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TARMAC PICKLE 1

The ISG @ TARMAC '24

It was fantastic to catch up with so many people from across the TTM sector at last week’s Traffic and Road Management Action Conference (TARMAC) in Hamilton. 

It was an action packed three days, so we thought we’d pull together some of our highlights from the conference, below.

P.I.C.K.L.E (Practice, Innovation, Collaboration and Knowledge Learning Experience) Day

On the Monday before the TARMAC conference started, we had more than 200 people join us for some learning as part of P.I.C.K.L.E Day. ISG Chair Dave Tilton kicked the day off with a session that explored the risk-based TTM system. In an effort to keep things 'fresh', some of the content was different to what we've used for our TTM roadshows, but still covered topics like:

  • The art of risk identification – where risk comes from, and in what forms
  • Contrast risk treatment using a compliance-based approach vs. a risk-based approach
  • Risk treatment without detailed prescription – how our controls work
  • Explore some available tools and guidance; and
  • Exploring different PCBU responsibilities in TTM

After a bit of recharge over morning tea, Dave led everyone through a step-by-step activity to apply some of the learnings to a real-life work activity. Working together with others at your table meant differing views came together to explore the problem collaboratively. There was great feedback from many of those that attended about the usefulness of the practical learning together.

ISG Update

Following the Minister’s opening address on Day 1 of the conference, ISG Deputy Chair Darren Wu and NZTA representative Anthony Fewster gave an update on what the ISG has been up to since last year’s TARMAC conference.

It is fair to say that we surprised ourselves with the variety and volume of activity in the past 11 months, including the announcement that the TTM ISG is now officially an incorporated society. It was also great to reflect on having had more than 800 people attend our roadshows across the country so far – with five still to go! It’s been amazing to see the uptake on the opportunity to connect as an industry.

Anthony was able to share about some of the specifics and timeframes for changes to TTM at NZTA and we wrapped up with a conceptual campaign to bring together positive stories of change as more examples of these are available over time. The full presentation slides can be found here.

Credentials Framework Update

There were a number of presentations throughout both P.I.C.K.L.E Day and the conference that provided updates on the area of training and competency.

Wayne Clark (Chevron Traffic), Marie Cross (Waihanga Ara Rau) and Paul Tyson (Fulton Hogan) gave a great presentation around the NZQA Skills Standards, which set out the ‘blueprint’ for the training courses to be developed.

Day 1 of the conference saw Sue Hawkins (Waihanga Ara Rau) talk about the need to partner together to support the needs of learners and employers in the morning, before Betty Mitrova (Downer, ISG Tier 1 contractor representative, Credentials Framework Working Group) and Wayne Clark (Credentials Framework Working Group) shared anticipated timeframes for the new risk training course and where other parts of the Credentials Framework are at.

TARMAC Expo Booth

The TTM ISG was also out in full force at our TARMAC booth, where we got to dive deeper in conversation with attendees across the three day event. There were plenty of lollies on offer, but as conference goers were much too disciplined, which meant that most of them ended up being consumed by those manning the stand!

Nevertheless, it was a great chance to engage with some new and familiar faces, and explore some gnarly questions and topics. Please continue to send through feedback and/or questions via email to: info@ttm-isg.org 

Impromptu RCA Huddle

Our North Island RCA representative, Rachel Taylor, had the great idea to reach out to other RCA attendees using the conference app, and managed to organise an impromptu meet-up with almost 20 representatives from different RCAs.

The 45-minute chat between the conference agenda and dinner was a real highlight. We were able to explore common challenges faced by different councils with the transition to a risk-based TTM model. One of the key takeaways was the need to make sure there is alignment at executive, management and operational levels, and the ISG is keen to facilitate interactions that support this.

Being able to interact in-person and hear your feedback and questions is an extremely important part of ensuring we, as an ISG, are focused on the right things. We still have a few more of our joint ISG and CCNZ TTM Roadshows to come over the next six weeks and look forward to connecting with those registered for them soon.