The National-led government has been hard at work as 2024 gets underway, with several big announcements already about our priorities over the coming months.

Some of the key issues I will talk about in this email newsletter include:

• Draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport released
• An update on the Pakuranga Road roadworks near the Plaza and next stages of the Eastern Busway

If you would like to get in touch with me please don't hesitate to contact my office by calling 09 572 0000 or emailing [email protected].

Draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport

Earlier this week, I announced alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon the release of the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government's transport priorities going forward.

The key message of this announcement is that the government is committed to delivering the transport infrastructure New Zealand needs sooner rather than later. We will be investing around $7 billion per year over the next three years into projects that prioritise economic growth and productivity, increased maintenance and resilience, safety, and value for money.

We are reintroducing the successful Roads of National Significance programme, with 15 projects designated as priorities to enable people and freight to get around more efficiently. The draft GPS also commits more than $2 billion each to public transport services and public transport infrastructure over the next three years, to provide reliable public transport options across the country.

We will also increase the national road maintenance budget by $640 million more than the previous GPS released by the last government in August 2023, to ensure our roads are kept safe and fit for purpose. Finally, we have committed $500 million to a new Pothole Prevention Fund, to fix the more than 60,000 potholes in need of repair across our State Highway network.

This GPS supports the Coalition Government's key objectives of upgrading and better maintaining our transport infrastructure, to get New Zealand moving again quickly and safely.

For more information on the draft Government Policy Statement, click here to view my press releases, or click here to download the GPS document in full.

An update on the Pakuranga Road roadworks and the Eastern Busway

Over the last few weeks, I have fielded several queries from Pakuranga residents asking about the roadworks on Pakuranga Road and when they will finish.

The good news is that there isn't much longer to go. Auckland Transport (AT) have provided me with an update that the roadworks will be completed next Monday 11 March, with all traffic management removed that day and the road reverted back to the previous three lanes in both directions. A new extension of William Roberts Road that connects to Ti Rakau Drive will also open that day, providing an alternative route for those heading towards Botany. This road will be left turn only onto Ti Rakau Drive, and cannot therefore be used to join the South Eastern Highway.

I joined local Councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson, and Howick Local Board Chair Damian Light, for a site visit of the new William Roberts Road extension and an update on the Eastern Busway.

Unfortunately, there will be significant traffic impacts going forward. As AT prepares to begin construction of the Reeves Road Flyover and the next stage of the Eastern Busway down Ti Rakau Drive, there will be some major changes and necessary disruptions to our local roads. The first and most notable is that the section of Reeves Road from the William Roberts Road intersection down to the South Eastern Highway intersection will be closed from 18 March for at least the next two years. This is to enable construction of the Flyover, which will be built above that section of road. Many of you will have been using this route to join the SE Highway, but you will now have to use the traditional route down Pakuranga Road or go around via Gossamer Drive.

I will be monitoring these changes closely to ensure the traffic keeps moving throughout this process.

Below is a map of the road changes and the alternative routes that will be available. For more information about these changes and the upcoming construction works, click here to visit the Eastern Busway website.

I know these changes will be frustrating for many, but they are needed in order to complete this important project, which will ultimately reduce congestion and significantly improve travel times for our area. Short-term pain for long-term gain!

Thank you for your ongoing support, and please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Simeon Brown

Member of Parliament for Pakuranga

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