5566 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

5566 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What physical works (if any) beyond investigation (e.g., site clearance, demolition, utility relocations, retaining works) have commenced for the Wellington tunnel duplication(s), and what evidence supports that such works have commenced (contracts, permits, invoices, work orders)?

Hon Chris Bishop: No physical works have commenced beyond the current investigations. Investigations undertaken to date includes geotechnical investigations in the Wellington Town Belt and hydrogeological investigations in Kilbirnie Park. As outlined in my press release of 20 October 2025, funding of $185 million has been approved to progress the pre- implementation phase for the project (design and consenting). A further $53 million has been allocated to purchase properties required for the project.