Releases

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says a significant milestone has been reached in the effort to restore the coastal road and rail corridor north of Kaikoura. Work commenced this week at Ohau Point, the site of one of the largest of slips which came down in the November 14 earthquake. “The slip at Ohau Point is one of the biggest and most complex of the 10 major slips north of Kaikoura,” Mr Bridges says. “Helicopter sluicing crews and specialist abseilers have been working long hours for several weeks to clear loose material from the site. ...

New Zealand has signed an air services agreement with Colombia, Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced today. The agreement provides opportunities for code-sharing between each nation’s airlines. Under the new arrangements, New Zealand and Colombian airlines may operate up to 14 passenger services per week, with no limits on the number of cargo services. ...

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says work is ramping up on a $60 million investment programme to upgrade the alternate state highway route between Picton and Christchurch while the reconstruction of State Highway 1 through Kaikoura is underway. ”The Government’s investment in the alternate route includes a range of road improvements to make the route safer and more resilient,” Mr Bridges says. ...

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says transport infrastructure continues to be a priority in Northland as the region marked the start of two new transport projects and celebrated the completion of more today. The Minister turned the sod for Whāngārei’s newest Urban Cycleway, the $6.6m Kamo Shared Path, a 6km path that will connect areas north of the city with the Whāngārei CBD, Tai Tokerau Auckland University Campus and links to key recreational areas such as Kensington Park. ...

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced that the Government will work with local stakeholders to identify and prioritise transport initiatives to help boost economic growth in Gisborne. The announcement was made at the release of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan in Gisborne today. “The Integrated Transport Priority Plan will provide an opportunity for the region to help shape the transport network and find solutions to meet the needs of local customers, businesses, such as the forestry sector, and tourists,” says Mr Bridges. ...