By 2050, Auckland’s population is expected to increase by up to one million, requiring over 400,000 additional homes and space for 270,000 more jobs. While most of this growth will occur within existing urban areas, around one-third will happen in the Future Urban Zone (FUZ), identified in Auckland’s Unitary Plan. The Future Urban Land Supply Strategy, prepared in 2017 by Auckland Council, sequences this future growth to align with infrastructure investment.
Formed in 2018, Te Tupu Ngātahi plans and protects the land that transport networks require to support greenfield development through route protection and Notices of Requirement (NoR). With a budget of $220M, this programme is the largest planning alliance in Australasia, bringing together Auckland Transport (AT), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Auckland Council, Ngā Manawhenua o Tāmaki Makaurau (Manawhenua) and KiwiRail. Engineering, planning and engagement consultancies AECOM and Beca, alongside legal firms Bell Gully and Buddle Findlay, are also key contributors.
The alliance model fosters strong collaboration and shared risk, proving to be an innovative and efficient way to break down barriers, build consensus, and achieve outcomes swiftly.
In 2019, AT and NZTA confirmed the Indicative Strategic Transport Network (ISTN), outlining where future transport investments are needed to support new neighbourhoods. These projects include upgrading public transport, walking and cycling paths, new roads and highways, and safety improvements, aiming for a well-connected system that enhances safety, accessibility, sustainability, and liveability. The ISTN defined the Alliance’s scope of work, covering rural areas that will be rezoned over the coming decades. Key regions include Pukekohe-Paerata, Drury-Ōpāheke, and Takaanini (South); Kumeū-Huapai, Riverhead, and Whenuapai (North West); Silverdale West and Dairy Flat (North); and Warkworth.
A video outlining the Te Tupu Ngātahi programme of work can be seen on YouTube.
Mode shift and decarbonisation
Te Tupu Ngātahi promotes a mode shift from private vehicles to sustainable transport, such as public transport, walking, and cycling. This aligns with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. The programme’s projects integrate with land use and aim to decarbonise the transport system by reducing reliance on car travel and fossil fuels. Flexibility is built into projects to accommodate evolving transport technologies, ensuring they meet future needs.
Land use integration
The programme integrates transport planning with land use to promote sustainable and compact urban development. By protecting transport corridors for future growth areas, Te Tupu Ngātahi fosters the development of well-connected, transit-oriented communities, reducing long-distance commuting and minimising carbon emissions linked to urban sprawl.
Collaboration with Manawhenua
Partnerships with Manawhenua ensure traditional knowledge is incorporated into infrastructure planning, promoting sustainable practices and respect for cultural and environmental values. Te Tupu Ngātahi has successfully engaged 19 Manawhenua groups across Auckland, fostering trust through meaningful, early engagement and responding swiftly to feedback. Te Reo Māori and tikanga are embedded in the organisation, contributing to more inclusive and respectful planning outcomes.
Te Ao Māori embedded in projects
An Iwi advisor within the alliance provides expertise on Te Ao Māori and tikanga, ensuring that Māori perspectives and values are respected in every project. This inclusion fosters cultural awareness and respect throughout the organisation.
Clear and accessible communication and engagement
Te Tupu Ngātahi has engaged with over 16,000 stakeholders, including 9,000 landowners, developers, and community groups. The team’s efforts focus on simplifying complex information, providing clarity on long-term projects, and managing expectations for communities impacted by future designations.
The programme prioritises clear communication with all stakeholders using tools such as The Hive, Te Tupu Ngātahi website, and explainer videos to help make information accessible for all. Special attention is paid to diverse communities, with materials translated into Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Chinese, and Hindi, and efforts made to simplify technical language. Communication channels include face-to-face engagement to ensure complex projects are understood.
Learn more about this project here.