The Government is calling on Aucklanders to give their feedback on the Waitematā Harbour crossing, which is being called the "most significant city-shaping project".
Transport Minister Michael Wood announced on Sunday the Government is upgrading New Zealand's transport infrastructure to future-proof it for generations, while supporting "our largest city to thrive".
"As part of the development of options for future transport connections across the Waitematā Harbour, the project team wants to understand Aucklanders' aspirations for a future crossing," Wood said in a statement on Sunday morning.
"This study will look at future options for people wanting to drive, walk, cycle, transport freight, take the bus or perhaps travel by light rail across the Waitematā Harbour.
"This will support us to confirm what new infrastructure is needed to cater for these modes, where it will go, and how to make the best use of our existing infrastructure, including the Auckland Harbour Bridge."
Wood said the Waitematā Harbour crossing marks one of the most significant city-shaping projects for Tāmaki Makaurau in the coming decades.
"Sharing information, talking and listening to our communities in Tāmaki Makaurau is a key part of this planning phase that will establish the future vision for this transformational transport programme," Wood said.
The project is a key part of expanding Auckland's future rapid transit network, which is why the Government has brought forward planning for this project, Wood said.
"Where previous governments failed to plan for the long term, we are committed to preparing for and safeguarding our country's economic future, which is why we have brought forward planning for the crossing to ensure a fully integrated transport network for Auckland."
Rapid transit is already moving thousands of people every day around the city using existing infrastructure like the Northern Busway, Eastern Busway and existing rail network, Wood said.
"The Alternative Waitematā Harbour Connection, alongside the Auckland Light Rail project, will form the spine of a first-class, efficient and truly integrated transport network serving Aucklanders for today and future generations."
Wood said for Auckland to thrive, the city needs a linked-up rapid transit transport to help connect locals all across the city.
"Our largest city needs a linked-up rapid transit transport network that will serve Aucklanders into the future, making it faster to move through the city, connecting communities, providing greater access to businesses, all while reducing congestion," Wood said.
Aucklanders can share their thoughts on the Waitematā Harbour crossing at nzta.govt.nz/awhc.
There is also a new 10-question survey, which includes questions asking if people want a rapid transit network that will integrate with the Auckland Light Rail project and rapid transit to the Northwest.
Following the announcement, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he is "encouraged" by the Government's decision to seek feedback from Aucklanders on the future crossing.
While a third crossing is decades away, with Brown noting the infrastructure is not his priority due to the "public-transport crisis", he said he's pleased the Government is asking Aucklanders for their opinion.
"I'm pleased to see Wellington asking Aucklanders what we want in our city rather than the old practice of Wellington imposing its preferred solutions on us," Brown said.
"It's the change Aucklanders told me they wanted in the election campaign, which I emphasised to Minister Wood in our recent meeting. He seems to be responding positively."
Brown is urging as many Aucklanders as possible to give constructive feedback.
"If Wellington finally has the courtesy to genuinely ask Aucklanders what we think, then as many Aucklanders as possible should have the courtesy to share our thoughts at central government's website, or by attending one of the public meetings," he said.
"I will certainly be doing so as a private citizen. As Aucklanders, we must then hold Wellington to account by ensuring it listens to what we say and acts upon it over the decades ahead."
Meanwhile, the Greens believe this is an opportunity amid the ongoing climate crisis for the Government to display leadership and consider only the lowest carbon ways of crossing the harbour.
"World leaders and climate scientists are telling us we need to radically transform how we live and get around this decade," Julie Anne Genter, the Greens' spokesperson for transport, said on Sunday.
Genter said decisions by successive Governments have forced people to rely on cars to get around Auckland, which has seen transport make up 40 percent of Auckland's climate pollution.
"To be carbon neutral by 2050, it has been estimated that Auckland's transport emissions will need to be cut by up to 70 percent. Providing extra capacity for cars to get across the Waitematā Harbour would be counterproductive.
"Electric cars will of course play a role, but the high cost and congestion they cause mean there is a much bigger role for more efficient transport like e-bikes and light rail. Electric cars can use the roads we already have - and when congestion pricing comes in, more and more people will need alternatives to cars."
Genter said the decisions Cabinet makes over the coming years will have a "profound impact on the world our children and grandchildren will inherit".
"It is crucial that Ministers give people the tools they need to access reliable, affordable low-carbon alternatives to cars."
