📋 Tender Overview
A major transport upgrade for the Western Bay of Plenty has received Fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
NZTA lodged its application in August 2025 to build about 7.7 kilometres of new highway in the Bay of Plenty.
Approval has taken just five months following the commencement of the expert panel, says Mr Bishop.
The Government is committed to building a long-term pipeline of transport infrastructure investments to redress New Zealands infrastructure deficit and build jobs and growth for Kiwis.
The Takitimu North Link - Stage 2 Road of National Significance will be a four lane, median-divided highway between Te Puna and Omokoroa, improving safety and reliability on one of the regions busiest routes.
Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is now four years into construction, with major structures largely complete. All bridge construction is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the project is expected to be fully completed in 2028.
The new road will provide a safer and more reliable trip between Te Puna and Omokoroa, supporting regional growth and productivity. It will improve travel times for all transport modes and enhanced reliability and safety for commuters.
NZTA estimates the project could deliver around 610 million in economic output for the Bay of Plenty region and provide more than 4,800 jobs over the development period.
Its part of the Governments work to ensure New Zealand has a credible pipeline of high value infrastructure projects extending into the future, and that theyre ready to go as funding becomes available.
This is the 14th project approved through the Fast-track process and the first roading project.
Notes to editors:
For more information about the project: Takitimu North Link - Stage 2
Fast-track by the numbers:
14 projects approved by expert panels.
20 projects with expert panels appointed.
149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
46 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
34 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
On average, it has taken 128 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:
Arataki
Homestead Bay
Sunfield [Housing/Land]
Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension []
Drury Metropolitan Centre - Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 []
Drury Quarry Expansion - Sutton Block []
Green Steel [Infrastructure]
Kings Quarry Expansion - Stages 2 and 3 []
Maitahi Village []
Milldale - Stages 4C and 10 to 13 []
Rangitoopuni []
Tekapo Power Scheme - Applications for Replacement Resource Consents []
Takitimu North Link - Stage 2
Waihi North []
Expert panels have been appointed for:
Ashbourne
Ayrburn Screen Hub
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
Delmore
Haldon Solar Farm
Hananui Aquaculture Project
Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
Lake Pukaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
Mahinerangi Wind Farm
Pound Road Industrial Development
Ryans Road Industrial Development
Southland Wind Farm Project
State Highway 1 North Canterbury - Woodend Bypass Project Belfast to Pegasus
Stella Passage Development Port of Tauranga
The Downtown Carpark Site Development
The Point Mission Bay
The Point Solar Farm
Waitaha Hydro
Waitakere District Court - New Courthouse Project
Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal
