Where are we now? Where are we heading?

We're working with Auckland Council to integrate our land transport planning with the land use aspirations of Manurewa Takaanini Papakura Integrated Area Plan (2018). A plan that outlies an urban vision for the next 30 years. It sets out the key ideas, desired outcomes and supporting transformations that will achieve the urban vision for the Great South Road corridor and Manurewa, Takaanini and Papakura.

The public hearings and appeals process

Public hearings will take place in 2024 (currently planned for May/June) where the requiring authority (Auckland Transport) and all submitters will have an opportunity to present and 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whether or not the designation should be confirmed in the Auckland Unitary Plan (with or without modifications) or be withdrawn.

There will be an opportunity for any submitter to appeal Auckland Council's decision. Appeals are lodged with the environment court.

About the South Frequent Transit Network Routes

Over the next 30 years, there will be 120,000 people living, working and schooling in South Auckland. We are preparing Tāmaki Makaurau for that growth by planning solutions for improved public transport, better and safer walking and cycling options, and new and upgraded roads. We want future generations of South Aucklanders to have more choice about how they get around.

We're working with Auckland Council to integrate our transport planning with the land use aspirations of the Manurewa Takaanini Papakura Integrated Area Plan (2018). A plan that outlines an urban vision for these areas over the next 30 years. It sets out the key ideas, desired outcomes and supporting transformation activities that will achieve the urban vision for the Great South Road corridor and Manurewa, Takaanini and Papakura.

In 2018, Te Tupu Ngātahi investigated an indicative strategic transport network for South Auckland. Public feedback during the Indicative Business Case (IBC) stage showed strong support for better transport networks across Tāmaki Makaurau, including South Auckland.

As part of the IBC process, the community told us that:

• increased transport choice (and to be able to separate shorter distance trips from longer ones)
• improved north-south movements
• improved access to education
• better access to employment and recreation opportunities.

The new bus networks, totalling around 28 kilometres in length, will connect train stations with town centres in Manukau, Puhinui, Takaanini, Papakura and Drury. Typically, FTN bus routes operate at least every 15 minutes making them efficient, direct and attractive to users. The bus network will connect with the rail network to give people greater access to the places they want to go, like home, school, work and recreational activities.

The new bus networks will use existing roads. While we don't know exactly how the road layout will look yet, we are proposing new bus lanes for large sections of the network. This will mean bus passengers will enjoy a faster and more direct journey. Walking and cycling improvements will mean that people will have more options about how the travel for some or all of their journey.

During previous consultation, the community told us that they want more transport choices such as improved public transport and better walking and cycling options. To achieve this, we will reallocate existing space within the road and there may be a need to widen the road in some areas.

The need to widen roads reflects our expectations for the arterial roads in the future, including improved public transport options, much better walking and cycling and using modern design standards to focus on safety and sustainability.