NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) acknowledges the Government’s decision to proceed with installing a second toll point on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, following completion of the tolling assessment and public consultation process. 

The NZTA Board considered the findings from consultation and recommended to the Minister of Transport that a second toll point be installed near the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange at Wairākei. 

Susan Collins, NZTA Regional Manager of System Design, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, says the decision reflects the wider Government direction to ensure New Zealand’s modern transport system is funded sustainably and delivers benefits sooner.

“Tolling is a tool used around the world to accelerate investment in roading infrastructure, and the additional toll point will allow this approach to be applied in New Zealand more effectively.

 “Tolling enabled the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link to be brought forward and ensures all toll road users make a direct contribution to the road they are using. Tolling provides an important additional source of revenue to support major infrastructure projects, delivering greater efficiency, safety and resilience across the transport network. It also ensures those who benefit from new and improved roads share in the cost of building them, enabling infrastructure to be delivered sooner and more efficiently. 

Tauranga has already seen the benefits of tolling, with toll-funded delivery of:

SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road

SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road

Consultation process

Public consultation on the additional toll point took place mid-2025 and attracted 3,429 submissions from the community and stakeholders, with results indicating low levels of public support, but majority support (5 out of 6) from key stakeholders. These insights were considered as part of the decision-making process.

By installing a second toll point, all users of the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road will contribute directly to the road they are using. Revenue collected will continue to support construction and ongoing maintenance. 

Documents related to this consultation, including details on feedback received through submissions, will be published on the NZTA website in due course.

Impact on Pāpāmoa East Interchange users

Users of Pāpāmoa East Interchange will have a toll‑free period until late 2026 for travel between the Domain Road Interchange and the Pāpāmoa East Interchange, until the second toll point is installed. Current toll rates will continue to apply for travel between Paengaroa and the Pāpāmoa East Interchange during this time. 

Late 2026, when the new toll point becomes operational, motorists travelling between the Domain Road Interchange and Pāpāmoa East Interchange will be tolled at a lower rate, reflecting the shorter distance.