1962 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

1962 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What advice, reports, briefings, or correspondence has he or his predecessor received, if any, from Waka Kotahi, local authorities, or officials identifying critical information gaps, insufficient detail, or inadequate modelling in major state highway or transport infrastructure proposals since 27 November 2023, and which councils raised those concerns?

Hon Chris Bishop: As Minister of Transport, my predecessor and I have received thousands of pieces of advice and correspondence since November 2023. Reviewing all of these to identify any raised concerns would be a considerable task. However, a list of advice given by NZTA to Ministers during this time is available online at: www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/advice-provided-to-ministers. NZTA regularly interacts with councils through its established programmes, projects, and governance forums. When concerns about critical information gaps, insufficient detail, or inadequate modelling are raised, NZTA will follow up by providing additional materials, clarifying expectations, and enhancing engagement practices. This includes sharing information earlier in project development where possible, enabling councils to fulfil their statutory and planning responsibilities.