The New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP) will provide a new rail link to Northport, upgrades to the rail line north of Whangārei and targeted major safety upgrades to State Highway 1 to help everyone get where they’re going safely.

New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP)

The proposal for a new four lane state highway between Whangārei and Port Marsden Highway will not continue. The Government has decided to make the changes to the Northland package to meet climate change, road safety and housing objectives, as well as manage debt responsibly following COVID-19.

The package will support the region’s economic growth, improve supply chain resilience, reduce emissions and improve road safety.

A rail link from Northport to the North Auckland rail line provides increased opportunity for freight transfer to rail from road. Currently, the absence of a rail connection to Northport means any export goods from Whangārei and north must either travel by road to the port, or by road/rail to ports to the south.

This work will be supplemented with further upgrades to the rail line between Otiria and Whangārei, enabling it to carry 18 tonne axle load trains. It builds on existing projects to upgrade and widen tunnels on the rail line between Swanson and Whangārei.

Waka Kotahi led projects:

  • Whangārei and Port Marsden Highway

KiwiRail led projects:

  • Rail link from the North Auckland rail line to Northport and other enabling rail works.
  • Otiria to Whangārei rail line upgrade to take 18 tonne axle loads.