South Auckland

Now open for feedback

South Frequent Transit Network Routes

We’re planning two new bus routes, known as a Frequent Transit Network Routes (FTN) to help improve transport networks on some of South Auckland's existing roads. 

The new bus networks, totalling around 28 kilometres in length, will connect train stations with town centres in Manukau, Puhinui, Takaanini, Papakura and Drury. Typically, FTN bus routes operate at least every 15 minutes making them efficient, direct, and attractive to users.

The bus network will connect with the rail network to give people greater access to the places they want to go – like home, school, work and recreational activities.

Tell us what you think and give your feedback now(external link)

Future Transport Projects in South Auckland

Thank you to everyone who gave feedback on Level crossings in Takaanini(external link) and Future transport networks in Pukekohe, Paerata and South Drury(external link). Feedback has now closed for these projects.

Future transport networks in Pukekohe, Paerata and south Drury

• View feedback that was dropped on our social map about Future transport networks in Pukekohe, Paerata and south Drury(external link)

Level Crossings in Takaanini

• View feedback on social map about Level crossings in Takaanini(external link)
• View the feedback summary for Level crossings in Takaanini [PDF, 2.5 MB]

What happens now?

We will review all feedback and look into whether we can incorporate any suggested changes to our preferred options.

The next step is to complete more detailed investigations for all preferred options. During 2023, environmental and technical assessments will continue along with engagement with Manawhenua, partners, local property owners, developers and key community stakeholders. This will help us make decisions to confirm the preferred options.

• The Takaanini Detailed Business Case process is expected to be completed in late 2022 and scheduled for consideration by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Boards in early 2023.
  
• The Pukekohe Detailed Business Case process is expected to be completed in mid-2023 and scheduled for consideration by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Boards in August-September 2023. Although public feedback has concluded, we remain open to discussing community concerns and receiving feedback regarding the overall network options.

Connecting South Auckland’s future communities

Over the next 30 years, an additional 120,000 people are expected to live in future communities in Takaanini, Ōpāheke, Drury, Paerata and Pukekohe.

Future communities need well-designed transport. We’re planning for this growth now and creating solutions for public transport, rail, road and walking and cycling paths that will serve future generations.

We’re working together with Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, to engage landowners and the community to progress transport projects that will give people lots of options to move around safely and easily.

Extending public transport connections and offering safe, accessible and low-carbon travel choices is at the heart of our long-term strategic transport network for the south of Auckland [PDF, 2.6 MB] and will help us take action on climate change.

South Auckland Indicative Strategic Transport Network map [PDF, 2.4 MB]

What’s happening now?

Projects proceeding to route protection via Notice of Requirement:

We’re well underway with detailed investigations, business cases and preparing planning applications to protect the land needed for these future transport projects:

Takaanini – rail crossings and Frequent Transport Network

New Frequent Transit Network (FTN) routes are being considered as part of the indicative network plan that will use existing arterial roads to connect Manukau, Puhinui, Takaanini, Drury and Papakura town centres, and rail stations. They include public transport routes operating services with a minimum frequency of 15 minutes in both directions between 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.

As the southern rail network develops and passenger services increase, we need to look at the safety of a number of level crossings that cross the rail line. Options include closing some crossings and providing alternative access such as bridges for others.

We're currently seeking feedback from the community on the Takaanini level crossings removal project. You can give your feedback online here(external link).

Next steps

We’re progressing feasibility studies for some projects that were put on hold in September 2020 following Auckland Council implementing an Emergency Budget as a result of COVID-19.

Detailed investigations and further consultation with project partners, stakeholders, landowners and the community will take place before we begin staged route protection processes across all future urban growth areas and transport projects.

Route protection information(external link)

Drury and Ōpāheke arterial road upgrades including safe, separated walking and cycling paths

In January 2021, Notices of Requirement were lodged with Auckland Council for these projects:

• State Highway 22 upgrade
• Jesmond to Waihoehoe West FTN upgrade
• Waihoehoe Road East upgrade
• Ōpāheke North-South FTN Arterial
• Ponga Road and Ōpāheke Road upgrade

You can find out more about the Notices of Requirement (NoR) for these projects in the lodgement documents on the Auckland Council website.

All Auckland Council NoRs(external link)

Mill Road

In January 2020, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency was asked by the Government to deliver Mill Road as part of the NZ Upgrade Programme.

NZ Upgrade Programme(external link)

Between early-2020 and early-2021 significant planning and design work was carried out, along with engagement with landowners and the community and technical investigations to help confirm the preferred route.

In June 2021, the Government announced changes to some NZ Upgrade Programme projects to meet climate change and housing objectives, as well as manage cost increases and debt responsibly following COVID-19.

Read more about the changes to the Mill Road project(external link).

Rail upgrades and new train stations at Drury Central, Drury West and Paerata

As part of the NZ Upgrade Programme, funding is confirmed for three new stations for Drury and Paerata.

NZ Upgrade Programme South Auckland funding information(external link)

Recent landowner and community feedback [PDF, 197 KB], along with technical investigations helped us develop the station designs in more detail. 

As the project moves into the next phase, KiwiRail will now be responsible for the design and construction of the three stations. KiwiRail has applied for the Drury Central and Paerata Stations to be processed under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 to enable work to start on these stations as soon as possible.  This has been granted.  For more information see the EPA website(external link).

Notices of Requirement (designation) will then be lodged to protect the land needed to for the construction of Drury West station.

Construction is expected to start in 2023 and be completed by 2025.

Other transport projects transforming the south

A number of other priority transport projects are already underway to transform the south of Auckland and are expected to be delivered in the next 10 years:

• Improvements to State Highway 1 between Papakura and Drury South as part of the Papakura to Bombay project (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).
• State Highway 22 Safe Network Programme safety improvements between Drury and Paerata (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).
• Electrification of 19km of track between Papakura and Pukekohe (KiwiRail).

Publications

View all publications relating to South Auckland.