Auckland Transport manages road widening and wharf repair delays

Auckland Transport is managing two separate infrastructure projects in the Auckland region, facing local scrutiny and regulatory delays.

In Whangateau, road widening work on Leigh Road has drawn criticism from residents following the felling of large native trees, including a kauri estimated to be 300 years old. Auckland Transport stated the project is a safety initiative approved by the local board to address an unsafe section of the road. The work, conducted by Wharehine Contractors, has required the temporary removal of a footpath that was installed only three years ago. The agency has committed to reinstating the footpath once the retaining wall and road widening are complete.

Meanwhile, repairs to the historic Sandspit Wharf have been delayed until approximately March or April 2027. Auckland Transport must obtain resource consent from the Auckland Council due to special planning rules in the area. While pedestrian access and ferry services remain operational, vehicle access to the wharf head is currently restricted by plastic bollards. The delay also provides additional time to source materials to ensure stairs maintain their original width in response to community feedback.