A major new interchange in Pāpāmoa East will open to traffic in time for Easter, improving access to the Tauranga Eastern Link and supporting thousands of new homes, the Transport Minister has confirmed.
“The new interchange provides a direct connection between Pāpāmoa East and the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, making it easier for people to get where they need to go,” said Chris Bishop.
“It provides an essential connection to support development in Golden Sands, Wairākei and Te Tumu, where the population is expected to reach 40,000 residents by 2043.
“This is a major milestone for the region, unlocking land for thousands of new homes and providing the transport capacity to support local jobs and businesses.”
The new interchange will reduce congestion on local roads, improve travel times, and strengthen the wider network by providing a second route in and out of Pāpāmoa East, said the Minister.
“By improving access to the motorway and easing pressure on residential streets, we’re making daily travel safer for locals and more efficient for freight and commuters,” he said.
Construction began in April 2022, with the eastbound off-ramp opened early in August 2025.
The $98 million project has been co-funded by the National Land Transport Fund and future Tauranga City Council development contributions, supported by a 10-year interest-free Housing Infrastructure Fund loan.
“It’s a value-for-money investment that supports growth where it’s happening and ensures those who benefit contribute to the cost.”
“Thank you to Tauranga City Council, NZTA, iwi partners, developers, and the community for working together to deliver this project. I also want to acknowledge Tom Rutherford for his continued advocacy and for representing the Government at this morning’s celebration to mark the completion of the interchange,” said Mr Bishop.
The project has been delivered by Tauranga City Council, with design by Bloxam Burnett & Olliver (BBO) and construction by HEB Construction Ltd. The NLTF paid 51% of the total project cost, and Tauranga City Council paid 49%.
Tauranga Mayor, Mahé Drysdale says the opening of the interchange represents a step change for Tauranga’s eastern corridor.
“This project strengthens the daily connections that matter most, linking people with jobs, schools, recreation and each other. Additionally, the new bridge connects Pāpāmoa East to destinations across the Bay of Plenty, making it faster and safer for people to travel through the area,” said Mayor Drysdale.
“The interchange also supports the needs of our growing city, by enabling the development of new housing and businesses in the area which, which in turn supports economic growth and productivity.”
