Transport Minister, Chris Bishop says a Budget 2026 $1.773 billion investment in the extension of the Waikato Expressway will make travel safer, faster and more reliable.
The new four-lane 16-kilometre Cambridge to Piarere expressway will connect the end of the current Waikato Expressway to the intersection of SH1 and SH29 at Piarere.
“State Highway 1 between Cambridge and Piarere is a critical freight and economic link connecting Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty with the central and lower North Island,” Mr Bishop says.
“This project has been talked about for years. Now we’re getting on with it.
“The Waikato Expressway has already delivered huge benefits for the region, improving safety, reducing congestion, increasing reliability, and supporting economic growth across the upper North Island.
“The Cambridge to Piarere RONS project has a benefit-cost ratio of 2.7 to 3.1, underlining the strong economic case for investment.”
The project includes a grade-separated interchange near Karāpiro Road and will improve safety, strengthen resilience, and support one of New Zealand’s most important economic corridors, the Minister said.
“It is expected to reduce deaths and serious injuries by around 70%, improve resilience by reducing the impact of road closures, and improve local access to community facilities and destinations.”
“Consents for the project were granted in September 2025, and early works approved by the NZTA Board in December are now underway.
“Cambridge to Piarere is the next major Road of National Significance to receive funding following the start of construction on the Ōtaki to north of Levin and Hawke’s Bay Expressway projects.
“Procurement on the Warkworth to Te Hana stage of the Northland Expressway is also underway, with a preferred bidder expected to be confirmed soon and detailed design and early construction works expected to start in late this year.
“The Government is getting on with building the roads in our long-term infrastructure pipeline to redress New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit and support jobs, productivity and growth across the country,” said Mr Bishop.
