* Wellington, New Zealand – September 3, 2024 *
The New Zealand government is set to embark on an ambitious transportation initiative, allocating nearly NZD 33 billion over the next three years to improve the country’s national road network, road maintenance, and public transportation in major cities. This significant investment was announced by Transport Minister Simeon Brown and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) in Wellington on Monday afternoon.
Focus on National Roads and Public Transport
The National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which outlines the government’s transportation priorities, will zero in on expanding state highways, enhancing road maintenance, and improving public transport options in key urban areas. The NLTP is a reflection of the priorities set by the National Party coalition government, which includes a shift away from substantial investments in cycling lanes.
I believe New Zealanders are tired of the huge sums of money being poured into cycling lanes, Brown stated, highlighting that reducing the priority for public transport is part of the coalition agreement with New Zealand First. The new focus is on economic growth and productivity.
The Return of RoNS
One of the key components of the NLTP is the reintroduction of the successful Roads of National Significance (RoNS) program. The government plans to establish 17 RoNS projects across the country, which Brown has actively promoted.
The NLTP has a budget of NZD 32.9 billion and focuses on four main areas:
- Implementing the RoNS program as per the coalition agreement.
- Returning to basics by emphasizing maintenance and preventing potholes.
- Supporting reliable public transport and initiating four large-scale public transport projects in major cities.
- Ensuring local councils do their basic work by strengthening pothole prevention and reducing funding for cycling lanes and not providing funds for speed bumps.
Major Public Transport Projects
Brown outlined that the government is committed to investing NZD 6.4 billion in several public transport and infrastructure projects, including:
- Completion of the Urban Rail Link
- Eastern Busway
- Northwestern Rapid Transport Corridor
- Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit
- Lower North Island Integrated Transport
The NLTP’s funding will come from fuel excise duty, road user charges, vehicle registration fees, and driver licensing fees.
Key National Roads
The NLTP lists several roads of national significance, including:
- Alternative to Brynderwyns
- Whangārei to Port Marsden
- Warkworth to Wellsford
- Cambridge to Piarere
- Tauriko West State Highway 29
- Mill Road East West Link
- Hamilton Southern Links
- Petone to Grenada Link Road
- Cross Valley Link
- North West Alternative State Highway (SH16)
- Takitimu Northern Link Stage 1 and 2
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway
- Ōtaki to North of Levin
- Second Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve upgrade
- Hope Bypass
- Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass
Regional Roads
The NLTP also includes roads of regional significance, such as:
- Penlink State Highway 1/29 Intersection
- Canterbury Package – Rural Intersections
- Waihoehoe Road
- State Highway 58 Improvements Stage 2
- Canterbury Package – Rolleston Upgrade
- State Highway 1 Papakura to Drury Improvements
- State Highway 2 Melling Transport Improvements
- Canterbury Package – Halswell Second Ashburton Bridge
- Queenstown Package
A Commitment to Safer, More Efficient Travel
Brown emphasized that the government’s record investment in transportation projects aims to reduce travel times, improve public transport options, and build and maintain road networks to the safety and reliability standards expected by New Zealanders.
As the NLTP rolls out over the next three years, it promises to transform the country’s transportation landscape, offering a glimpse into a future where efficient and sustainable travel is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economic growth and productivity.
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