The upgrade programme is helping to stimulate the economy through its $8.7 billion investment in infrastructure.

Jobs are already being supported, with about 800 people developing projects and getting them ready for construction. In addition, the Papakura to Drury South construction will see about 750 people working on the project, with about 100 on site at any one time. 

The number of jobs will grow as more contracts are awarded to complete project designs, finalise construction plans and get workers on site to start construction. About 1400 direct jobs (full time equivalent) will be supported by the upgrade programme.

There will be benefits for the wider economy too, with a total of 5200 jobs supported in the wider supply chain and through the spending resulting from increased employment on the programme.

There’s a wide range of different jobs needed to deliver transport projects. On construction sites they include digger drivers, civil engineers and quantity surveyors. And to carry out the planning, design and consenting work the jobs range from ecologists to accountants, consent planners to risk specialists and engineers.

Key stories

Here’s some of the key stories driving the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.

New business secures major welding contract through Takitimu North Link project

From employee to employer and business owner, Neihana Bennett from Wera Works has successfully secured his first major welding contract on the Takitimu North Link project, part of the NZ Upgrade Programme, which has projects worth $3b under construction across the motu supporting local economies with opportunities for local people and businesses.

As a result of partnership working between Tāngata Whenua, Waka Kotahi, and Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture, a mentoring pathways programme has been developed to support local people with the tools to take the next steps in the industry. We would like to acknowledge the Tāngata Whenua representation who continues to guide and support the development of these broader outcomes.

Find out more about how the Bay of Plenty's largest roading project is transforming the lives of locals

O Mahurangi Penlink – Project Partners

O Mahurangi is the first Auckland project to have iwi partners embedded in the project including on our Project Advisory Board (PAB).

This partnership enables us to have a Te Ao Māori lens across all aspects of the project. With Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a framework, Waka Kotahi and the Alliance will work with our iwi partners to build strong, meaningful and enduring relationships that achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Three iwi representatives from Ngāti Manuhiri, Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngaati Whanaunga sit on the PAB. They each play a full part in the governance of the project, including helping to establish Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and hold the Alliance accountable for their delivery. Iwi partners will also be represented in the management of the project, and across all its aspects.

Community impacts

Gioja Townshend's story

Kuku resident Gioja Townshend has lived next to SH1 for 17 years and welcomes safety improvements on SH1.

Gioja says while this investment in safety is positive news, the decision to continue building the new highway will make an even bigger difference. “Building the new highway is quite simply the most essential safety and road network improvement for our region. It’s not a nice to have, it’s a must have.”

Find out more about Gioja Townshend's story

Kindergarten children gift name to 280 tonne crane on Takitimu North Link project

After many rounds of brain storming, involving princesses and marvel characters, the children at Te Puna Kindergarten settled on a very special name for the 280 tonne crane at Minden Gully… Crusher Gordon. The name was selected by the children in memory of the late Gordon Burr, who had a very close relationship with the kindergarten.

Farmer Burr lived next door and opened up his property to the tamariki to learn about all things farming and growing. The Takitimu North Link project team welcomed the youngsters onto the site for a close-up look at Crusher Gordon, and an extra surprise.

Takitimu North Link team’s helping hand to neighbours

After Cyclone Gabrielle, our Takitimu North Link team were initially unable to get much construction work done due to the weather, so instead offered support to the community for any outdoor maintenance needed to help those in need.

Numerous weather events caused significant damage to people’s homes, communities, transport networks and other infrastructure. Some regions experienced multiple power outages and total loss of communications.

Waka Kotahi Infrastructure Delivery Regional Manager Jo Wilton mentions that an email was sent to help residents with cleaning up sections of their neighbourhoods, unblocking drains, and assist in whatever way needed.

Jo Wilton says Waka Kotahi received about 30 responses to their community call out. “Most of the requests have been to help out with clearing trees and large branches that have come down during the cyclone.” Others just needed some general yard work done.

Eighty-five-year-old Bethlehem resident Mary Watson jumped at the opportunity to get some free garden maintenance from our project team and was very thankful for the help.

Thomas Courtney, left, Bethlehem resident Mary Watson and Campbell Harrison happy with the garden clean

Sustainability Outcomes

iTwin – we win! Takitimu North Link wins international award

The Takitimu North Link transport project has been recognised as world-class for a digital approach to its design and construction that will reduce carbon emissions and improve construction efficiency.

The project in the western Bay of Plenty was awarded winner in the Roads and Highways category at Bentley Systems 2022 Going Digital Awards in Infrastructure on 15 November 2022 in London. The annual awards programme celebrates the work of Bentley software users who are progressing infrastructure design, construction, and operations throughout the world.

As the lead design consultant on the project, Beca has implemented an integrated, model-based digital approach that continues to complement the work being delivered by the project constructor Fulton Hogan HEB Construction Joint Venture and design sub-consultant Holmes Group.

A key focus in designing and delivering the Takitimu North Link, part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, has been around sustainability, reducing construction emissions and construction efficiency.

Hybrid Bulldozers at O Mahurangi – Penlink

One way the O Mahurangi – Penlink project team are reducing construction carbon is using hybrid bulldozers on site to carry out excavation and earthworks tasks. These machines have proven to be an innovative and sustainable addition to our construction fleet.

Currently, the project team has four CAT D7E hybrid bulldozers on site to tow scoops. The bulldozers and scoops work in tandem to move large amounts of soil and rocks, aiding in progressing earthworks.

CAT D7E bulldozers have a diesel engine that runs electric drive motors. Compared to an equal sized diesel dozer, hybrid bulldozers operate at a lower RPM and result in a 10% carbon reduction. This aligns with our commitment to reducing the project's construction carbon.

The hybrid bulldozers are working well with one bulldozer and scoop combination moving up to 800 cubic metres of material per day. To date, the total Cut 10 volume is 48,219 cubic metres and total dirt moved is 56,492 cubic metres. The hybrid bulldozers keep us on track to meet project deadlines while minimising construction carbon.

Read more about the hybrid bulldozers at O Mahurangi – Penlink(external link)

One of the CAT D7E hybrid bulldozers on our construction site

Improving safety

Building network resilience

Supporting economic growth

Enhancing walking and cycling