15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1274 views
Construction on a new bridge replacement on SH43, Forgotten World Highway, will start this month, initiating a series of priority bridge replacements nationwide. Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that 13 bridges and culverts will be replaced or renewed in the next two years, enhancing the country's transport network. The Kururau Stream Water Drive bridge on SH43, an iconic route for tourism, is the first to undergo construction, ensuring improved efficiency and safety for locals and visitors.
05 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1495 views
Significant transport reforms in Auckland since 2010 aim to enhance democratic accountability and empower Aucklanders to influence transport policies, as stated by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. The reforms involve shifting most transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to create a 30-year transport plan, and granting local boards new powers for local road decisions. The changes, set to be in place by September 2026, prioritize public input, efficient governance, and improved transport outcomes for Auckland.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1829 views
The NZ Transport Agency has awarded a $42 million contract to HEB Construction Limited to begin construction on the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement in October, as part of the State Highway 29 Tauriko West project. This project aims to enhance safety, resilience, and freight efficiency along SH29, a crucial corridor in the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga triangle, with a total of $7 billion already allocated for Government-funded projects nationwide. Future phases of the project will involve route protection and consenting for a new four-lane SH29, supporting growth in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty with improved travel times and reduced accidents.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1757 views
The second Ashburton Bridge is closer to realization following a key agreement signed by Minister James Meager, marking progress towards the National Party's campaign promise. The New Zealand Transport Agency has contracted Fletchers Construction to advance detailed bridge design for construction starting next year, aiming to alleviate congestion on State Highway 1 and enhance network resilience in emergency events. Geotechnical investigations and property purchases are underway, with a Design and Construction contract expected to be finalized by year-end, emphasizing local opportunities and addressing potential challenges.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1410 views
Major works are underway in Mangahauini Gorge on State Highway 35 (SH35) north of Gisborne to address the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlights the efforts to keep one lane open during the recovery process and the long-term solutions being implemented to protect the highway. The project includes innovative measures such as constructing a 'roughened channel' in the Mangahauini River to prevent erosion and ensure the highway's stability, with completion expected by mid-2026 at a cost of around $50 million.
25 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1135 views
Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Sydney and Canberra for engagements with the infrastructure industry and Australian political leaders, emphasizing New Zealand's openness for business and the importance of attracting investment for economic growth and job creation. In Sydney, he will address the IPWEA International Public Works Conference about New Zealand's infrastructure priorities and the National Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, he will discuss housing reforms with New South Wales officials and meet with federal counterparts in Canberra, including key ministers such as Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King and Housing Minister Clare O'Neil.
22 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1733 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, with construction starting in November on this crucial Road of National Significance (RoNS). The Board has approved over $600m to four-lane the most congested part of the Expressway, including a new grade separated interchange. The investment case shows significant improvements in travel times, safety, and resilience, with construction expected to start in November 2025 and be completed by early 2028.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1491 views
The Government is updating the Clean Vehicle Standard to provide importers with greater flexibility in meeting CO2 targets and ensuring access to more fuel-efficient and affordable vehicles for New Zealanders. Changes include allowing credit transfers between importers, extending credit lifespan, and setting targets not based on vehicle weight. These improvements aim to reduce costs passed on to consumers, support importers in bringing in more fuel-efficient vehicles, and are part of the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Amendment Bill (No 2).
12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2193 views
The Minister for Digitising Government addresses the Digital Identity New Zealand Hui Taumata 2025, highlighting the importance of digital identity in transforming how New Zealanders access services. The government has made significant progress in developing a modern digital identity system, including the launch of NZ Verify and the Government App. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is encouraged to ensure the successful implementation and use of digital identity services for all New Zealanders.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2753 views
The New Zealand Cabinet has approved legislative changes to transition 3.5 million light vehicles to electronic road user charges instead of petrol tax, marking a significant shift in road funding. The move aims to ensure all vehicles, regardless of fuel type, contribute fairly based on distance and weight, replacing the outdated petrol tax system. The transition will involve modernizing the current RUC system, allowing for digital records, multiple payment options, and fostering competition among RUC providers for a user-friendly and efficient road funding mechanism.
01 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2904 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the signing of construction contracts by NZTA for the new Ōtaki to north of Levin Road project, aiming to improve travel times and support economic growth in Kāpiti and Horowhenua. The project involves two alliances focusing on different sections of the highway, with completion expected by the end of 2029. The new road is part of the Wellington Northern Corridor, enhancing safety, efficiency for freight trips, and urban development opportunities, while also featuring amenities like shared user paths and grade-separated interchanges.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3401 views
Starting from 1 September, vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes in New Zealand will transition from six-monthly to annual vehicle inspections, as announced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop. This change aims to reduce bureaucracy for the approximately 128,000 vintage vehicles and 39,000 private motorhomes registered in the country, as these vehicles are less likely to have faults contributing to serious crashes compared to modern cars. Public support for this change was overwhelmingly positive, with 89% in favor of annual inspections for private heavy motorhomes and 98% for vintage light vehicles.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1878 views
Safety improvements, including intersection upgrades and a speed limit review, will be implemented soon at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection on State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt, following Transport Minister Chris Bishop's announcement due to the high number of crashes at the intersection. The upgrades will involve installing traffic lights, signage, and line markings to enhance safety for motorists and cyclists. NZTA will consult the public on a proposed 80km/h speed limit, with construction scheduled to start in October and be completed by the end of the year.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2035 views
New laws aim to crack down on boy racers and dirt bike riders engaging in dangerous driving, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell leading the initiative. The Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill introduces tougher penalties, including vehicle destruction or forfeiture for offenses like fleeing Police, street racing, and excessive noise. The Bill will grant Police more powers to manage illegal gatherings and is set to undergo public consultation after its first reading in August.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2061 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced that major upgrades to State Highway 76 (SH76) Brougham Street in Christchurch will commence to enhance economic growth and improve safety and mobility in the city. The project, funded by the Government, aims to address congestion and safety concerns on one of Christchurch's busiest streets, accommodating over 45,000 vehicles daily and serving as a key freight route to Lyttelton Port. The first stage will focus on constructing a pedestrian and cycle bridge to improve accessibility for school children and individuals with mobility challenges, with subsequent stages including traffic signal improvements, T2 lanes, crossings, and a shared path.