During this term, has the Government funded, co-funded, or initiated any significant transport infrastructure projects in the Queenstown Lakes District that have delivered material congestion relief, aside from additional funding for the SH6/SH6A Frankton intersection?

Answer

Yes. The Queenstown Arterial Road which was co-funded by the Government's Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) ($50 million out of approximately $130 million). Stage 1 opened in 2025 and included a new road connecting Frankton Road to Gorge Road and included an upgrade of both Henry Street and Melbourne Street, thus providing an alternate route to SH6A (Stanley Street) in Queenstown town centre. The Jim’s Way shared path bridge supports active transport connectivity and access between residential areas and Frankton. The project was supported by Whakatipu High School as it fills a key gap in the safe and connected walking and cycling network for students living north and east of Frankton at a time when the Ministry of Education is removing school bus services. Providing this connection gives people an alternative to private car use in this area. As noted in my response to Written Parliamentary Question 36116 (2026), in April 2024 the Government funded and initiated Queenstown Package Stage 1 (currently under construction), which includes the and bus hub improvements and the SH6/Howards Drive intersection upgrade. The Queenstown Package has a budget of $250 million and a February 2028 completion date. Further Queenstown Package stages have been designed but are not currently funded for construction and would need to be considered through future National Land Transport Programme processes.