Tauriko West

Project overview

• Project benefits
  • Improved journey time, reliability, and reduced congestion for people and freight supporting economic growth and productivity.
  • Supporting 3600-4000 new homes, Tauriko Business Estate extension, and potential development of 18,000 homes in the Western Corridor by 2063.
  • Reduced crash risk at intersections connecting state highways and local roads.
  • Predictable travel time for road users, reducing potential frustrations during unexpected delays.

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• Key features

  The transport improvements include:

  • An upgraded Ōmanawa Road Intersection and new 2-lane highway between Ōmanawa Road and Redwood Lane.
  • New 4-lane SH29 from Redwood Lane to the new Takitimu North Link Interchange, with overbridges at Tauriko Village and Cambridge Road.
  • A new interchange at Redwood Lane and Kaweroa Drive, continuing to provide access to Tauriko West and the Tauriko Business Estate.
  • A new interchange at Takitimu Drive Toll Road, connecting SH29, SH29A, and SH36, and upgrades to the Takitimu Drive roundabout.
  • Existing SH29A widened to 4 lanes from Takitimu Drive Toll Road to Barkes Corner.
  • A new interchange at Barkes Corner, which will separate traffic on Cameron Road and Pyes Pā Road from through-traffic on SH29A.
  • Existing SH29 retained as local road between Redwood Lane and Takitimu Drive Toll Road, with a small realignment and extension to connect with the Redwood Lane Interchange.
  • A new walking and cycling crossing at Barkes Corner providing safe access across SH29A, and walking and cycling connections at Redwood Lane, Cambridge Road and Barkes Corner providing safe access across SH29.
  • The preferred option will integrate with the Tauriko Enabling Works, retaining the upgraded intersections with traffic signals to be constructed at Cambridge Road and Tauriko Village, and the roundabout at Redwood Lane (as part of the new Redwood Lane Interchange).
    Tauriko Enabling Works project

  The upgrades have been refined through the investment case process, aligning with the RoNS standards and in accordance with the GPS 2024.

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• Next steps/timeline

  Now until 2028/29

  Route protection – During this phase, we’ll be designating and consenting the project (identifying the land we need and gaining statutory approvals), undertaking specimen design, completing geotechnical investigations, relocating utilities and progressing conversations with landowners. This phase gives landowners and the community certainty of the route and ensures NZTA is best placed to move forward when funding for design and construction becomes available. It also protects the route from being built out in the upcoming development of the area.

  May 2025

  Request for tender for a consultant to support us with the route protection activities.

  July 2025

  Route protection tender award, with the completion expected 2028/29.

  Late 2025

  First phase of construction to start on the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement.

  SH29 Ōmanawa bridge replacement project

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• Funding and costs
  • As a RoNS, Tauriko West is included in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) as a priority project for the Bay of Plenty region.
  • The NZTA Board has approved funding for the route protection phase for this project ($97m).
  • GPS 2024 requires alternative funding and financing be considered. This will include assessing all Roads of National Significance for tolling.

  Roads of National Significance

  2024-27 National Land Transport Plan summary for the Bay of Plenty

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• Project background
  • SmartGrowth, through the Connected Centres Programme (Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI)), identified the Western Corridor as a priority development area.
  • NZTA has worked with partner organisations (Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Te Kauae a Roopu, SmartGrowth) since 2017 with the establishment of the Tauriko for Tomorrow project.
  • Tauriko for Tomorrow is a collaborative project driven by 4 key partners, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, and NZTA – focussing on development in the Tauriko West area. The vision for Tauriko West is to create a thriving community that allows people to live, learn, work, and play locally. This means creating a new community and ensuring it has access to amenities such as schooling, parks, cycle and walkways, the Wairoa River, shopping at nearby areas and transport options and infrastructure.
  • The required transport network improvements were first identified in 2013 and in 2016 a programme business case confirmed the need for change and investment.
  • The Tauriko Network Connections Detailed Business Case was approved by the NZTA Board in August 2023. The DBC outlined the future transport improvements to Tauranga's Western Corridor; SH29, SH29A and SH36.
  • The Tauriko West improvements have been realigned to GPS 2024, prioritising economic growth and productivity, particularly the movement of freight. Aligning NZTA projects to GPS 2024 is required to give effect to the Government’s priorities for land transport and subsequently to secure funding for further stages including detailed design, consenting, property purchase and construction.

  Smartgrowth - The Western Bay of Plenty Transport System Plan(external link)

  Tauriko for Tomorrow project(external link)

  Tauriko Network Programme Business Case [PDF, 5.4 MB]

  Tauriko Network Connections Detailed Business Case [PDF, 6 MB]

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Project map

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