NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has lodged applications for statutory approvals for the Northland Corridor Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section under the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA).

It’s a significant step which ensures that the necessary land will be secured for future construction, says Programme Director, Derek Robertson.

“The Northland Corridor project will unlock major economic opportunities for Northland. It will mean a safer, more resilient route between Auckland and Whangārei. 

“To address the critical resilience issues in the Brynderwyn Hills, the 17 km section between Kaiwaka and Waipū is being prioritised for route protection and regional resource consents. Focusing on the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section will provide the long-term solution to severe slips and road closures on this part of the critical Northland lifeline and it will enhance the overall efficiency of the corridor.

“Pushing on with route protection will give landowners more certainty, support future planning, and enable a flexible delivery pipeline for the full corridor between Te Hana and Whangārei,” Mr Robertson says.

Te Hana to Port Marsden (including the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills) is one of the 3 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) that make up the Northland Corridor.

The project team has worked hard to refine the preferred route through geotechnical and environmental investigations and discussions with landowners for the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section.

The NZTA Board endorsed the Northland Corridor Te Hana to Whangārei Investment Case in August 2025, meaning the project could then progress to route protection. This ensures a credible pipeline of high value infrastructure projects is ready when funding is confirmed over future years.