Next Waitemata Harbour crossing must be climate-friendly – Greens

EVs, e-bikes and light rail are among Green Party suggestions for a new Waitemata Harbour crossing in Auckland

“As part of the development of options for future transport connections across the Waitemata Harbour, the project team wants to understand Aucklanders’ aspirations for a future crossing,” says transport minister Michael Wood.

 “This study will look at future options for people wanting to drive, walk, cycle, transport freight, take the bus or perhaps travel by light rail across the Waitematā Harbour.

“This will support us to confirm what new infrastructure is needed to cater for these modes, where it will go, and how to make the best use of our existing infrastructure, including the Auckland Harbour Bridge.”

However, the Government needs to commit to active transport and high capacity, zero carbon public transport, says Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

“World leaders and climate scientists are telling us we need to radically transform how we live and get around this decade,” she says.

“Decisions made by successive governments have forced people to rely on cars to get around Auckland. So much so that transport now makes up around 40% of Auckland’s climate pollution.

“To be carbon neutral by 2050, it has been estimated that Auckland’s transport emissions will need to be cut by up to 70%. Providing extra capacity for cars to get across the Waitematā Harbour would be counterproductive.

“Electric cars will of course play a role, but the high cost and congestion they cause means there is a much bigger role for more efficient transport like e-bikes and light rail. Electric cars can use the roads we already have – and when congestion pricing comes in more and more people will need alternatives to cars.”

Wood says the Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport infrastructure to future proof the system.

 “As part of the development of options for future transport connections across the Waitematā Harbour, the project team wants to understand Aucklanders’ aspirations for a future crossing,” he explains.

 “This study will look at future options for people wanting to drive, walk, cycle, transport freight, take the bus or perhaps travel by light rail across the Waitematā Harbour. This will support us to confirm what new infrastructure is needed to cater for these modes, where it will go, and how to make the best use of our existing infrastructure, including the Auckland Harbour Bridge.”

The project is a key part of expanding Auckland’s future rapid transit network.

“Rapid transit is already moving thousands of people every day around the city using existing infrastructure like the Northern Busway, Eastern Busway and existing rail network. The Alternative Waitematā Harbour Connection, alongside the Auckland Light Rail project, will form the spine of a first class, efficient and truly integrated transport network serving Aucklanders for today and future generations.

 “Our largest city needs a linked-up rapid transit transport network that will serve Aucklanders into the future, making it faster to move through the city, connecting communities, providing greater access to businesses, all while reducing congestion,” says Wood.

“I look forward to hearing what Aucklanders expect from a second crossing and look forward to celebrating more milestones over the coming months.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has a series of community engagement events before the end of 2022 at Britomart Community Market (Saturday November 19), Highbury Night Markets (Sunday November 27), Takapuna Christmas Carnival (Saturday December 3) and Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market (Sunday December 11).

The Waitemata Harbour Connections Indicative Business Case phase is underway, and Alliance partners will deliver their recommendations on a preferred option by mid-2023, with the full business case complete in early 2024. 

Click here to have a say on the Waitemata Harbour crossing.