ETA construction funding assistance approved

The Board of Land Transport NZ has confirmed substantial funding assistance for the construction phase of Taupo’s proposed multi million dollar East Taupo Arterial Highway (ETA).

Yesterday (13 December), the Board approved an application from Taupo District Council for 76.5% funding assistance for construction of the ETA. The 15 kilometre arterial will run from Taupo airport around the eastern outskirts of Taupo linking with State Highway One at Wairakei.


Mayor Rick Cooper said the decision was “brilliant news” for the project.



“We are very mindful of the potential for construction costs to increase in the event of any delays. Confirmation of funding assistance for the construction phase and forward planning by Council staff means we are in a position to proceed as planned on the tendering process for design and construction.”



The announcement is a culmination of the efforts of a lot of people over a long time. The ETA in one form or another has been on the horizon for the last 40 years.



Mayor Cooper said a shortlist of three contractors had already been drawn up and tenders would be called in early January. The 14 week tender period closes in early April. If everything went to plan the tender would be let by the end of June enabling construction to get underway in the second half of 2008.



Rosalie Orr, Partnership manager for Land Transport NZ confirmed that Land Transport NZ and Transit NZ would continue to provide support to Taupo District Council throughout the construction phase of this significant project.



The total cost of the highway, including investigation, design work, land purchase and construction, is currently estimated at around $110 million. Council’s contribution to the ETA is approximately $25.8 million. Council plans to fund its share of the highway from the sale of land and development contribution. Earlier this year Land Transport NZ approved funding assistance of 76.5% for investigation, design and land purchase. The funding has been sourced from Regional ‘R’ Funds.