26 March 2021
Nick R
[FYI request #14667 email]
REF: OIA-7701
Dear Nick
Request made under the Official Information Act 1982
Thank you for your email
of 12 February 2021 requesting the following information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
1. A high level timeline of material events and internal decisions, from 1 Jan 2020 to today's
date, related to planning, funding, approval, commissioning and construction of cycling and
walking infrastructure over the Auckland Harbour Bridge (the projects formerly known as
'Skypath' and 'Seapath'), and
2. A high level timeline of anticipated future material events and internal decisions, from
today's date to opening for public access, relating to the planning, funding, approval,
commissioning and construction of the cycling and walking infrastructure over Auckland
Harbour Bridge (the projects formerly known as 'Skypath' and 'Seapath').
A walking and cycling connection over the Waitematā Harbour remains a priority for the Government
and Waka Kotahi as we work hard to build Auckland’s walking and cycling network, giving people
choice in the way they get around and experience Auckland.
On 1 September 2020, Waka Kotahi signed a contract with alliance partners Aurecon, Fulton Hogan,
HEB Construction, McConnell Dowell and Freyssinet to deliver the detailed design and construction of
the Westhaven to Akoranga section.
The alliance is in the process of reviewing the programme and specimen design. These matters are
being carefully examined, to enhance resilience and functionality and to ensure timely and cost-
effective progress.
Given events late last year (damage to the bridge structure from windblown truck), the alliance is also
carefully considering design issues generally, in order to ensure the existing harbour bridge is always
protected and kept operational.
The next stage for this section will be to finalise the scope, develop design, and prepare for consenting
and construction.
Please find attached a timeline from January 2020 to present.
Until the alliance has completed reviewing the programme and specimen design and decisions have
been made, I am withholding the information you have requested in the second part of your request
under sections 9(2)(g)(i) and 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown or
members of an organisation or officers and employees of any public service agency or organisation in
the course of their duty and to maintain the constitutional conventions for the time being which protect
the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials.
With respect to the information that has been withheld, I do not consider there are any other factors
which would render it desirable, in the public interest, to make the information available.
Under section 28 of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision to
withhold this information. The contact details for the Ombudsman can be located at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
If you would like to discuss this reply with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, please contact Briony
Hill, Communications and Stakeholder Consultant, by email to [email address]
Yours sincerely
Andrew Thackwray
National Manager Infrastructure Delivery
Westhaven to Akoranga section for the Northern Pathway Timeline from January 2020 to now:
January-February 2020 – The Government confirms it is investing $360 million in the first section of
the Northern Pathway as part of the $6.8 billion NZ Upgrade Programme. The design joins together
the Auckland Harbour Bridge Shared Path (formally known as SkyPath) with SeaPath.
February 2020 – Waka Kotahi shortlists two teams to prepare proposals for the detailed design and
construction of the Westhaven to Akoranga section for the Northern Pathway.
March-April 2020 – Public consultation on the pathway route and preferred designs for the
connections at Westhaven, Princes Street, Sulphur Beach Road, Stafford Road and Onewa Road.
May-July 2020 - The Government announced new legislation to fast-track ‘shovel ready’ projects that
can provide a direct and immediate benefit to regional economies and the community. This is to
provide the necessary economic stimulus as the country enters a sharp downturn brought on by the
Covid-19 pandemic. The new act was passed in early July 2020.
September 2020 - Waka Kotahi entered into an Interim Project Alliance Agreement (IPAA) with the
alliance partners Aurecon, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, McConnell Dowell and Freyssinet (sub-
alliance participants) to deliver the detailed design and construction the Westhaven to Akoranga
section of the Northern Pathway. The alliance will work in partnership with Mana Whenua.
September-February 2020 - The alliance continues to review the programme and specimen
design. These matters are being carefully examined, to enhance resilience and functionality and to
ensure timely and cost-effective progress.