A month after the Waterview Tunnel opened to traffic, road users are benefiting from quicker, more reliable travel times and traffic flows across both local roads and Auckland’s motorway system, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“Around 60,000 vehicles are using the Waterview Connection each day, with more than 2 million vehicles now having travelled through the twin tunnels between the suburbs of Owairaka and Waterview,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges today cut the ribbon to mark the operational completion of the $43 million State Highway 2/58 Haywards Interchange project.

Traffic has been on the new grade-separated interchange since April 2017, but work has continued on the project to complete the access ramps and park and ride carpark. While some minor work remains to apply the finishing touches to the project, today’s ribbon cutting marks the operational completion for all modes of transport.

The first stage of the $25 million Waterview Shared Path is now open, opening another key link in Auckland’s growing walking and cycling network, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

When complete, the Waterview Shared Path will connect the suburbs of Waterview and Mount Albert, with access to the Unitec Campus and planned future transport hubs.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges says the 2017 ICT Sector report demonstrates the strength of New Zealand’s technology sector.

The report was launched in Wellington this evening alongside the opening of ProjectR, an initiative focusing on virtual, augmented and mixed reality with a strong focus on research and development.

“The Government has backed the ICT sector by investing in and enabling innovation and this support is paying dividends,” says Mr Bridges. 

The Government has today released the Business Growth Agenda 2017 Refresh Report with a focus on continuing to deliver strong economic growth for the benefit of all New Zealanders, Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges say.

“The Refresh reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to responsible financial and economic management, together with a sustained programme of micro-economic reform and large infrastructure investments,” Mr Joyce says.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges says the 2017 ICT Sector report demonstrates the strength of New Zealand’s technology sector.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has announced the recipients of the Prime Minister’s business scholarships.

The successful applicants will be provided a unique opportunity to expand their international connections and expertise, and help grow and develop New Zealand businesses on the world stage.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins have announced the Government’s 2017 electric vehicle (EV) registrations target has been achieved 5 months early.

“This is great news and a reflection of the work undertaken by the Government and private sector in normalising the purchase and integration of EVs into the New Zealand vehicle fleet,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and ACC Minister Michael Woodhouse have welcomed an initiative for the development of a national cycling education system aimed at getting more kids riding bikes safely.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced today that the Transport Agency and ACC have approved an initial $2.7 million of funding to establish the system by June 2018. The total investment including delivery of cycling education is expected to be around $24 million over four years.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency Board’s approval of $231 million of improvements to the 60km section of State Highway 1 between Clarence and Oaro.

“The Government’s priority is to restore the pre-earthquake transport links to Kaikoura and its surrounding communities, and ensure these vital links are resilient long term,” Mr Bridges says.

Newly appointed members to the Major Events Investment Panel will widen its breadth of knowledge, particularly in business and events, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has announced.  

Three new members have been appointed - Barry Maister, a current New Zealand representative on the International Olympic Committee, Sue Paterson, former Executive Director of the New Zealand Festival and Tim Cossar, Chief Executive of Te Puia, NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says the first of three tourism-related transport projects in the Gisborne-Tairāwhiti region is nearing completion.

“The Horoera Bridge leading to the historic East Cape lighthouse will be replaced in a four day operation from 24 July,” Mr Bridges says.

Work is set to start next month on a cycleway through central Dunedin that will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and all road users, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“Fulton Hogan has been awarded an $8 million contract to build new cycle lanes on the north and southbound streets of the State Highway 1 one-way system between the Dunedin Botanical Gardens and Queens Gardens,” Mr Bridges says.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today announced Government funding of $50,000 for the Bay of Plenty to look at economic growth opportunities through the use of water across the region.

The announcement was made at the Bay of Connections Forum today in Rotorua where a refreshed Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Economic Action Plan was launched. 

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have welcomed a refresh of the Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Action Plan which was launched at the Bay of Connections forum in Rotorua today.

The refreshed action plan reflects 46 completed or reassigned milestones and 38 new actions for the region. It follows the announcement of a new $8.42 million Regional Research Institute in Tauranga, centred on horticulture.

The Government is contributing up to $3.2 million to help grow the West Coast visitor economy, Tourism Minister Paula Bennett, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry announced today.

“Growing the West Coast visitor economy is a priority of the action plan. The region has significant potential to increase the appeal of its natural and heritage assets, adventure-based attractions, and cycling and walking trails,” says Mrs Bennett.

The Government has joined the West Coast region to launch the Tai Poutini West Coast Economic Development Action Plan in Hokitika today.

The Action Plan identifies five priorities for lifting economic growth - better economic development support, growing the West Coast visitor economy, making it easier to invest and do business, supporting economic diversification, and improving connectivity and infrastructure.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced an $18.5 million package of transport projects for the West Coast to help improve the region’s transport network.

The Government launched today the Tai Poutini West Coast Economic Development Action Plan.

“The West Coast’s distance from the main employment and business centres in the South Island and wider New Zealand means it is very dependent on safe and reliable transport links,” Mr Bridges says.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have announced $17.7 million in funding over the next two years for the Regional Growth Programme as part of Budget 2017.

This is further to the $50 million announced by Prime Minster Bill English in Hawkes Bay today to help the most at-risk young people in regional New Zealand into sustained employment, a key part of the Government’s plan to support the regions.

The Government has announced a comprehensive strategy to reduce the number of at-risk young people not in employment or training in regional New Zealand. 

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith joined Prime Minister Bill English who made the announcement at Mr Apple in Hawke’s Bay today.

The final piece of Christchurch’s architecturally designed ‘gateway arches’ is in place, signalling how close another of the city’s multi-million dollar roading projects is to completion, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

The arches and a major interchange are being constructed at the intersection of Russley Road and Memorial Avenue, near Christchurch Airport, as part of the $112 million State Highway 1 Russley Road Upgrade.

Mr Bridges says the top piece of the arches was put in place this morning with the help of a 180 tonne crane.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has officially opened a new section of the Omokoroa to Tauranga City cycleway that will link this growing area.

Mr Bridges today opened the 1.1 kilometre section which will connect Tinopai Reserve to Lynley Park.

“This section of the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycleway runs alongside the harbour providing great views and opportunities to see local birdlife,” Mr Bridges says.

The new caller location system for 111 mobile phone calls has already made a significant impact in the two months it has been up and running, say Police Minister Paula Bennett, Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne.

The system automatically provides emergency services with the probable location of a caller when they dial 111 from a mobile phone, enabling police, fire and ambulance services to respond more quickly.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry have applauded the successful DHL New Zealand Lions Series after the final test last night at Eden Park.

“Last night’s dramatic stalemate capped off a hugely successful ten-match tour that has taken the British and Irish Lions the length of New Zealand and had a significant impact on our economy,” says Mr Bridges.