{"id":6859,"date":"2026-07-09T13:51:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nzchinesedailynews.co.nz\/?p=6859"},"modified":"2026-07-09T13:51:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:51:26","slug":"transport-pipeline-provides-certainty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nzchinesedailynews.co.nz\/?p=6859","title":{"rendered":"Transport pipeline provides certainty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Transport Minister Chris Bishop is welcoming the publication of NZTA&#8217;s Major Transport Projects Pipeline, setting out the phasing for projects including the Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Government has an ambitious transport programme that will help grow the economy by moving people and freight safely and efficiently around the country,\u201d Mr Bishop says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has been getting on with delivering the Government&#8217;s Roads of National Significance, Roads of Regional Significance, and major public transport projects like the Northwestern and Eastern Busways in Auckland.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Significant progress has been made over the last three years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Phase One: Under construction and procurement<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe \u014ctaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance, the Hawke&#8217;s Bay Expressway, Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and SH29 Tauriko West (Omanawa Bridge) are all under construction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCambridge to Piarere will extend the Waikato Expressway, with construction of Stage 1 due to start in early 2027 and Stage 2 later in 2027.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy early next year, six RoNS will be under construction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImportant regional projects, including the Melling Interchange, Brougham Street and the second Ashburton Bridge, are also underway.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;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&#8217;s pipeline release reflects that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important. As I&#8217;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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Phase Two: Preparing for construction, and route protection<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProvisional consent has been granted for the Belfast to Pegasus Road of National Significance and early works are underway. Takitimu North Link (Stage 2) also recently received consent through the Fast Track Approvals Act.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNZTA 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs funding becomes available, these projects can progress to construction.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Northwest Alternative State Highway and Hamilton Southern Links are already designated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Phase Three: Continuing more slowly<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNZTA will continue work on the Hope Bypass Stage 2, Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway (excluding the Brynderwyns), Auckland\u2019s East West Link, Mill Road (Alfriston to Drury), and Petone to Grenada.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWork on these projects will progress at a slower pace than those in Phase Two, with some projects continuing preparation for future route protection.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Major new corridors are important, but New Zealanders also need a safe, reliable and resilient transport system every day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFuel 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis pipeline demonstrates that we have struck the right balance with our ambitious and responsible transport programme, which is part of our Government\u2019s wider plan to build New Zealand\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Note to editors:<\/p>\n<p>NZTA\u2019s Major Transport Projects Pipeline is attached and can be found at this link: https:\/\/www.nzta.govt.nz\/projects-and-consultations\/major-projects\/major-transport-projects-pipeline<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Transport Minister Chris Bishop is welcoming the public 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