Minister keen to keep it ‘respectful’ with Auckland mayor over harbour crossing decision
Friday, 19 June 2026
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says he needs to consult with Auckland mayor Wayne Brown about preferred solutions for a second harbour crossing before making any announcements.
Bishop says NZTA is not supportive of Brown’s preferred plan of building a bridge over Meola Reef near Point Chevalier.
The Government is yet to release its preferred option for the second Waitematā crossing, which Bishop has called “one of the most significant transport investments in New Zealand in decades”.
On Thursday Bishop was asked by The Post whether he thought there would be an announcement on the project before the election.
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He said the Government was working its way through that, but it was important it “engaged constructively” with the Auckland mayor.
“He's very keen on the Meola Reef, which is not recommended by NZTA.”
The minister said the Government and Auckland Council were required to discuss the matter under its recently signed regional deal, which outlined that ministers must regularly meet with the mayor to share views on matters that affected Auckland.
“You know that deal has to mean something, and so I don't want the first thing that happens between the Auckland Council and the central government to be a fight over the most significant transport project in New Zealand history.“
He rejected any idea the mayor was slowing down the progress of the project.
“He's not holding it up, but he has strong views that I want to work through with him in a respectful and mature way, befitting his status as the directly elected mayor of New Zealand's biggest city.”
Bishop said he was also looking to work with the Opposition on a second harbour crossing.
Auckland mayor responds
In a statement to The Post, Brown said Auckland Council’s partnership was with the Government, “not NZTA whose members are appointed and not elected”.
“NZTA will have to learn about the city deal as a number of their projects have been wildly over budget and they will do well to listen to the city in which they work.”
Brown said his relationship with Bishop was “strong and fair”.
“We both want to ensure that the best option for harbour crossing is chosen.”
Geotechnical investigations which will inform the options for the project were completed late last year.
In March The Post reported an investment case to safeguard the existing harbour bridge was set to go before the NZTA in August.
The agency said it would look at increased pressure on the bridge’s structure such as heavy vehicle use, and would outline a recommended programme of enhanced maintenance and renewal work.