chris.parker

Cost benefit analysis | Strategic transport planning and appraisal

Chris has six years’ experience in economic appraisal (CBA) techniques and business case development in the areas of transport, energy, and research, science and technology.

Chris has recently advised on the appraisals of several of the Government’s major Roads of National Significance (RoNS); led the Waikato Inter-Regional Transportation Study; undertaken a detailed CBA of the impact of electric vehicles; and researched the basis and impact of the social discount rate used in transport CBAs.

Currently Chris is a lead economic advisor to the NZTA for the Additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing, and is researching the viability and impact of time indexing unit cost parameters in transport CBAs for the NZTA.

Strategic transport planning and appraisal

Waikato Expressway Strategic Evaluation (WESE) – NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

Chris was a lead analyst of this evaluation to demonstrate how developing the full Waikato Expressway would contribute towards achieving regional and national transport and economic objectives.

This work:

• gave a solid basis for the Waikato Expressway to obtain RoNS status, and
• set a new benchmark for strategic transport planning analysis in New Zealand.

The Waikato Inter-Regional Transportation Study (WIRTS) – Environment Waikato

Chris led the development of this inter-regional transport study for the Waikato to achieve the NZ Transport Strategy and Government Policy Statement objectives and targets.

This study supported the development of the Waikato Regional Land Transport Programme and Regional Land Transport Strategy.

Tauranga Eastern Link Tolling Business Case — CBA management – NZTA

Chris oversaw the development of the economic case and led the engagement between the NZTA and the Treasury. He advised on how to appraise infrastructure projects with leveraged funding.

The toll proposal was being pursued with urgency, and Chris played a crucial role in facilitating understanding between the NZTA and Treasury of the economic theory and practice.

Transmission Gully — CBA Review – NZTA

Chris led this review of Transmission Gully’s CBA to consider whether all of the significant economic factors are likely to be captured, and advised on actions to improve the appraisal.

The review provided a path to take the appraisal forward as a stand-alone project, just prior to it being absorbed into the Wellington to Levin RoNS.

Cost benefit analyses

The Implications of Discount Rate Reductions on Transport Investments and Sustainable Transport Futures – NZTA, Roading NZ and Downer EDI Works Ltd

Chris researched the impacts of reducing the discount rate used in NZ land transport CBAs, the theoretical basis of discounting, and methods to appraise projects when budgets are constrained.

This research helps the wider transport sector understand good practice in infrastructure appraisals.

National CBA of the early uptake of electric vehicles in NZ – Meridian Energy and Contact Energy

Chris was the Technical Manager of this CBA of alternative uptake profiles of electric vehicles in New Zealand and the wider economic and social impacts of each.

The study informed policy responses to the update of electric vehicles in New Zealand.

BCA (Hons)

Parker, C. (2009). The implications of discount rate reductions on transport investments and sustainable transport futures. NZTA research report 392. Report available at: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/392/index.html