Connecting Mount Maunganui project update

About the project

The Connecting Mount Maunganui project is working on solutions to improve safety and access to, from, and through Mount Maunganui, as well as to create better links for more people to travel by bus, bike or on foot. It’s one piece of a much bigger picture when it comes to the future of transportation and movement of people and goods throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

Project partners— NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Tauranga City Council (TCC), Ngāi Tukairangi, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council—are working together on the best options to connect our growing communities on the eastern side of the city and contribute to a safer transport network. Together, we’re focused on boosting key connections in our main urban areas that support economic growth by reducing congestion and travel times in Mount Maunganui, along State Highway 2/Hewletts Road, Tōtara Street, and Maunganui Road.

At the same time, TCC has worked with key stakeholders, partners, and the community, to develop the Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan, which outlines the vision for the future of this area of the city. Adopted by Council in early 2024, the plan sets a clear policy direction and outcomes sought to achieve this vision.

Connecting Mount Maunganui is working to achieve these outcomes by using feedback gathered through the spatial plan to help shape its transport plans and network including improving accessibility and movement, and supporting an economically productive, healthy, and connected industrial area. Connecting Mount Maunganui future project stages are subject to funding availability and prioritisation.

Next steps

The indicative business case, outlining the initial options, benefits, and costs for the project, will be presented for endorsement to Tauranga City Council in late 2024, and to the NZTA board in early 2025.

Emerging preferred option

Below is the emerging preferred option, formed through the indicative business case process, for the future Mount Maunganui transport system.

Proposed project stages

Connecting Mount Maunganui will be delivered in stages to manage cost, disruption, and risks.

Stage 1: T3 lanes (where three or more people travelling in a vehicle can use the lane) on SH2 Hewletts Road and a connection from Te Maire Street to Newton Street.

Stage 2 and 3: Additional local road connections within the Mount Industrial area and bus stop upgrades along SH2 Hewletts Road and Maunganui Road.

Stage 4: Walking and cycling connections, including a new shared path on Maunganui Road, and one between Tōtara Street and Maunganui Road including an overpass between Maunganui Road and Newton Street.

Stage 5: Add additional lanes to Tōtara Street and a flyover at the Tōtara Street, SH2 Hewletts Road intersection.

For more information, visit the Connecting Mount Maunganui project website.

2024-27 National Land Transport Programme

The Government has set a clear direction for us to deliver a better transport network for New Zealand and the newly released 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) lays out the activities and projects we’ll deliver with local government during the next 3 years.

Projects included in the 2024-27 NLTP are those that will ensure we and our co-investment partners deliver on the Government’s priorities. All projects in the NLTP are prioritised on a national basis; there are always more bids for funding than there is available funding.

Future stages of the Connecting Mount Maunganui project aren’t funded in the 2024-27 NLTP.

Funding opportunities will be explored to progress Stage 1 SH2 Hewletts Road managed lanes including design, development of the enforcement options, and public consultation.

 We will continue to keep you updated as progress is made.

More information

For more information about the project, visit the Connecting Mount Maunganui website.

If you have any queries or comments, please email: bopprojects@nzta.govt.nz