Waitematā Harbour Connections

18 November 2022

Waitematā Harbour Connections planning work is underway

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and partners, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and Ngā Iwi Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau have embarked on a crucial phase in the planning of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant city shaping project, Waitematā Harbour Connections.

Waitematā Harbour Connections will provide for a fully multi-modal solution for people wanting to walk, cycle, transport freight, drive, take the bus or travel by light rail across the Waitematā Harbour, connecting people to transport options across the region.

Planning work is underway to investigate what new infrastructure is needed to cater for these modes, where it will go, and how we make the best use of our existing infrastructure including the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Research Data

Independent research recently conducted by Waka Kotahi shows overwhelming support for more connections over the Waitematā Harbour with eight out of 10 Aucklanders expressing the need for additional connections.

Have your say

Waitematā Harbour Connections is a substantial city-shaping undertaking, and comprehensive engagement is essential to helping shape the future vision of this legacy project.

We are engaging now to understand people’s vision for this transformational transport programme and the future of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. From early next year, we will share more information on the possible solutions and ask for feedback on specific options to help shape the project as it moves forward.

The Minister of Transport and local MPs will be joining the Waitematā Harbour Connections project team at some upcoming markets to talk to interested locals about the project. 

We invite you to come and join us at the following community events, with more planned in the new year:

• 19 November: 8am – 2 pm: Britomart community market
• 27 November: 4:30pm – 7.30pm: Highbury Night Market
• 3 December: 10am – 3pm: I Love Takapuna Christmas carnival
• 11 December: 8.30am – 12 pm: Grey Lynn Farmers Market

Please visit our website to read more information about the project, read our e-brochure, and fill in the survey.

Meet the Alliance

An experienced alliance team of four companies including skilled individuals from New Zealand-based and international firms: WSP, Beca, SYSTRA and Cox Architecture, have been selected to deliver the next phase of the Waitematā Harbour Connections project.

Read more: Alliance partners announced to progress transformational Auckland infrastructure projects | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz)

Waitematā Harbour – a Taonga

The Waitematā Harbour has significant cultural, social and environmental value and this value is felt far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau. There is a long history of planning work for improvements to cross-harbour connections, with at least ten major studies conducted over the past 30 years, which are informing this current phase.

Project partners Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau are providing guidance and leadership to ensure Mana Whenua values to uphold and protect the status of Te Waitematā as a taonga (treasure) will be reflected throughout the project planning.

For future connections, significant consideration will be given to the Government and Aotearoa New Zealand’s commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and will be supported by the Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway (TERP), developed by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport (AT) in response to te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri Auckland’s Climate Plan.

A connected rapid transit network

A well connected, sustainable, resilient, and reliable transport system gives people more choices, helps tackle harmful pollution, encourages quality growth, and supports a productive economy.

Waitematā Harbour Connections is a key part in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s rapid transit journey, unlocking even more benefits for the region by using rapid transit to move people across the harbour. A new light rail connection will supplement the existing Northern Busway, integrating effectively with the wider public transport network to keep up with growing passenger demand.

Waitematā Harbour Connections will integrate with the Auckland Light Rail project and rapid transit to the Northwest (currently being investigated) to allow people to travel seamlessly from the North Shore to the city centre and beyond.

Next steps

There will be further opportunities to have your say in 2023 with public consultation on a short list of options early 2023.

A recommendation following this planning and engagement work will be delivered mid next year (2023) to outline the way forward for the project.

Although the long-term solutions may take some time to deliver, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi are already progressing enhancements to the Northern Busway to help keep up with growing bus patronage and ease pressure on the transport system.

Want to keep hearing from us?

As work accelerates to transform Aucklanders’ travel, we will continue to keep you updated on progress on this significant city shaping project, via this monthly newsletter.

For more information and to sign up for updates, see the project website: Waitematā Harbour Connections | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency or email awhc@nzta.govt.nz to contact the project team.