University of Auckland
The University of Auckland undertook research to understand how New Zealand's aggregates supply — the movement of materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock — impacts infrastructure investment projects. The goal was to provide high-quality, anonymised GPS data illustrating aggregate supply chain behaviour to strengthen this research.
Approach
- Data Collection and Anonymisation – Tracked aggregate heavy vehicle movements from quarries to work zones using telematics data, then aggregated and anonymised all records to protect commercial confidentiality.
- Example Dataset Provision – Created representative datasets showing trip frequency, route choice, and travel durations to illustrate typical aggregate delivery patterns.
- Integration into Research Framework – Delivered the datasets in a format compatible with the University's analysis workflows, enabling seamless incorporation into their study.
Key Findings
- Supply Chain Visualisation – Provided clear examples of how aggregates move through New Zealand's transport network from extraction sites to construction zones.
- Operational Insight – Highlighted the frequency and distribution of aggregate deliveries, enabling consideration of network impacts and bottlenecks.
- Research Enrichment – Strengthened the University's ability to analyse the relationship between supply reliability and infrastructure project delivery timelines.
Impact
- Support for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency – Enabled the Agency to better understand aggregate supply dynamics, informing infrastructure planning and investment sequencing.
- Evidence-Based Policy Support – Contributed to policy discussions on how to manage aggregate supply to avoid delays and cost overruns.
- Academic Contribution – Supported the production of research with practical applications in infrastructure delivery and supply chain optimisation.