Articles tagged with Transport Minister
Major Rail Upgrades in Auckland and Wellington to Improve Commuter Services
4 days ago | 73 viewsTransport Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed funding for critical overdue upgrade programs in Auckland and Wellington's metro rail networks to improve reliability for commuters. The $143.6 million investment from Budget 2025 includes $94.2 million for Wellington and $49.4 million for Auckland, addressing crucial renewals like track and infrastructure replacements, bridge refurbishments, and drainage improvements. The upgrades aim to enhance service levels by preparing for the City Rail Link in Auckland and improving network resilience for more frequent trains, with work already underway and set to intensify in the coming months.
Tags: Auckland Wellington Rail passengers Transport Minister Chris Bishop Metro rail networks Commuters Budget 2025 Renewals work City Rail LinkModernizing New Zealand's Land Transport Rules: Public Consultation on Key Reforms Begins Today
1 week ago | 154 viewsThe New Zealand Government is starting public consultation on modernizing land transport rules to improve productivity and safety, focusing on reviewing vehicle inspection frequency, simplifying heavy vehicle permitting, and considering additional safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet. The aim is to reduce unnecessary costs and time pressures on Kiwis while ensuring road safety, looking at international practices for guidance. The reforms also include simplifying heavy vehicle requirements and potentially mandating additional safety features in vehicles to bring land transport regulation up to date and boost the economy.
Tags: Government progress modernise land transport rules public consultation Transport Minister Chris Bishop safety vehicle inspection Associate Transport Minister James Meager safety requirements.Government Invests $1.2 Billion in Roads of National Significance Programme for Infrastructure Development and Job Creation
2 weeks ago | 133 viewsThe Government's Roads of National Significance programme is advancing to the next phase with nearly $1.2 billion in combined funding, aiming to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit and stimulate job growth. The NZ Transport Agency has endorsed investment cases for various projects, including the Northland Expressway, East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada, and Cross Valley Link, among others. These projects will undergo design, route protection, site investigations, and property acquisition, with a focus on delivering travel time reductions, safety improvements, and economic benefits across different regions.
Tags: Chris Bishop Transport Minister Roads of National Significance NZ Transport Agency Northland Expressway East West Link Hamilton Southern Links Petone to Grenada SH1 Wellington Improvements Hope BypassNew Zealand's $1M Welfare Funding Boosts Seafarers Support at Ports
3 weeks ago | 172 viewsNew Zealand allocates nearly $1 million in welfare funding to support international seafarers at 12 ports, announced by Associate Transport Minister James Meager during the opening of the South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Centre in Timaru. The grants aim to fulfill New Zealand’s obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention by providing services like communication facilities, welfare officer visits, transportation for crew activities, financial services, and information on seafarers’ rights. The industry's funding of seafarer welfare services through levies reflects a commitment to ensuring the well-being of seafarers, recognizing their importance in enhancing productivity, safety, and environmental protection in the maritime sector.
Tags: New Zealand international seafarers welfare funding Associate Transport Minister James Meager Maritime NZ grants South Canterbury Seafarers Welfare Centre Maritime Labour Convention seafarers' rights seafarer welfare centre operations industry leviesKiwi Kids Learn Cycling Safety with Expanded Bikes In Schools Program
3 weeks ago | 140 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Kiwi kids cycling safety skills bike tracks Bikes In Schools programme Transport Minister Chris Bishop NZ Transport Agency primary students intermediate students Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust Paul McArdleRolleston Access Improvements Driving Jobs & Growth | Canterbury Transport Project
3 weeks ago | 129 viewsTransport 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.
Tags: Rolleston Transport Minister Chris Bishop Canterbury infrastructure projects road improvements economic growth construction NZTA Fulton Hogan State Highway 1.Government Appoints Permanent Aviation Council to Shape Industry Future
1 month ago | 202 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government Aviation Council James Meager Transport Minister NZ Airports Hui Aviation Action Plan Air New Zealand Auckland Airport Aviation Federation Aviation Industry AssociationDriving Economic Growth: 3 Initiatives to Enhance Freight System
1 month ago | 190 viewsTransport 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.
Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop freight system economic growth productivity resilience safety Action Plan for Freight National Freight Demand Study Freight Advisory CouncilNew Hikuwai Bridge Boosts Resilience of SH35 in Tairāwhiti
1 month ago | 169 viewsConstruction 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.
Tags: State Highway 35 SH35 Tolaga Bay Tokomaru Bay Tairāwhiti Hikuwai Bridge Transport Minister Chris Bishop Cyclone Gabrielle Gisborne TREC AllianceNew Chatham Islands Supply Vessel Secured for 2027
1 month ago | 214 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Government Chatham Islands Supply Vessel McCallum Bros Ltd Nova Marine Carriers SA James Meager Transport Minister Southern Tiare MBL JV CommunityNew Reeves Road Flyover Opens in East Auckland to Ease Traffic Congestion and Boost Productivity
1 month ago | 297 viewsA 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.
Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Auckland Minister Simeon Brown Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Reeves Road flyover Eastern Busway project Auckland traffic congestion public transport economic growthŌ2NL Expressway: Transforming Transport and Boosting Economy in Horowhenua
1 month ago | 208 viewsConstruction 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.
Tags: Transport Minister Chris Bishop Horowhenua North Island Wellington National Government Transmission Gully Mackays Peka Peka Kāpiti highway OtakiTransformative Melling Transport Improvements Project Underway in Lower Hutt
1 month ago | 253 viewsConstruction 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Lower Hutt Transport Minister NZ Transport Agency AECOM Fletcher Construction Melling Interchange Melling Transport Improvements Road RiverLink programme Hutt RiverNew Bridge Construction on SH43 Forgotten World Highway & Nationwide Priority Bridge Replacements
1 month ago | 230 viewsConstruction 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.
Tags: bridge replacement State Highway 43 SH43 Transport Minister Chris Bishop Kururau Stream Water Drive Forgotten World Highway construction infrastructure New Zealand tourismNZTA Awards Contract for SH29 Tauriko West Road Phase 1 Construction
2 months ago | 332 viewsThe 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.
Tags: NZ Transport Agency SH29 Tauriko West Road Ōmanawa Bridge Transport Minister Chris Bishop HEB Construction Limited Port of Tauranga Redwood Interchange Takitimu North Link interchange Tauriko Business Estate.