Northwest Busway Will Transform Auckland's Western Suburbs
The decision today by the NZ Transport Agency to endorse the Northwest Busway investment case is welcome news for West Auckland residents, says EMA's Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald.
'We've seen the success of the Northern Busway in significantly reducing traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge,' he says.
'There is no doubt that the Northwest Busway will have a similarly transformative impact on Auckland's burgeoning north-western suburbs.'
Today's decision follows other significant infrastructure announcements by the government this week, including the preferred corridor for a four-lane connection over the Brynderwyn Hills to Whangārei, as well as the Tauriko four-laning and Takitimu North projects in Tauranga.
'Together, these major roading projects will generate thousands of jobs and provide much needed work for the construction sector.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Contractor Being Sought For Work On Major Rolleston Project
Press Release – NZ Transport Agency The project team has completed design, property acquisition and consenting to enable construction on Stage 1 to start in October this year, with planned completion in December next year. A major roading project at Rolleston, near Christchurch, has reached a fresh milestone with a call going out for a contractor to carry out physical work on Stage 1 of the project. The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project – a Road of Regional Significance – will provide transport improvements through Rolleston that mean better connections for people and businesses. 'Rolleston is at the heart of the Selwyn District, which has been the fastest growing district in New Zealand, which makes these transport improvements all the more important,' says regional manager for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Sean Walsh. Stage 1 involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with State Highway 1 that will make it easier and safer to enter and exit Rolleston and the industrial area from the south. This will provide efficiencies for freight as they will have a less congested connection into the industrial area. The project team has completed design, property acquisition and consenting to enable construction on Stage 1 to start in October this year (once a contractor has been appointed), with planned completion in December next year. Stage 2 includes a flyover connecting Rolleston township with business/industrial areas, improved safety at high-risk highway intersections, the removal of the two signalised intersections on SH1 (Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North), the extension of the two southbound lanes on the motorway to just south of the proposed bridge at Rolleston, a southbound service lane to access businesses and Rolleston town centre, and major safety improvements and upgrades to the rail level crossing at Hoskyns Rd. Work continues on design, property acquisition and consenting for Stage 2, with an anticipated construction start date of October 2026. Last week NZTA issued a Request for Tenders for the Stage 1 physical works contract for the construction of a roundabout at the SH1/ Dunns Crossing Rd/Walkers Rd intersection, realignment and widening of the SH1, Dunns Crossing Rd, and Walkers Rd carriageways; efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange and the construction of a new – and the removal of the existing – rail level crossing on Walkers Rd. 'The work will mean some disruption, but of course we will be doing everything we can to minimise that disruption for road users and the adjacent community,' Mr Walsh says. 'It's a positive sign to see progress on projects like this one, adding to a series of projects already underway or in planning on the state highway corridor between Timaru and Lyttelton ports. These include a second Ashburton bridge and the upgrade of SH76/Brougham Street which was formally launched last week.' The full Rolleston Access Improvements project is estimated for completion in late 2028, at a current estimated cost of between $180 to $200 million, including contingencies. Read more about the project here. Later this month, the project team will be out and about in Rolleston to chat with people about the project. These drop-in sessions will be a great chance to ask questions, view plans, and learn more about what's coming. The drop-in sessions are as follows:
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Employment Relations Amendment Bill Passes First Reading
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden welcomes the successful first reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, calling it a major milestone in helping businesses employ and contract with confidence. The Employment Relations Amendment Bill will now be considered by the Education and Workforce Select Committee where people can have their say on the proposed changes. 'This Bill reflects the Government's commitment to supporting New Zealand businesses and creating more and better opportunities for workers.' The legislation delivers on key commitments from the ACT–National Coalition Agreement, including: Clarifying the distinction between employment and contracting arrangements, giving greater certainty to both businesses and workers. Simplifying the personal grievance process, including the introduction of an income threshold of $180,000, above which unjustified dismissal claims cannot be pursued. This Bill also proposes removing the 30-day rule, allowing employers and employees to negotiate mutually beneficial terms from the start of employment, reducing compliance burden and increasing flexibility. 'I encourage all interested New Zealanders to have their say on the Bill, and I see the Select Committee process as an important way of strengthening the final Bill and making sure it works for a wide variety of working relationships and situations. 'I am particularly interested in hearing feedback on whether the gateway test criteria are workable and whether the test covers a variety of genuine contracting relationships. I am also interested in hearing feedback on the high-income threshold for personal grievances, both from those who may use it as an employer and those who would be affected as a worker. 'I am looking forward to hearing what New Zealanders have to say about the Bill during the Select Committee process,' says Ms van Velden. Notes:
NZ Herald
13-07-2025
- NZ Herald
EMA urges collaboration for effective vocational education reform
EMA pushes for industry partnership in New Zealand vocational training reform. Photo / NZ Herald Opinion by Joanna Hall Joanna Hall is the Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Lead of Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA). THE FACTS After years of sweeping reforms, financial pressures and structural upheaval, New Zealand's vocational education and training (VET) system stands at a critical crossroads. The Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill now before Parliament offers an opportunity to rebuild confidence, lift quality and finally deliver
