5569 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

Written Question

Published date: 09 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	5569 (2026)
Question asked:	22 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Transport
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Bishop
Answer received:	04 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_05569_2026
Document guid:	4bb3454d-5d2b-4efb-b637-451e5ca34466

5569 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What is the current delivery programme (milestones and dates) for (a) completion of geotechnical investigations, (b) route/protected designation steps, (c) procurement, (d) enabling works, and (e) main works for each current tunnel project in Wellington?

Hon Chris Bishop: - Mt Victoria geotechnical investigations completed on 20 February 2026 - Hydrogeological investigations along the proposed route began on 9 February 2026 and will continue through to consent lodgement in mid-2026 - Route protection and designation steps are being progressed through statutory approvals, with intent to seek approval under the Fasttrack Approvals Act 2024, and lodgement of consent applications targeted for mid-2026 - Procurement for a Principal's Technical Advisor (PTA) is underway - NZTA continues to explore options for early works to begin in 2026.