2334 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

2334 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What was the primary reason for the delay in work commencing on the Riverlink Project?

Hon Chris Bishop: I can only comment on NZTA's scope of work (Melling Transport Improvements) within the Riverlink Project. Similar to what happened with other projects, decisions made under the previous government to re-evaluate the Melling project in 2018 resulted in significant delays, not delivery. NZTA is working closely with councils to finalise the design and delivery programme for Riverlink as part of our plan to get transport back on track. Once the Project Alliance Agreement (delivery contract) has been signed, NZTA will be able to confirm the estimated completion date for their project. However, several projects as part of the early works programme for Riverlink are ongoing or have been completed. This includes advance works such as property removals and demolition, geotechnical investigations, the relocation of the skate park and the construction of the Mills Street stop bank.