30624 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

30624 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Further to reply 27647 (2026), does the Government dispute that specific figure, and if so, what is its own estimate?

Hon Chris Bishop: The Infrastructure Commission’s estimate was based on the best information available at the time, including assumptions about project scope, cost, and future investment. As advised in my response to Written Parliamentary Question 27643 (2026), cost estimates for the Northland Corridor continue to be refined through procurement processes and detailed design. The Government has also signalled its intention to deliver the Northland Corridor in stages, subject to funding, approvals, and further analysis. Commercial negotiations for the Public-Private Partnership contract for the Warkworth to Te Hana section are currently underway. Final project costs will be confirmed once these processes are completed. As further information becomes available, the Infrastructure Commission may wish to update its estimate accordingly.