Waka Kotahi is confirming legal proceedings are underway involving the Te Aranui o Te Rangihaeata – SH1 Transmission Gully project.

While Transmission Gully has been open to the public since March 2022, Waka Kotahi said the project remains incomplete, with works required to be completed per the project’s contracted standards.

The project’s contractors, CPB Contractors and HEB Construction Joint Venture (CPBHEB JV), have lodged legal proceedings against Waka Kotahi in response to its ongoing expectations that it complies with these obligations.

The alleged unfinished works include a new SH59 connection between Mackays Crossing and Paekākāriki as well as a recreational track and completion of quality assurance tests.

Brett Gliddon, Waka Kotahi general manager transport services, said discussions had been ongoing over the last year on these matters. The details of these discussions are commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

However, Gliddon said Waka Kotahi will defend the case being brought against it.

“We will manage the Crown’s interests and defend these proceedings while continuing to hold the contract parties accountable.

“Waka Kotahi requires contractual obligations to be met by contractor Wellington Gateway Partnership (WGP) and its construction sub-contractor CPBHEB JV. There is disagreement about the outstanding work and the standards required to be met for the project to be finished in accordance with the contract,” he said.

Waka Kotahi is working closely with Ventia and the Wellington Gateway Partnership to ensure the highway is maintained and kept safe for road users. Public access to the highway will not be affected and current planned works on the project are expected to continue.