38037 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

38037 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What proportion of the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway’s total cost is allocated to contingency, and what is the process for authorising contingency drawdown?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised by NZTA that making provision for contingencies is a normal part of project management. However, the total amount of that contingency is not disclosed for commercial reasons. Any drawdown of any contingency would require approval from both design and construction team leaders. This ensures all cost-saving opportunities are thoroughly explored and that project controls and mitigation measures are fully implemented before the contingency is utilised.