29547 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

29547 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Has the Minister sought any advice from the Solicitor-General or any other independent body on whether NZTA's preferential treatment of Wellington Airport over elected MPs in relation to the SH1 Wellington Improvements Project is lawful, and if not, why not?

Hon Chris Bishop: No, I have not sought such advice. Decisions about stakeholder engagement are operational matters for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. I am advised that NZTA engages with a range of stakeholders for this project based on their specific roles, interests, and the impacts of the project, including Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington Airport, local schools, and emergency services. Engagement with these stakeholders has focused on the particular impacts, benefits, and opportunities relevant to each. NZTA also held a four-week period of community engagement in November–December 2025.