Over the next three years this National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver transport solutions that will help communities across New Zealand thrive.


Upper North Island

Four regions make up the upper North Island area: Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The area is vital to New Zealand’s social and economic success, home to over half of New Zealand’s population, and generating more than 50% of the national GDP. The main urban centres in the upper North Island are all experiencing strong population growth.

Northland

Northland is a sub-tropical and mostly rural peninsula, where rich soils and plenty of rain provide the basis for the rural economy. Dairying, farming, forestry and horticulture are key activities. Northland also has a strong industrial base and its location close to Auckland and key ports offers significant opportunities for growth.

Auckland

Achieving an effective and efficient transport system is central to supporting Auckland’s future.

Auckland is home to a third of all New Zealanders. By 2030, almost 2 million people are expected to live in the city, compared to 3 million people living in the rest of New Zealand. Around 400,000 new homes will be needed to house the projected population growth and all of these new homes will need to have access to the transport network.

Waikato

The Waikato region forms a key part of the upper North Island. The upper North Island is home to over half of New Zealand’s population, employment and GDP. It also accounts for around 50% of the total freight volume and movement.

Bay of Plenty

Transport investment in the Bay of Plenty is targeted to support significant residential growth, new industrial land development and jobs, while also ensuring efficient freight movement and access to the Port of Tauranga. The region is a key part of the upper North Island, which is home to over half of New Zealand’s population, employment and GDP.

Gisborne

Investment in the Gisborne region from the 2015-18 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) is primarily focused on developing and maintaining a resilient transport network. Roads in the region are a lifeline for the local population and enable the efficient movement of freight, on which the economy depends.

Hawke's Bay

The Hawke’s Bay region is experiencing a prolonged period of economic growth and significant investment is being made in the transport infrastructure to support the increased demand on the transport network, particularly from freight.

Taranaki

Taranaki’s economy is built on industry and exports, meaning freight continues to be a major transport focus. The Fonterra plant at Hawera is the second largest dairy processing facility in the southern hemisphere and processes up to 14,000 litres of raw milk per day. The plant generates a significant percentage of freight in Taranaki, as it currently collects milk from most of the lower North Island.

Manawatu-Whanganui

The Manawatu-Whanganui region’s position at the axis of the main north to south and east to west routes in the southern North Island mean it is ideally positioned to be a significant distribution hub. Its economy is heavily reliant on transport of produce to market, resulting in high volumes of freight traffic in and beyond the region.