The Connecting Mount Maunganui project works towards solutions to improve safety and access to, from and through Mount Maunganui and to create better links for more people to go by bus, bike and walk.
The Connecting Mount Maunganui project is working on solutions to improve safety and access to, from, and through Mount Maunganui, as well as to create better links for more people to travel by bus, bike or on foot. It’s one piece of a much bigger picture when it comes to the future of transportation and movement of people and goods throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
Project partners— NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Tauranga City Council (TCC), Ngāi Tukairangi, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council—are working together on the best options to connect our growing communities on the eastern side of the city and contribute to a safer transport network. Together, we’re focused on boosting key connections in our main urban areas that support economic growth by reducing congestion and travel times in Mount Maunganui, along State Highway 2/Hewletts Road, Tōtara Street, and Maunganui Road.
At the same time, TCC has worked with key stakeholders, partners, and the community, to develop the Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan, which outlines the vision for the future of this area of the city. Adopted by Council in early 2024, the plan sets a clear policy direction and outcomes sought to achieve this vision.
Connecting Mount Maunganui is working to achieve these outcomes by using feedback gathered through the spatial plan to help shape its transport plans and network including improving accessibility and movement, and supporting an economically productive, healthy, and connected industrial area. Connecting Mount Maunganui future project stages are subject to funding availability and prioritisation.
The NZTA Board endorsed the Connecting Mount Manganui Indicative Business Case (IBC) in February 2025, however the current 2024-2027 National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) did not include funding for the Connecting Mount Maunganui project.
Connecting Mount Manganui Indicative Business Case [PDF, 7.3 MB]
Other funding sources are being explored to upgrade and extend Te Maire Street east to Newton Street, to allow commercial vehicles to move through the corridor efficiently and improve resilience on the network. This will allow more efficient movement around the nationally significant Port of Tauranga and SH2/Hewletts Road.
NZTA is also considering converting the SH2/Hewletts Road bus lanes to T3 (where three or more people travelling in a vehicle can use the lane) to further alleviate congestion. This is subject to available funding with a decision expected in September 2025.
CloseConnecting Mount Maunganui will be delivered in stages to manage cost, disruption, and risks.
The Government has set a clear direction for us to deliver a better transport network for New Zealand and the newly released 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) lays out the activities and projects we’ll deliver with local government during the next 3 years.
Projects included in the 2024-27 NLTP are those that will ensure we and our co-investment partners, local government, deliver on the Government’s priorities. All projects in the NLTP are prioritised on a national basis; there are always more bids for funding than there is available funding.
Future stages of the Connecting Mount Maunganui project aren’t funded in the 2024-27 NLTP.
Funding opportunities will be explored to progress Stage 1 SH2 Hewletts Road managed lanes including design, development of the enforcement options, and public consultation.
We will continue to keep you updated as progress is made.
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