of this issue is that it took nine days to issue a public map of the road network following the national emergency declaration for Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, and it took the NZ Herald to do this. This is not how we achieve the best outcomes for our country.”

The culprit behind these issues was the lack of a common asset data format. Essentially, none of the different data sets were speaking the same language. This made it difficult to verify and share information, leading to a disconnected set of limited transport network models, and many that did exist were licensed, adding more barriers to wider use. Fortunately, our extensive experience in the transport sector, including advising on the use of digital and data solutions, strategically positions us to support clients in addressing these kinds of problems.

When the New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi (NZTA) decided it was time to make a change, they launched an ambitious plan to bring all the RCAs into the future, moving away from siloed decision-making and towards greater collaboration. We brought in a team of experts perfectly suited for this challenge and its blend of digital and transport elements, who played a key role in every step of the project.

First, we helped get the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) work program up and running. This serves as a shared, standardized language for the New Zealand transportation sector. With that groundwork set up, NZTA and our team embarked on a journey to create a comprehensive, accessible image of the entire country’s transport infrastructure. 

Together we built the Centreline model, the first open data, completely connected Network Model for all of New Zealand. This integrated, multimodal map now serves as a more accessible, consolidated reference point for transport planning and asset management across the country, supporting a much-needed level of clarity and collaboration that had been difficult to achieve previously.

With these major developments, everyone was closer to getting on the same page. The Network Model removed many of the obstacles that made large-scale planning difficult for the RCAs, empowering the sector to accomplish more with less resources and less effort.  

Mapping out the digital Network Model

Our involvement with the initial phases of setting up the AMDS, our domain knowledge and long history of working in this sector meant we were able to bring the Network Model to life. A diverse group in New Zealand led the charge, made up of approximately 20 colleagues with a wide range of experience, including GIS analysts and asset information specialists.

“The scale, complexity and national significance to develop the network model required a high-performing team, committed to developing innovative practices and delivering valuable solutions, all within a very strict timescale,” noted Elke Beca, Technical Director - Asset Management, WSP. “The One Team approach meant WSP and NZTA staff worked seamlessly together to deliver the project.” 

The project teams took further inspiration from the technology industry for this digital project, and our close collaboration with NZTA took the shape of an Agile process focused on iterative sprints and regular updates. It was decided early on that the project couldn’t be a surprise to the sector it was supposed to help. So, the project made sure the RCAs were aware and engaged with the Network Model through monthly industry showcases during the first six months of development and then worked with more focused groups over six week-long implementation blocks until the 70 RCAs networks were transitioned.

By regularly communicating progress on key milestones and seeking feedback, we guided them through a transparent, collaborative development process. Stakeholders came away with a strong understanding of the project, its goals and timeline, with plenty of opportunities to offer feedback and ensure their specific needs were met. By the time the Network Model was ready to launch, the key stakeholders — who had been on the journey — were all bought-in and ready to leverage this important asset. Next destination: improved cooperation and collaboration via a country-wide transport Network Model, which will help the sector deliver the best service possible for users through better planning.

A more connected picture of the transportation network

The completed Network Model, released in November 2025, provides an interactive digital representation of travel options in New Zealand. Covering all modes of transport, it includes the existing paths for vehicles, cyclists and micromobility options. Notably, this is also the first model to display pedestrian footpaths.  With all  70 networks currently online, the Network Model fully maps out over 150,000 kms of roads, 35,000 kms of tracks, trails and footpaths, and 5,000 kms of rail from various sources.  

This represents a major breakthrough for the RCAs’ decision-making and visibility capabilities, making it easier for the different organisations to collaborate across boundaries, join up journeys and avoid duplicate work. This means reduced costs, smoother operations and easier journeys for all of New Zealand.

“One of the fundamental principles of the Network Model is 'connectivity'. This includes linking roadways to highways, integrating pedestrian pathways with railway networks, and ensuring seamless travel modes for vehicles, cyclists, and public transport users,” explains Chris Cummings, Specialist – Transportation Asset and Network Performance. “Throughout the development and implementation of the Network Model, the concept of connectedness has evolved. It now encompasses connecting the organizations responsible for transportation oversight through structured and standardized data and tools, guiding them on this transformative journey.”

By standardising and consolidating national network data, we’ve also enabled contractors, consultants and utility companies to confidently use NZTA information anytime and anywhere. This creates opportunities for improvement throughout the industry no matter where they are in the country, in areas like pre-design analysis, build efficiencies, maintenance and more. 

Additionally, the model can incorporate spatial information like traffic, seismic and water flows, along with forecast data, such as flood or rainfall forecasts. Using this information, decision makers are better positioned to future-proof their infrastructure projects, strengthen resilience and support disaster response, such as identifying potential detour routes in advance of these events.