A report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research found a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau could boost national GDP by $1.2 billion per year by 2050.
A report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research found a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau could boost national GDP by $1.2 billion per year by 2050.
Northland transport leaders have dubbed the Government’s move to open procurement for a public-private partnership to build and run the new Northland Expressway as “a game-changer” for the region.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced on Monday the Government would formally openregistrations of interest for the first stage of the Northland Expressway at this week’s NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit.
The first stage of the project – a 26km stretch from Warkworth to Te Hana - will include an 850m tunnel bored through the Dome Valley, and three interchanges, located at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana.
Northland Corporate Group co-chairman Andrew McLeod said the opening of the procurement phase “was positive news for Northland and the national economy”.
The geotechnical team on location in the Dome Valley. The Warkworth to Te Hana alignment will run through the valley in the background.
A high-quality, four-lane expressway between Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau could boost national GDP by $1.2 billion per year by 2050, he said.
Other benefits included faster travel speeds, fewer road closures and diversions, enhanced resilience against extreme weather events and a reduction in car accidents.
It would also stimulate population growth and migration from Auckland, while boosting Northland’s tourism sector.
“We’re thrilled to see the commitment to helping Northland prosper which, in turn, will deliver economic paybacks for the whole country.”
Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leah McKerrow said the expressway announcement was a confidence boost that Northland needs.
Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leah McKerrow said she was delighted with the announcement, which was “a confidence boost that we really need”.
The highway would open up “access and opportunity” for two-way contributions between Auckland and Northland, she said.
However, it was “critical” the project had commitment from all parties, McKerrow said.
“We don’t want it to become politically-driven. We’ve got to have confidence that it will be continued.”
The Government’s Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland on Thursday and Friday was aimed at attracting partners for this public-private partnership (PPP), and others.
Attendees included firms that collectively have more than $6 trillion under management.
AA Northland District Council chairwoman Tracey Rissetto said it would be heartening to see people driving on safer Northland roads.
A large Italian firm has confirmed it would bid to build and run the first 26km stretch of the Northland Expressway.
Guido Cacciaguerra, the Australia-based head of PPPs for Italian Webuild, a multinational industrial group specialising in construction and civil engineering, confirmed the bid at the summit on Thursday.
AA Northland District Council chairwoman Tracey Rissetto had nothing but “positive words” for the Government’s progress on the project, which would “promote economic benefits not only to Northland, but what Northland can give to the rest of New Zealand”.
“When we get good links, we’ll be able to add to the GDP for all of New Zealand.
A completion date will be confirmed after procurement, but is expected to be around 2034.
Bishop said the rest of the project – Te Hana to Port Marsden and Port Marsden to Whangārei - would be built in stages.
“ ... sections two and three, including an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills, will be announced soon,” he said.
Northland Expressway benefits
Increase national GDP by $1.2b a year by 2050
Boost Northland business revenue and reduce costs by over 5%
Unlock up to $38.3b in regional investment
Create up to 5960 jobs (employment up 4.1%, wages up 4.2%)
Increase exports by more than 14%
Generate over $220 million in tax revenue annually for the Government
Create around 5000 new businesses
Source: New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with roading, lifestyle, business, and animal welfare issues.
