After the February 2026 Gateway review of the Waitematā Harbour Connections Project found a compelling case for the project and assessed successful delivery as feasible, what changed between February 2026 and August 2026 to require an independently led Detailed Business Case?

Answer

I am advised while the Gateway report found the work to date presented a compelling case for the Project and that delivery was feasible, it also identified significant issues that required further work prior to implementation including clarifying the underlying strategic drivers, testing evolving market conditions, and establishing governance arrangements. In addition, further work was found to be required in getting cross government and local council alignment, clarifying legislative enablers, and developing the required funding and financing tools. Cabinet decided that, given the scale and importance of this project, an independently led detailed business case that answers or significantly progresses these outstanding issues is required before locking in a single option.