32290 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

32290 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What are NZTA and WorkSafe’s respective roles in the operation or oversight of the Government’s road cone hotline?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised that once notifications are received by WorkSafe, it undertakes a process to review each notification and ensure the information within the notification is valid. This process includes checking the notification has valid details, such as a working email address, that the map and address location is accurate, and that the information in the form is legitimate. Based on the location information, the appropriate Road Controlling Authority is identified, and a summary of the notification information is shared. This includes NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) if it relates to a location on the state highway network. The number of notifications received are collected every day and I am informed by WorkSafe that it publishes weekly reports on its website with information of the numbers of notifications, and which regions they relate too. The role of NZTA is to receive submissions regarding perceived excessive use of road cones on the state highway network and refer these to the relevant maintenance or infrastructure project contractor to investigate. The contractor will provide a response direct to the customer if required.