As we progress this project, it is a priority for us to work closely with all our stakeholders, including mana whenua, landowners, councils and the community. Engagements and conversations we have had to date have given us a better understanding of some of the constraints and challenges facing this project. We wouldn’t have arrived at this stage without going through this process, and we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their insights. Local feedback will continue to be instrumental as we continue to shape the transport plans for the Western Corridor.
Waka Kotahi worked with the three local councils Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, mana whenua and stakeholders, landowners and the wider community to come up with a set of proposed improvements for the Western Corridor. As part of the last two rounds of engagement, in 2021 and 2022, we met with landowners, residents and businesses on the corridor, and the community, to seek their feedback on the short-listed options and then on the emerging preferred option. We heard valuable feedback through this process which helped us finalise the recommended option and progress the Detailed Business Case which is now ready for endorsement.
Milestones and engagement timeline
2017
Engagement on the vision for Tauriko West, Transport Network Plan recommendations, changes to the urban limits and boundary adjustments.
Information Day [PDF, 3.8 MB] and Programme Business Case [PDF, 5.4 MB]
2018–2020
Change of the urban limits line within the Regional Policy Statement. The change was approved in October 2018.
Engagement on the boundary alteration process, including Local Government Commission process. The boundary change came into effect on 1 January 2021.
2021
Engagement on the draft structure plan, the enabling transport works and the short list for the long-term state highway improvements.
Information Day [PDF, 11 MB] and Summary of feedback [PDF, 1.9 MB]
2022
Community engagement on the emerging preferred option for the long-term transport improvements, the enabling works and on planning for the new community at Tauriko West.
Information Day [PDF, 7.2 MB] and Summary of engagement [PDF, 334 KB]
2023
Board Endorsement of Detailed Business Case and recommended option
Detailed Business Case [PDF, 6 MB] and recommended option [PDF, 958 KB]
2024
Public notification of the proposal to rezone Tauriko West in the Tauranga City Plan to enable urban development in March 2024.
Construction of the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works starts in March 2024.
The Tauriko West project has been prioritised for delivery as one of the Roads of National Significance and is confirmed in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). The change of phasing is confirmed.
Project update [PDF, 1.6 MB] and change of phasing [PDF, 210 KB]
2025
Tauriko West plan change adopted in March 2025.
Tauriko West Investment Case endorsed in April 2025.
Project update [PDF, 1.4 MB] and investment case summary [PDF, 3.3 MB]
Ōmanawa Bridge replacement detailed design complete June 2025.
Project information sheet [PDF, 2 MB]
Ongoing
Engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders, landowners and key interest groups.
