Waipā Mayor-elect Mike Pettit has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a $100 million investment to progress design, consenting, and significant site investigations for the Southern Links transport project.
Mike Pettit
The project, part of the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme, is a critical step in unlocking economic potential for both Waipā, and the wider Waikato Region. It will also complement the recently consented 16-kilometre, four-lane expressway between Cambridge and Piarere.
Pettit said Waipā and Waikato play a central role in New Zealand’s economy as a key freight and logistics hub and continues to experience rapid growth.
“The largest section of the Southern Links designation sits within the Waipā district, and we’re keen to keep this project moving,” Pettit said.
“This funding announcement, alongside a fast-track consent application already lodged, is a very positive step in the right direction,” he said.
A key area of focus is the section between Tamahere and the Waikato Regional Airport.
“The Narrows Bridge in its current state is tenuous at best. We’re already seeing major industrial development at the airport, and this project will support that growth while improving safety and connectivity,” Pettit said.
“Mana whenua will also have a significant role to play in the development of any future bridge across the Waikato River. This includes decisions about the existing Narrows Bridge once a new structure is built. We need to ensure the vision and strategy of Te Ture Whaimana are respected and upheld and as we move forward.”
Pettit confirmed Waipā will continue to work closely with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Iwi Partners, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Waikato Regional Council to ensure the project progresses efficiently.
“This announcement is a strong signal of confidence in the Waikato’s future. It’s about ensuring our communities and our economy can continue to thrive and prosper.”
20 October 2025 – 4pm
The National-led Government is working at pace to progress construction of the Hamilton Southern Links project, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop today announcing NZTA’s endorsement of the investment case, Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka and Hamilton East MP Ryan Hamilton say.
Route for Southern Links over the Waikato River
“The investment case for Hamilton Southern Links shows expected travel time reductions of 14 minutes between Tamahere and Western Hamilton. The project will also support eventual access to 17,300 new houses and 7,100 new jobs, powering development and economic growth,” Potaka says.
“By 2048, an extra 224,000 people will call Waikato home, which is why its crucial to provide the future-proofed and resilient infrastructure to support people and freight. The benefit-cost ratio for this project is 2.3 when including Wider Economic Benefits, showcasing the added value that it will provide,” Hamilton says.
The next steps include further design, property acquisition and consents. The release of $100m of funding from NZTA will help advance this project toward construction.
“Our Government is focused on getting people and freight around quickly and safely. This project will do just this, powering economic growth and creating jobs in the process.”
