Govt Advances Northland Expressway with Registration of Interest Process

Government Opens Registrations of Interest for Northland Expressway’s First Stage.

The New Zealand Government is taking a significant step forward in the development of the Northland Expressway, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirming that Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the first stage of the project will open at the upcoming NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit.

Transformational Growth for Northland and Upper North Island

The Northland Expressway is set to be a game changer, providing a resilient, safe, and efficient transport link between Northland and Auckland. The initiative aims to unlock economic growth, boost productivity, and improve living standards for both Northlanders and Aucklanders.

Minister Bishop highlighted the impact of previous infrastructure investments, stating, “The Waikato Expressway, delivered by the last National-led Government, has transformed the Waikato region. The Northland Expressway presents a similarly transformational opportunity, creating jobs, increasing connectivity, and enhancing economic prospects in an area brimming with potential.”

The upper North Island is a key economic hub, with Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty collectively accounting for 53.7% of New Zealand’s population (2.7 million people) and 55.5% of GDP ($215 billion). This project is not just an investment in Northland but in the entire upper North Island’s infrastructure and economic future.

Project Scope and Key Features

The first stage of the Northland Expressway spans 26km from Warkworth to Te Hana. This four-lane, expressway-standard road will connect seamlessly with the recently completed Pūhoi to Warkworth Expressway. Key design elements include:

• An 850m twin-bore tunnel through Dome Valley, resolving critical resilience challenges.
• Three major interchanges located at Warkworth, Wellsford, and Te Hana.

With significant progress in designation, consents, and property acquisition, this section is the most advanced and will be the first to begin construction.

Planning for Future Sections

NZTA is actively working on planning and designing the remaining sections of the corridor. Decisions regarding Sections 2 and 3, including a new route to replace the existing Brynderwyn Hills road, will be announced soon.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Procurement Timeline

Following extensive market engagement, there has been strong international interest in the project. The Government has confirmed that the Warkworth to Te Hana section will be delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Cabinet has approved NZTA to proceed with procurement, with key milestones including:

• March 2025: Request for Proposals (RFP) issued to up to three shortlisted bidders.
• Early 2026: Preferred bidder announcement.
• Mid-2026: PPP contract finalization.
• Late 2026: Construction commencement.
• Expected completion: Around 2034 (final timeline to be confirmed during procurement).

Accelerated Delivery through Fast-Track Approvals

To ensure efficient project delivery, the Northland Expressway will leverage the Fast-track Approvals Act and recent amendments to the Public Works Act for critical infrastructure projects.

“This milestone is a huge step forward for growth in Northland,” Minister Bishop stated. “This investment will not only unlock economic potential but also provide long-term opportunities for the infrastructure sector, strengthening New Zealand’s supply chain resilience.”

The Northland Expressway represents a bold investment in New Zealand’s future, ensuring stronger regional connectivity, economic development, and improved transport infrastructure for generations to come.