Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett
25 May 2011
At Last – Light at End of Waterview Tunnel!!
This is great and exciting news for Auckland.
The Waterview connection has been under investigation since 2000, and the western ring route under construction in
various stages over the past 45 years.
Today’s draft decision by the Board of Inquiry to grant NZTA consent to construct the Waterview Connection brings in
sight closure on a long chapter in Auckland’s struggle to build a modern, fully integrated motorway network.
Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett praised the Board of Inquiry and NZTA for maintaining the timeline to
enable construction to commence later this year.
“This is New Zealand’s largest construction project since the Harbour Bridge 60 years ago, and will create a lot of work
and bring significant benefits to Auckland once completed.”
With completion of the Western Ring Route now firmly in sight, of which Waterview is the final section, there is
increased importance for NZTA and Auckland Transport to keep their foot to the floor to progress other major projects
needed to give Auckland a modern co-ordinated network.
ENDS