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The coalition Government has made decisions on the next steps for the Waitemata Harbour crossing project, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simon Watts have announced today, August 17.
“The existing Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed in 1959 and forms part of the busiest corridor of the State Highway network in New Zealand, carrying 170,000 vehicles daily,” Bishop says.
“It underpins almost $1 billion in annual economic activity, with this activity projected to increase to $3.9 billion by 2051.
“But the corridor is currently limited by the performance of the bridge.
“Weight restrictions already constrain freight and buses, and the lack of dedicated public transport (PT) lanes prevents us making the best use of the Northern Busway, which today carries 40 per cent of all people crossing the bridge.
“These limitations are only going to become more acute. Major renewals are needed in the coming decades, with extended lane closures.
“Without an additional crossing in place, the total economic cost of that disruption is estimated at around $4.8 billion.
“The case for a new crossing is strong, and we are committed to delivering it.
“The WHC project will likely be the largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand.
“It is imperative that we get it right because New Zealand’s fiscal position, economic performance, and reputation as a modern, functional, first-world country depends on it.”
Getting the project right means figuring out what is going to be built based on what has been found in the ground and under the harbour, not just what works on paper, Bishop says.
“In October 2024, we set out the Government’s expectations for the project and requested the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) undertake detailed analysis of the highest performing bridge and tunnel options for the WHC project.
“Since then, NZTA has significantly advanced the WHC project, including value engineering to reduce costs and due diligence on construction requirements for the first time such as geotechnical investigations.
“In May, 2026, NZTA completed an Investment Case, and on May 15 the NZTA Board endorsed a preferred option – a tunnel.
“Despite the great progress that has been made, more information and work is required before Cabinet can select a preferred option.
“Given the scale and complexity of this project, Cabinet has agreed that an independently led DBC is needed.
“The WHC DBC will be independently led by a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) who will answer directly to the Ministers of Finance, Transport, and Auckland, and Cabinet.
“We will look globally to find the right person for this critical role – someone with the expertise and experience to deliver who we will hold to account.”
Watts says it’s important the Government works meaningfully with Auckland and Aucklanders.
“The mayor of Auckland has expressed a strong view that a corridor solution at Meola Reef is a better idea than NZTA’s proposals.
“The Meola Reef option has been looked at many times in the past before and discounted as unachievable, but in the spirit of good faith, and recognising the Government’s responsibilities under the Auckland City Deal, Cabinet has agreed to commission a further study into the option, if the Council is interested.
“This study would be commissioned by the WHC project SRO, independent from NZTA.
“Auckland Council will be invited to contribute to the study’s scoping and procurement, and to fund 50 per cent of the cost of the study.
“In addition, the Government has also received a Market Led Proposal (MLP) from a reputable international consortium for an innovative construction methodology to upgrade the existing bridge.”
Bishop says he expects the next phase of work to be completed in 2027.
The Government will then consider the DBC, which will include the Meola Reef study and the market-led proposal, before making decisions on a preferred crossing option.
