7427 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

Written Question

Published date: 23 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	7427 (2026)
Question asked:	08 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Transport
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Bishop
Answer received:	17 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_07427_2026
Document guid:	9e2bfdc3-a33b-4b38-bb90-7b07ba07118f

7427 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: How many parcels of land required for the Ōtaki to North of Levin project remain subject to Māori Land Court proceedings, what is the expected resolution timeline, and what is the contingency plan if hearings extend beyond the first quarter of 2026?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised that there are 6 properties awaiting Maori Land Court (MLC) hearings. Applications have been submitted, and NZTA is working closely with the landowners’ advisor for the MLC process, but does not have control over the resolution timeline. There is a Licence to Occupy (LTO) in place, signed by the landowners to allow the project to carry out works on the land.