Overview

Andy Wilson’s tenure at the Otago Regional Council (ORC) was marked by significant contributions towards enhancing public transport planning, policy development, and the strategic oversight of transport services within the Otago region. This period highlighted Spatial Ascent's ability to lead in complex transport planning environments, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to regional transport challenges.

In addressing these challenges, Andy engaged with the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM), a framework developed by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to promote effective and efficient public transport through a partnership between local councils and transport operators. His work with PTOM at ORC involved strategic planning to align service delivery with regional needs, ensuring that public transport operations were both responsive to community demands and sustainable in the long term.

Role

At the Otago Regional Council, Andy assumed a pivotal role encompassing the provision of transport planning advice and the oversight necessary for the effective execution of the Council's transport planning responsibilities. His activities spanned the development, maintenance, monitoring, and review of critical transport policies, strategies, and plans, including the Regional Land Transport Plan and Regional Public Transport Plan.

Working within the broader Public Transport team, Andy was instrumental in ensuring efficient service planning and the enhancement of key network elements such as physical infrastructure, safety requirements, timetabling, and customer liaison. Furthermore, Andy played a crucial role in maintaining the Otago Regional Land Transport Plan in accordance with the Land Transport Management Act (LTMA), facilitating the functions of the Otago Regional Transport Committee (RTC), and fostering collaboration with the Southland RTC and broader South Island RTCs.

Contract Drafting for Service Variations: Andy's ability to draft and negotiate contracts for public transport service variations showcased his expertise in legal documentation and understanding of public transport operations. This skill is crucial for ensuring that service contracts are adaptable to changing transport needs and regulatory environments.

Preparing Reports for Council: The preparation of comprehensive reports for council submissions demonstrated Andy's proficiency in synthesizing complex data and insights into accessible and actionable information. This capability is vital for informing decision-making processes, securing funding, and facilitating strategic planning within local government contexts.

Alignment with NZTA Guidelines and Frameworks: Andy's work consistently aligned with the NZTA's guidelines and the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM), as evidenced by his involvement in projects like the Queenstown Ferries detailed business case. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of national transport planning standards and an ability to apply best practices in local contexts. Skills in navigating and applying NZTA’s Transport Investments Online (TIO) portal, are indispensable for ensuring that regional transport initiatives meet national objectives and secure funding.

Outcomes

Andy’s expertise contributed to several key achievements during his time at the Otago Regional Council:

Queenstown Ferries Detailed Business Case: Andy led the detailed business case for the Queenstown Ferries, showcasing his ability to collaborate with major stakeholders within the "Wakatipu Way to Go" partnership. This work underlined Spatial Ascent’s capacity for detailed analysis and strategic planning in regional transport initiatives.

Otago REMIX and Procurement Development: Andy spearheaded the procurement and setup of the region’s Remix transit analytics software system, demonstrating advanced technical skills and strategic procurement capabilities. This project significantly influenced the refresh of the 2021 Otago Public Transport Plan, marking a step forward in enhancing public transport planning and analytics in the region.

Otago Regional Transport Committee: Through organizing and managing the Regional Transport Committee meetings, Andy exhibited high-level stakeholder engagement and political acumen. This role was pivotal in shaping regional transport policy and strategic direction, aligning with broader objectives for sustainable and efficient transportation across the Otago region.