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Transport Minister Chris Bishop says he welcomes the publication of the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) Major Transport Projects Pipeline, which sets out the phasing for projects including the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and major public transport projects.
“The government has an ambitious transport programme that will help grow the economy by moving people and freight safely and efficiently around the country,” Bishop says.
“NZTA has been getting on with delivering the government’s Roads of National Significance, Roads of Regional Significance, and major public transport projects like the Northwestern and Eastern Busways in Auckland.
“Significant progress has been made over the last three years.”
Phase One: Under construction and procurement
“The Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance, the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and SH29 Tauriko West (Omanawa Bridge) are all under construction.
“The first stage of the Northland Expressway is in the final stages of procurement and due to start construction before the end of the year, while procurement is also underway for the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance,” Bishop says.
“Cambridge to Piarere will extend the Waikato Expressway, with construction of Stage 1 due to start in early 2027 and Stage 2 later in 2027.
“By early next year, six RoNS will be under construction.
“Important regional projects, including the Melling Interchange, Brougham Street and the second Ashburton Bridge, are also under way.
“The construction sector has been clear it needs a strong pipeline of future work.
“That is why the government committed to the 17 RoNS listed in the 2024 Transport Government Policy Statement, and major public transport projects.
“We’ve always seen the roads and public transport projects as part of a multi-year pipeline to drive jobs and growth around the country, and today’s pipeline release reflects that.
“The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important.
“As I’ve said many times, not all projects can start immediately. It takes time to get projects ready for construction, with route protection (designations and consenting), detailed design, and property acquisition all needing to be completed before main construction works can begin.”
Phase Two: Preparing for construction, and route protection
“Provisional consent has been granted for the Belfast to Pegasus Road of National Significance and early works are under way.
“Takitimu North Link (Stage 2) also recently received consent through the Fast Track Approvals Act.
“NZTA will continue to progress planning work for Mill Road (Stage One), the Northwest Busway (Stages 1B and 2), and the Hope Bypass (Stage 1) with intersection improvements prioritised at Lower Queen St.
“As funding becomes available, these projects can progress to construction.
“NZTA will also progress route protection for the SH1 Wellington Improvements project, the Brynderwyns project as part of the Northland Expressway, SH29 Tauriko (Wider Scope), and Northwest Busway Stage 3.
“The Northwest Alternative State Highway and Hamilton Southern Links are already designated.”
Phase Three: Continuing more slowly
“NZTA will continue work on the Hope Bypass Stage 2, Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway (excluding the Brynderwyns), Auckland’s East West Link, Mill Road (Alfriston to Drury), and Petone to Grenada.
“Work on these projects will progress at a slower pace than those in Phase Two, with some projects continuing preparation for future route protection.
“Phasing the RoNS programme means we can keep investing across the wider transport network, including in projects that improve reliability, strengthen resilience, and meet local and regional transport needs.
“Major new corridors are important, but New Zealanders also need a safe, reliable and resilient transport system every day.
“That’s why the RoNS programme sits alongside significant investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure, strengthening resilience to natural hazards and extreme weather, improving safety, and keeping communities connected.
“Fuel excise duty has fallen in real terms by 21 per cent since 2020 when it was last increased, while construction costs have risen significantly over the same period, with the recent conflict in the Middle East contributing to that challenge.
“This pipeline demonstrates that we have struck the right balance with our ambitious and responsible transport programme, which is part of our Government’s wider plan to build New Zealand’s future.”
