Where are we now? Where are we heading?
The Pukekohe Detailed Business Case was approved by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Boards in September 2023.
We lodged the Notices of Requirement to designate the land required for projects in October 2023.
The proposed future transport network in and around this area was updated following feedback from community consultation and our ongoing technical investigations. We understand that for some people, a change may be welcomed, but for others, this will be unforeseen and could result in an unexpected potential impact to their property.
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the designation should be confirmed in the Auckland Unitary Plan (with or without modification to the conditions) or be withdrawn.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.
Pukekohe, Paerata and south Drury Timeline
About Pukekohe, Paerata and south Drury
By 2050 more than 65,000 people are expected to be living in Pukekohe, Paerata, and south Drury with around 12,500 new homes and 5000 new jobs expected as a result of this population increase. Areas of land across the Pukekohe, Paerata and south Drury have been zoned future urban to support planned business and residential growth.
Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth is working to protect land for modern, integrated, safe, and sustainable transport networks that will better connect future communities with options for walking, cycling, using public transport, and driving.
This work integrates with the Auckland Council Pukekohe-Paerata Structure Plan and Drury-Opaheke Structure plan and community aspirations that transport networks support the mix and location of housing, employment, retail, commercial, and communities in the area.
The timing for construction of the new transport network will vary and is dependent on the release of surrounding land for development and funding.
During public consultation, we heard that you opposed the proposed North East Arterial option, specifically, the section proposed to upgrade Grace James Road.
As a result of ongoing assessment and the feedback we received during consultation, we have made changes to the proposed North East Arterial alignment. The proposed alignment is now:
- Sitting away from the Future Urban Zone. This is similar to a route identified in the Pukekohe-Paerata Structure Plan 2019.
- A more easterly alignment in the southern section at the intersection of Pukekohe East Road.
Investigating various routes/alignments that could make up the proposed transport network is part of the process leading to lodging Notices of Requirement. Changes to initial proposals and options can occur as a result of additional investigations, further assessment, and public engagement.
The North East Arterial alignment was revised for a number of reasons including:
- Our additional work shows that it directly connects the proposed Paerata and western arterials.
- Community and stakeholder feedback during consultation.
- Further assessment indicates that the revised alignment will be more direct and will be used more by general traffic, including freight.
- For the southern section of the revised alignment (which now has a more easterly route), there are reduced impacts on ecologically significant areas compared to other options. It integrates better with future urban development on the eastern side (closer to Runciman Road).
In summary, the value of the North East Arterial route to the overall transport network for Pukekohe-Paerata and south Drury increases with these changes.
