6092 (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:	6092 (2026)
Question asked:	24 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_06092_2026
Document guid:	085451d1-9f62-4dad-aa5d-dbfb680e5185

6092 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Does he agree with Tim Costley that “the geotechnical work has already begun” for the second Mt Victoria Tunnel (and/or the Terrace Tunnel duplication); if so, what evidence supports this, if any, including (a) the contract(s) let, (b) the contract value(s), (c) the notice-to-proceed date(s), and (d) the scope of work?

Hon Chris Bishop: Yes, I do. Geotechnical investigations were completed on 20 February 2026. The evidence is that there were contractors undertaking this work in the Town Belt between November 2025 and February 2026. Further information is available on the NZTA website at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-wellington-improvements/mt-victoria-tunnel-geotechnical-investigations.