Where are we now? Where are we heading?

The Takaanini Level Crossings Business Case process was completed in late 2022 and has been approved by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Boards.

We have finalised the Notice of Requirement documentation which was lodged with Auckland Council in October 2023.

The Notice of Requirement Process

If you would like to view further information on the Notice of Requirement process please download a copy here.

The public hearing and appeals process

A public hearing will be held where the requiring authority (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and/ or Auckland Transport) and all submitters are able to be heard. Auckland Council will make a recommendation as to whether or not the designation should be confirmed in the Auckland Unitary Plan (with or without modification to the conditions) or be withdrawn.

There will be an opportunity for any submitter to appeal Auckland Council’s decision. Appeals are lodged with the Environment Court. Auckland Council will contact you directly and invite you to make a submission on the proposed designation. Included in this this information will be details on how you can request a ‘Friend of the Submitter’, an independent planner appointed by Auckland Council to help you with:

• Completing submission documents correctly
• Understanding the process
• Bringing people with common interests together for the purpose of group representation and mutual assistance
• Advise on where information on the proposal can be found, and how the information is structured.

Feedback on the Takaanini Level Crossing Project

During 2022, environmental and technical assessments were undertaken along with engagement with community, Manawhenua, partners, local property owners, developers, and key community stakeholders to help inform decisions to confirm the proposed options for the Takaanini Level Crossing Removal project.

The project was open for public consultation between 14 August and 26 September and again between 5 November and 22 December 2022 – thank you to everyone who gave their feedback. You can review it by clicking on the feedback summary button below.

What is a business case and what information does

it provide?

The work that goes into a business case builds a more complete understanding of all the risks, uncertainties and benefits associated with a transport investment so that a final decision can be made on whether to proceed with a project.

Once completed, the business case is submitted to both the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Investment Quality Assurance Teams to ensure it is fit for purpose and has followed the business case process.

The business case process has included:

• A multi-criteria analysis (MCA). This is used as part to
  • assist with the options assessment process. It helps to look at the differences between options and to identify the benefits and impacts of each option.
  • Technical experts evaluating the options to identify the preferred option.
  • Feedback on the options. Feedback may come from Auckland Transport and/or Waka Kotahi technical experts and from partners such as Manawhenua, Auckland Council and KiwiRail. Feedback from key stakeholders and the community through public engagement is also considered.
  • Once the preferred option is identified, a further detailed analysis of the costs, risks and benefits is undertaken. This includes providing evidence that:

• the preferred option delivers the agreed outcomes.
• is the right investment.
• is affordable and value for money.

A decision by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kothai Boards as to whether or not they endorse the business case and fund the next steps (i.e. route protection) in line with business case recommendations.