RiverLink partners are celebrating signing an Interim Project Alliance Agreement that sees AECOM-Fletcher becoming RiverLink’s delivery alliance.
RiverLink will deliver crucial flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes, local roads and the SH2 Melling Interchange for the local community. It will also help revitalise Lower Hutt’s city centre.
The Minister of Transport, Hon. Michael Wood, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter and Mana Whenua Steering Group Interim Chair Lee Hunter were on hand for today’s event. The alliance agreement means the project can move into the detailed design and planning phase ahead of main construction beginning later this year.
RiverLink event attendees 2 May 2023.
Back row (left to right): Rod James (RiverLink Programme Director), Mike Elliot (Fletcher Construction), Craig Davidson (AECOM NZ), Will Peet (RiverLink Board Chair), Mark Kinvig (Waka Kotahi)
Front row (left to right): Kesh Keshaboina (Waka Kotahi), Daran Ponter (Greater Wellington, Chair), Hon Ginny Andersen (Hutt South MP), Hon Michael Wood (Ministry of Transport), Campbell Barry (Mayor of Lower Hutt), Lee Hunter (Mana Whenua Steering Group Chair, Taranaki Whanui)
RiverLink Programme Director, Rod James, welcomes the signing, saying it’s the first step for some big changes for Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai (Lower Hutt).
“It’s a major milestone for the programme. RiverLink removes a major pinch point in the river corridor, significantly improves flood protection, and makes the State Highway 2 corridor much safer. It will help Lower Hutt become a true river city, putting our taonga – Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River – at the heart of the community,” Mr James says.
RiverLink’s Board Chair, Will Peet, is excited to see the AECOM-Fletcher alliance begin its work.
“It’s been a long time in the making, but we’re here now and are confident about the work ahead. We will use our partners’ knowledge and expertise, and that of the alliance, to make sure RiverLink is delivered successfully and gets a great outcome for the community.”
Strong relationships have been key in getting the programme to where it is today and will be fundamental to its ongoing success.
The RiverLink partners are looking forward to working with AECOM-Fletcher to achieve the best outcomes for our people, communities, and environment.
General Manager of Fletcher Construction Major Projects, Mike Elliot, and AECOM New Zealand Managing Director, Craig Davidson, are delighted to be part of the project.
“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a legacy of benefits that will positively impact the environment and the wider Hutt community for generations to come.”
Notes for media:
