7430 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

7430 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: When were the wetlands discovered on the Ōtaki to North of Levin construction site, and what is NZTA's current estimate of the cost and schedule impact?

Hon Chris Bishop: The additional wetlands were identified following NZTA and its alliances attaining full access to property which forms the project alignment, in August and October 2025. There is currently no impact on cost or schedule, although if the risk were to be realised the equivalent monetised value has been calculated as $1.5 million. Cost and schedule factors are being constantly monitored.