Council unanimously endorsed the business case for the Rangiora Eastern Link (REL), marking a major milestone in the journey toward delivering this critical piece of infrastructure for the community.
The business case will now be submitted to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) for co‑funding consideration as part of the Government’s National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) - a three‑yearly investment package that funds transport projects across the country.
Council expects to receive a decision from NZTA around the middle of the year.
The timing of the project will depend on the availability of funding within the NLTP, which may see the work brought forward or delivered later than currently anticipated.
Commenting at the meeting Mayor Dan Gordon said: “This project has been on the books for many years. The work is done and now we just need the endorsement from NZTA. This is essential infrastructure for our growing district to help address Southbrook traffic congestion.”
Deputy Mayor and roading portfolio holder Councillor Philip Redmond QSM said the project was much needed and as proposed delivered “excellent value for ratepayers and return on investment demonstrated by a cost benefit ratio of $7 for each ratepayer dollar."
"With ratepayers bearing 25% of the project cost this represents extremely good value for money.”
A key step toward making the project a reality
Local roads in New Zealand are funded through a partnership between central and local government.
Ratepayers contribute the “local share” — through rates, development contributions, and Council borrowing — while NZTA provides the “government share” via the NLTP.
NZ Transport Agency provided $500,000 for the business case and concept design in 2024, and this will underpin the bid for construction funding to be included in the next National Land Transport Plan in 2027.
The project also received Stage 1 endorsement this year from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, recognising its strategic importance for the district.
If co‑funding is approved, Council will begin the next phase of planning and pre‑construction work in 2027, with construction currently expected to begin in 2028.
Under the proposed budget, local ratepayers will contribute just 25% of the total project cost.
Project costs
| Budget | Debt portion | NZTA Subsidies | Development Contributions | Average rate per property - year | Average rate per property - weekly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Initial cost | $37.9m | $9.3m | $9.7 | $18.9m | $15.03 | $0.29 |
Revised cost | $65.6m | $17m | $26 | $22.6m | $34.76 | $0.67 |
The cost works out to be less than $0.70 a week per household – which would easily be burnt in fuel sitting in traffic.
Why is the Rangiora Eastern Link proposed?
Anyone who has driven through Southbrook during peak hours knows the frustration of long queues and bottlenecks. Southbrook Road now carries more than 23,000 vehicles per day, and with Rangiora’s rapid growth, congestion and safety pressures are only increasing.
More than 5,000 new homes are planned for East Rangiora alone. Without new transport links, gridlock will worsen — affecting access to businesses, slowing freight movement, and impacting the daily lives of residents.
The Rangiora Eastern Link will:
- Significantly reduce congestion in Southbrook by providing an alternative route for eastern Rangiora.
- Unlock new residential and business growth, supporting more jobs and housing.
- Create a reliable secondary connection to State Highway 1, improving safety and resilience during incidents or closures.
This project has been discussed since 2001, and with the district’s rapid growth, the need for it has become more urgent.
What is the proposed route?
The proposed route begins at Spark Lane in the north, crossing through farmland before connecting to Boys Road and then Marsh Road, skirting west of the wastewater ponds. It will then link into Lineside Road via a new dual‑lane roundabout.
A new road connection - including a rail crossing - will join back into Southbrook Road from the roundabout, creating a modern, efficient, and safer transport link.
More detail, including maps and diagrams, is available at:
https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/major-projects/council-projects/rangiora-eastern-link
Have your say
Council will seek community feedback on the revised project cost of $65.6 million as part of the upcoming Annual Plan process.
Public engagement opens 20 March at: waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk