34403 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

34403 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What contractual remedies or abatements apply if the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway does not open in 2033 or if works are not completed in 2034?

Hon Chris Bishop: NZTA has not agreed on a liquidated damages (or similar) regime regarding potential delays to the road opening date under the Project Agreement. There are incentives for Northway to achieve road opening in line with the contracted date including in the event of such a delay. NZTA applying additional charges for damages was not considered appropriate or necessary as the unitary payments do not start until the road is open.