Northland Expressway: A Major Investment in Regional Growth

The development of the four-lane Northern Expressway is set to enhance Northland’s resilience while supporting future growth in the region.

The Government will officially open Registrations of Interest for the first stage of the Northland Expressway at the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit, starting today, as announced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

The new expressway aims to improve connectivity between Northland and Auckland by providing a resilient, safe, and efficient transport corridor. This infrastructure project is expected to stimulate economic growth, increase productivity, and improve living standards for both Northlanders and Aucklanders.

The Waikato Expressway, completed under a previous National-led Government, has significantly benefited the Waikato region. Similarly, the Northland Expressway presents a transformative opportunity to create jobs and drive economic expansion in Northland while strengthening its link to New Zealand’s largest city.

The upper North Island plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy, with Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty collectively representing 53.7 per cent of the country’s population (2.7 million people) and contributing 55.5 per cent of GDP ($215 billion). This project is positioned as a strategic investment not only in Northland but also in the broader upper North Island region.

Project Scope and Timeline

The first stage of the Northland Expressway will cover a 26km stretch from Warkworth to Te Hana. This section will be built to expressway standards and will integrate with the newly completed Pūhoi to Warkworth Expressway. The indicative design includes an 850m twin-bore tunnel through the Dome Valley, as well as three key interchanges located at Warkworth, Wellsford, and Te Hana.

The Warkworth to Te Hana segment is the most advanced in terms of designation, consents, and property acquisition, allowing construction to commence ahead of other sections. This stage of the project will also address resilience issues in the Dome Valley.

NZTA is continuing to plan and design the remaining sections of the corridor, with an announcement on the preferred route for Sections 2 and 3, including an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills, expected soon.

Significant international interest has been recorded in the Warkworth to Te Hana project following extensive market engagement by NZTA. Cabinet has approved the next stage of procurement, confirming that the project will be delivered as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Procurement and Construction Timeline

Formal procurement will begin with the Registration of Interest process, allowing registered parties to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit formal expressions of interest in the middle of the year. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is scheduled for mid-2025, with up to three shortlisted bidders expected. A preferred bidder will be announced in early 2026, and the PPP contract is anticipated to be finalised by mid-2026.

Detailed design and construction for the Warkworth to Te Hana section are set to begin in late 2026. While the final completion date will be determined following the procurement process, the project is estimated to be completed around 2034.

The Northland Expressway is expected to utilise provisions from the Fast-track Approvals Act and the recently announced Public Works Act changes for critical infrastructure projects.

This investment is a significant milestone for Northland’s development, unlocking economic potential while providing long-term opportunities for the infrastructure sector. The project is also expected to strengthen New Zealand’s supply chain and enhance regional connectivity for decades to come.