17 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1304 views
New funding of up to $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will support the Bikes in Schools programme, allowing primary and intermediate students to access bikes and tracks in their schools. The programme, aimed at teaching cycling safety skills to kids, is supported by the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust and helps build confidence and key biking skills in a safe school setting. Since 2010, over 400 schools have participated in Bikes in Schools, with the funding secured to continue the programme until June 2027.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1389 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights that the Rolleston Access Improvements project on State Highway 1 will boost jobs and economic growth in the rapidly expanding Canterbury region. The project aims to enhance transport connections for residents and businesses in the Selwyn district, a key area for growth and access to Christchurch. The government's $7 billion infrastructure investment includes this project, with the first stage focusing on constructing a new roundabout, pedestrian and cycle subway, and various road upgrades to improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1255 views
The Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.
10 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1378 views
Minister Brooke van Velden announces an 18-day reduction in passport processing wait times under the current government, with standard applications now taking 7 days instead of 25. The Department of Internal Affairs has achieved this efficiency through digital processes, staff training, and identity verification automation. Van Velden emphasizes the government's commitment to improving services for New Zealanders and ensuring timely passport delivery as application volumes are expected to rise.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1426 views
The Government confirmed the establishment of a permanent Aviation Council to enhance sector leadership and shape the industry's future, as announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager at the NZ Airports Hui. The Council, consisting of 14 members from various stakeholders including government agencies, regulators, and industry associations, aims to support economic growth, enhance aviation safety, and address workforce and infrastructure needs outlined in the recent Aviation Action Plan. The Council will provide strategic leadership, report annually on progress, and ensure representation for smaller airlines and industry voices to support regional connectivity and workforce development in the aviation sector.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
Port Otago hosted an event to celebrate the milestone of the new rail siding, with partners Dynes Transport and KiwiRail. Government ministers outlined investments in Otago's economic development and fast-track consenting steps. The rail infrastructure investments aim to boost efficiency, reduce road congestion, and support economic growth in the region.
02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1291 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the importance of the freight system in driving New Zealand's economy and supporting job growth. To address the increasing demand for freight services due to population growth, the government is implementing three key initiatives: launching an Action Plan for Freight, updating the National Freight Demand Study, and establishing a Freight Advisory Council. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of the freight system by maximizing economic value, improving data-driven decision-making, and providing strategic insights and advice to support economic growth.
02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1318 views
Construction has begun on a new Hikuwai Bridge to improve the resilience of State Highway 35 between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay in Tairāwhiti, following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. The bridge will be a modern, two-lane structure approximately 100 meters long, providing better flood and earthquake resistance and environmental benefits. The $50 million project involves local and expert construction teams to deliver a more efficient and permanent solution for road users in the region.
30 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1366 views
The Government has selected the McCallum Bros Ltd and Nova Marine Carriers SA joint venture to procure a new 78-meter supply vessel for the Chatham Islands, expected to be operational by 2027. Associate Transport Minister James Meager highlights the importance of providing a secure, reliable, and long-term service that meets the community's needs and can accommodate future growth. The replacement of the aging Southern Tiare vessel is crucial for sustaining the economic and community lifeline of the Chatham Islands, ensuring essential supplies reach the community and supporting key industries like fishing, farming, and tourism.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1320 views
The New Zealand Government launched a Sport Diplomacy Strategy aiming to strengthen international ties, boost trade, and showcase the country globally through sports. The strategy leverages the universal language of sport to connect people, build trust, and create lasting bonds between nations. With a focus on India, the Pacific, and the United States, the initiative aims to use New Zealand's sporting reputation to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, with upcoming centenary celebrations with India set to further deepen ties through sports, culture, and business.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1536 views
A new flyover in East Auckland, the Reeves Road Flyover, is set to open to traffic, easing congestion and boosting productivity in the city. The flyover is part of the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project, which aims to improve transportation by providing rapid bus and train services between various locations in Auckland. The project is a key investment by the government and Auckland Council to enhance the transport system, support economic growth, and provide better access to jobs and opportunities for residents in East Auckland.
23 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1330 views
Construction has begun on the new 24-kilometre Ō2NL expressway from Ōtaki to north of Levin, aiming to enhance economic benefits, safety, and reliability in the region, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project addresses long-standing issues of crashes, delays, and resilience on the current Kāpiti highway, with expectations of reducing travel times and improving efficiency for both commuters and freight transport. Part of the Wellington northern corridor initiated in 2013, Ō2NL follows the success of previous expressways and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2029, contributing to economic growth and development opportunities in the Horowhenua region.
19 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1534 views
Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Melling Transport Improvements Road of Regional Significance in Lower Hutt to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience, according to Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The project, including a new interchange and bridge over the Hutt River, aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and promote economic growth by improving public transport and active transport options. Led by the NZ Transport Agency, AECOM, and Fletcher Construction, the initiative is part of a broader $1.5 billion RiverLink program to boost economic growth, resilience, and flood protection in Lower Hutt, with completion expected by 2031.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1349 views
The Minister of Transport highlighted the Government's significant investment in Auckland's passenger rail system, including projects like the Third Main Line and extending the electrified network. These investments aim to improve both commuter services and freight operations, benefiting the economy and reducing road congestion. Future plans include expanding rail capacity in Auckland's Southern Corridor and developing the Avondale-Southdown corridor to enhance freight connections and regional economic growth.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1261 views
The new Third Main Line in Auckland, funded in 2020 with a $328 million investment, is set to revolutionize rail freight and increase the frequency of passenger trains, according to Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. The opening event in South Auckland included a passenger train journey along the 6.5km line from Wiri to Middlemore Station. This project aims to alleviate congestion on roads, boost efficiency in freight connections, and enhance transport options for Aucklanders, complementing other recent investments in the city's transport network.