51418 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

51418 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Further to his response to WPQ 50091 (2025), has NZTA modelled potential additional maintenance costs if further severe weather events occur before the alternative route is completed?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised that no formal modelling has been undertaken to estimate additional maintenance costs in the event of further severe weather events. While it is anticipated that future weather events may have some impact, the nature and extent of such impacts are inherently difficult to predict. However, recent events have shown relatively low reactive repair costs – approximately $10,000 and $25,000 respectively for the last two events. The extensive recovery and resilience works completed following Cyclone Gabrielle have significantly improved the road’s ability to withstand weather events.