Hon Grant RobertsonMinister for InfrastructureHon Michael WoodMinister of Transport
The Government is progressing a preferred option for LGWM which will see Wellington’s transport links strengthened with
light rail from Wellington Station to Island Bay, a new tunnel through Mt Victoria for public transport, and walking and
cycling, and upgrades to improve traffic flow at the Basin Reserve.
“Where previous governments have failed to plan for the long term, we are committed to supporting Wellington to reach
its future potential,” Grant Robertson said.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Wellington’s future, align transport and urban development, and
help to address the climate crisis by moving more people with fewer vehicles.
“The southern light rail option is our preferred choice for Wellington because of the significant potential it offers
for new housing and neighbourhood growth. By 2050 we’re expecting up to 80,000 more people to be living within the city
limits, and 25 percent more people coming into the central city each workday from across the region.
“Light rail will support more people living centrally, close to where they work, study and live their lives,” Grant
Robertson said.
“Our capital needs a linked-up rapid transit transport network that will serve Wellingtonians into the future, making it
faster to move through the city, connecting communities, providing greater access to businesses, all while reducing
congestion,” Michael Wood said.
“The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and
future generations to come. Our commitment to infrastructure investment will continue to play a critical part in
securing New Zealand’s economy and recovery from COVID-19.
“Today’s announcement will also provide certainty to our partners and those living in Wellington and is an important
step in progressing the project. It builds on the work underway across the city to improve transport choices, including
transforming the Golden Mile, improving safety and urban attractiveness on Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road, and the
construction of a roundabout on Aotea Quay.
“Following agreement of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving partners, work will commence on a detailed business case. I know
Wellingtonians are keen to see progress and we have asked the programme for options to fast track progress and early
works, with consideration of phasing options.
“Given the scale of the project, the detailed business case will also consider the alternative option of a rapid bus
network on the light rail route. This is a prudent step to take and ensures we can maintain momentum on the project,”
Michael Wood said.
“The previous Government called Wellington a dying city and did nothing to address the challenges facing the capital,
which has left us playing catch-up. Fixing years of poor planning for population growth and delivering high-quality,
world-class transport networks for our cities is a priority for this Government, and today’s decision is proof of our
commitment to Poneke.
“The data tells us that the costs of delaying this project for another decade will only see costs increase.
Wellingtonians recognise the need for this investment, they want us to get on with it, and we are,” Michael Wood said.
The Government will await confirmation from partners that they are agree to proceed with this option to the detailed
business case phase, which will be considered by Cabinet.