927 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

927 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What consideration did officials give to public interest in transparency when deciding whether to support withholding affordability and value-for-money advice related to the Roads of National Significance programme?

Hon Chris Bishop: Officials recognise that there is high public interest in the Roads of National Significance programme, and this is carefully considered in responses to requests under the Official Information Act. In some cases, information needs to be withheld, particularly where it relates to decisions that are currently being considered by Ministers, or where the information is commercially sensitive. I am currently considering advice in relation to the next steps for funding and delivering the RONS programme and will have more to say about that in due course. Investment cases for the RONS programme have been proactively published on NZTA’s website, and more information will be released as work continues to progress.