The medium priority structures are now being inspected by engineers. Sites have been ranked using site scores that were decided on a national basis for all 3700 sites in New Zealand. The criteria used to assess sites come from the Department's Visitor Strategy, which was developed with public input from 1994 to 1996. Site scores range from zero to 28. Sites scoring 16 or more are considered high priority for work and structures on these sites will receive work if needed.
Sites scoring five or below have a low priority for work.
Any structures which are in good condition on these sites will be retained. For sites that score between six and 15, any required maintenance work will occur within budget guidelines. Engineers have identified where work is required on inspected structures. This work may involve strengthening repairs, replacing structures, re-routing tracks, using load limits or removing structures. The effect of the decision on adjacent sites and the environmental protection role of the structure will also be considered.