Tauriko West

Project overview

• Project benefits
  • An efficient and reliable state highway connection that supports economic and housing growth in the western Bay of Plenty.
  • Freight can get where it’s needed to keep our economy thriving.
  • Improved access and local connections for the new Tauriko West community.
  • Predictable travel times for road users.
  • Safer connections for everyone.

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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 underpasses at Tauriko Village and Cambridge Road.
  • A new grade-separated interchange at Redwood Lane and Kaweroa Drive, continuing to provide access to Tauriko West and the Tauriko Business Estate.
  • A new grade-separated interchange at Takitimu Drive Toll Road, connecting SH29, SH29A, and SH36.
  • Existing SH29A widened to 6 lanes (2 bus-only, 4 general traffic) from Takitimu Drive Toll Road to Barkes Corner.
  • A new grade-separated 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.
  • Improved public transport network including public transport hub with bus priority lanes on SH36 and SH29A to connect the new hub to the Cameron Road multimodal corridor.
  • An integrated walking and cycling network with safe grade-separated crossings at multiple locations.
  • 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 scope of the upgrades will be refined through the investment case process to align with the RoNS standards and in accordance with the GPS 2024, looking at construction phasing, value for money and affordability.

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• Next steps/timeline
  • The next stage for the project is the investment case process. Through this process we refine the scope of the upgrades to align with the RoNS standards and in accordance with the GPS 2024, looking at construction phasing, value for money and affordability.
  • We’re aiming to present the investment case findings to the NZTA Board early 2025. Once a decision is made, we’ll move into the designation and consenting phase of the project, where we protect the route alignment before moving into construction.
  • We expect the first phase of construction to start in 2025 with the replacement of the Ōmanawa Bridge.
    SH29 Ōmanawa bridge replacement project

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• Funding and costs
  • As a Road of National Significance, Tauriko West is included in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) as a priority project for the Bay of Plenty region.
  • Cost estimates form part of the investment case process.
  • 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 four key partners, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – 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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