NZTA backs option for second Waitematā crossing - but won't say what it is

Friday, 19 June 2026

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s board has officially endorsed its preferred option for a second Auckland Harbour Crossing - but won’t say what that is.

It has long been debated where the next harbour crossing should go - and whether it should be a bridge or a tunnel across the Waitematā Harbour - with Auckland mayor Wayne Brown a strong advocate for a bridge over Meola Reef near Point Chevalier.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has called the next crossing the “most significant transport project in New Zealand history”.

Documents released to The Post under the Official Information Act showed NZTA’s board was set to consider the mega project in May.

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In a statement the agency said at a meeting last month it endorsed an investment case but would not say what that option was.

“Further information on timing and next steps, including the preferred option, will be announced by the Government in due course.”

Bishop did not have anything further to add to NZTA’s statement.

The Post asked Bishop on Thursday if he thought there would be an announcement on the crossing before the election.

At that time 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.

In response to that reporting, Brown said the 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.”

In December the agency finished geotechnical work to help decide whether they should build a tunnel or a bridge.