[
  {
    "id": 1,
    "name": "City Rail Link (CRL)",
    "org": "City Rail Link Ltd / Auckland Council / Crown",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "fundingSplit": {
      "note": "Jointly funded 50:50 by the Crown and Auckland Council under the 2016 funding agreement, each meeting half of the total capital cost.",
      "source": "Office of the Auditor-General, City Rail Link report (2022)",
      "url": "https://ao.parliament.nz/2022/city-rail-link/part2.htm",
      "segments": [
        { "label": "Crown", "pct": 50, "kind": "nat" },
        { "label": "Auckland Council", "pct": 50, "kind": "loc" }
      ]
    },
    "estimatedCost": 5450,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -36.8509,
    "lon": 174.7645,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Under construction, fully funded, bipartisan support. Cost overruns acknowledged but project will complete.",
    "desc": "3.45km twin-bore rail tunnel connecting Waitematā (formerly Britomart) to Maungawhau (formerly Mt Eden), with new stations at Te Waihorotiu (Aotea/Queen St) and Karanga-a-Hape. Creates a continuous underground loop. Full public opening confirmed for Sunday 13 September 2026. Cost has grown from $2.5B (2013) to $5.45B+.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed",
      "Green": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2008,
        "event": "Auckland Regional Council commissions first formal CRL feasibility study"
      },
      {
        "year": 2013,
        "event": "Business case finalised; cost estimated at $2.5B. Crown and Auckland Council agree to co-fund"
      },
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "City Rail Link Ltd established as joint Crown/Council entity. Resource consent granted"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Main construction contracts awarded; tunnelling equipment arrives"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Tunnelling complete beneath Queen St. Cost revised upward to $4.4B"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "All five tunnel sections connected. Station construction underway at Aotea and Karangahape"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Cost estimate reaches $5.45B+. Opening target revised to 2025–26"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Karangahape and Maungawhau stations open. Aotea station construction continues"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Full CRL loop operations begin with Aotea station opening"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Tunnels and stations handed over from the Link Alliance to KiwiRail and Auckland Transport (30 Jun); a network-wide dress rehearsal followed on the Matariki weekend. Opening confirmed for a Sunday in late August or early September, to be announced 6 to 8 weeks out, launching on a reduced timetable building to full service within six months"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Opening date confirmed as Sunday 13 September, announced 6 August by Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown at Karanga-a-Hape Station. Britomart renamed Waitematā Station; the four existing lines consolidate into three cross-city routes (East-West: Swanson–Manukau; South-City: loops via Grafton; Onehunga-West: extended to Henderson). Initial transitional timetable runs six trains per hour at peak (rather than the eight tested), building to a full timetable within six months. Public 'First Look' open days held at the new stations on consecutive Saturdays: Maungawhau (8 Aug), Karanga-a-Hape (15 Aug), Te Waihorotiu (22 Aug)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Committed PT rail completing in 2026; public transport is not a government transport-policy priority but CRL is funded through to completion."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "City Rail Link",
        "url": "https://www.cityraillink.co.nz/"
      },
      {
        "title": "All Aboard: City Rail Link Opens 13 September (Beehive.govt.nz, 6 Aug 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/all-aboard-city-rail-link-opens-13-september"
      },
      {
        "title": "City Rail Link opening date revealed as 13 September (RNZ, 6 Aug 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regions_auckland/900907/city-rail-link-opening-date-officially-revealed-but-billboards-got-in-first"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 2,
    "name": "Auckland Light Rail (Cancelled)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Cancelled",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 14600,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -36.872,
    "lon": 174.747,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "Cancelled by National-led government in late 2023. Would require Labour/Green government to reinstate.",
    "desc": "Proposed light rail from the Auckland CBD south through Dominion Rd to the airport and northwest to Kumeu. Two competing designs reached procurement before the National-led government cancelled it, committed in its November 2023 hundred-day plan and formalised by the Transport Minister on 14 January 2024. Announcing the cancellation the government put the cost at $15b, cited advice it could reach $29.2b, and said $228m had already been spent. The $14.6b shown is the 2022 preferred-option estimate for tunnelled light metro.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "cancelled",
      "Labour": "would reinstate",
      "Green": "would reinstate"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "ATAP report recommends rapid transit corridor on Dominion Rd to airport as Auckland's top priority"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Government announces light rail to airport. Procurement begins. Cost estimated $1.8–3.4B"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Three consortia shortlisted. NZTA and NZ Infra (NZ Super Fund / CDPQ Infra) both develop competing designs"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Labour restarts project after COVID pause; NZTA and HUD develop joint preferred option"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Preferred option confirmed: tunnelled light metro to airport. Cost rises to $14.6B"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National wins election promising to cancel light rail; cancellation committed in the government's 100-day plan (29 November)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Cancellation formalised by the Transport Minister (14 January), citing a $15b cost, advice that it could reach $29.2b, and $228m already spent"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Cancelled. Light rail runs counter to the roads-focused transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Government cancels Auckland Light Rail (Jan 2024)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-cancels-auckland-light-rail"
      },
      {
        "title": "Ministry of Transport: Auckland Light Rail project",
        "url": "https://www.transport.govt.nz/area-of-interest/auckland/auckland-light-rail-project"
      },
      {
        "title": "Auckland Light Rail Limited (project site)",
        "url": "https://www.lightrail.co.nz/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 3,
    "name": "Eastern Busway: Pakuranga to Botany",
    "org": "Auckland Transport / Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "fundingSplit": {
      "note": "Cost-shared 51% Crown (National Land Transport Fund) and 49% Auckland Council, per the funding confirmed for the final Botany section.",
      "source": "Beehive / Auckland Transport, Eastern Busway final section funding (2026)",
      "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding-approved-final-stretch-eastern-busway",
      "segments": [
        { "label": "Crown (NLTF)", "pct": 51, "kind": "nat" },
        { "label": "Auckland Council", "pct": 49, "kind": "loc" }
      ]
    },
    "estimatedCost": 1400,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -36.92443,
    "lon": 174.8949,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Under construction with committed funding. Roads-focused National government supports busways.",
    "desc": "A dedicated bus rapid transit corridor from Pakuranga to Botany via Highland Park, with walking and cycling paths alongside. Auckland Transport puts total funding for the Pakuranga to Botany work at $1.4b, split between the Crown and Auckland Council. Delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs alongside mana whenua. Funding for the final stretch through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve was approved in late 2025, early works began in March 2026 and construction on the final section started in July 2026, with the busway due to open in 2027.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2012,
        "event": "Eastern Busway identified in Auckland's Integrated Transport Programme as priority corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Business case approved; Pakuranga to Highland Park confirmed as first stage"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "NLTF funding committed. Detailed design begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Construction begins on Pakuranga to Highland Park section"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Stage 1 (Pakuranga–Highland Park) expected to open"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Early works begin at Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve (March); construction starts on the final section to Botany (July)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Busway due to open"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Bus rapid transit, busways are retained under the transport policy though wider PT is deprioritised."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Auckland Transport: Eastern Busway",
        "url": "https://at.govt.nz/projects-and-initiatives/eastern-busway"
      },
      {
        "title": "Auckland Transport: Eastern Busway starts work on final section",
        "url": "https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2026-media-releases/eastern-busway-starts-work-on-final-section"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Funding approved for final stretch of Eastern Busway",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding-approved-final-stretch-eastern-busway"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 4,
    "name": "O Mahurangi Penlink: Whangaparāoa Peninsula",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 830,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -36.6238,
    "lon": 174.6945,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Toll road under construction, backed by current government's roads priority.",
    "desc": "A new 7km road connecting Whangaparaoa Road to SH1 at Redvale, serving the Whangaparaoa Peninsula (37,650 residents at the 2023 Census) in the wider Hibiscus Coast urban area (68,980 at June 2025). NZTA modelling expects peak savings of 22 to 26 minutes. Tolled from opening at $3.00 peak and $2.00 off-peak for a full-length light-vehicle trip. Initially allocated $830m, with no revised total published. Completion is forecast late 2029 after a delay announced in March 2026 on the Weiti River Bridge.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2001,
        "event": "Penlink first proposed in Auckland Regional Growth Strategy as relief for Whangaparāoa Peninsula"
      },
      {
        "year": 2014,
        "event": "Route designation confirmed after years of community consultation"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Updated business case developed; toll-funding model confirmed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Funding approved through Waka Kotahi. Resource consent granted"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Construction begins on 7km link road and interchange works"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Opening pushed out about 12 months, from mid-2028 to late 2029 (announced 26 March), NZTA citing the complexity, ground conditions and constrained site access on the Wēiti River Bridge"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "Forecast completion and opening to toll-paying traffic"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "New strategic toll road supporting growth on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, aligns with the government economic-growth priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: O Mahurangi Penlink",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Penlink frequently asked questions (completion late 2029, $830m initial allocation)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink/frequently-asked-questions"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Penlink tolling",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink/tolling"
      },
      {
        "title": "Stats NZ Aotearoa Data Explorer: subnational population estimates (Hibiscus Coast urban area, June 2025)",
        "url": "https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?tm=subnational%20population%20estimates"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 5,
    "name": "Mill Road Corridor: Auckland",
    "org": "Waka Kotahi / Auckland Transport",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "routeProtected": true,
    "estimatedCost": 1750,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -37.035,
    "lon": 174.913,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Roads of National Significance priority under current government. Labour opposed previous incarnations. Would be reviewed under a government change, but the route designation confirmed in 2016 is in place and hard to unwind, which lowers the likelihood of the corridor itself being lost (it survived being removed from and later restored to the RoNS list).",
    "desc": "Multi-lane arterial from Manukau to Drury serving fast-growing south Auckland, part of the RoNS programme reinstated by National in 2023. Stage 1, shown on the map, runs about 7km from the SH1 Manukau interchange along Redoubt Road to Alfriston; later stages to Drury are unfunded. NZTA's Stage 1 investment case puts it at $1.75-2.05b. In July 2026 Mill Road moved to the RoNS slow track: NZTA lists Stage 1 as funding-dependent but implementation-ready from 2027, with no confirmed construction start, while design and consenting continue.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority",
      "Labour": "would review"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2009,
        "event": "Mill Road identified in Auckland's southern growth strategy as critical arterial"
      },
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Route designation confirmed through Manukau and Papakura"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "NZ Upgrade Programme allocates $375M: project advances"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Labour removes Mill Road from RoNS list; scope significantly reduced"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National reinstates Mill Road as Roads of National Significance priority"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Business case updated; funding negotiations with Treasury underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA's July Major Transport Projects Pipeline confirms Mill Road Stage 1 as funding-dependent but implementation-ready from 2027; the Alfriston to Drury section moves to 'continuing more slowly' with no confirmed construction timeline"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Target completion for primary sections"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Roads of National Significance, the government transport-policy flagship programme."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/mill-road/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Progress on Mill Road Stage One",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/progress-mill-road-stage-one"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA / 1News (RoNS slow track, Jul 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/09/govt-pulls-flagship-roading-projects-into-the-slow-lane/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 7,
    "name": "Takitimu North Link Stage 1: Tauranga to Te Puna",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 933,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -37.71194,
    "lon": 176.10314,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Under construction with committed funding. Road of National Significance.",
    "desc": "A 6.8km four-lane expressway from SH29 Takitimu Drive, Tauranga, to SH2 west of Te Puna, taking freight pressure off SH2 from the Port of Tauranga. Renamed from Tauranga Northern Link in September 2020 by NZTA with its six hapu Treaty partners. Stage 1 of a 14km corridor; Stage 2 to Omokoroa (about 7.7km) was fast-track approved in March 2026 but has no construction funding. The $933m shown is the NZ Upgrade Programme allocation for the whole link, not a Stage 1 figure. Tolled from opening.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2015,
        "event": "Tauranga Northern Link first scoped as part of Bay of Plenty transport strategy"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Business case approved; route designation confirmed through Te Puna Valley"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Crown commits funding. Procurement process begins. Renamed Takitimu North Link (3 September) by NZTA with its six hapū Treaty partners"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Stage 1 construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Completion pushed from 2026 to 2027 at the earliest (February), an estimate since superseded"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Stage 1 major structures largely complete, all bridge construction scheduled to finish this year. Stage 2 (Te Puna to Ōmokoroa) granted all statutory approvals by fast-track on 19 March, construction funding still awaiting availability"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Stage 1 due for completion, opening tolled to freight and general traffic"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "RoNS freight route serving the Port of Tauranga, a strong policy fit."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Takitimu North Link",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-waihi-to-tauranga-corridor/takitimu-north-link"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Takitimu North Link Stage 2 fast-tracked (Mar 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/takitimu-north-link-stage-2-fast-tracked"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Milestone reached for Takitimu North Link Stage 1 (Feb 2025)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/milestone-reached-takitimu-north-link-stage-1-road-national-significance"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 8,
    "name": "Wellington Transport Package (SH1 Improvements)",
    "org": "Waka Kotahi / Wellington City Council / Greater Wellington RC",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 3800,
    "completionYear": 2033,
    "lat": -41.30002,
    "lon": 174.78173,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "LGWM was disestablished in 2024; the roading-focused replacement (2nd Mt Victoria tunnel etc.) is government-fast-tracked but long-dated, and Wellington transport remains deeply contested.",
    "desc": "After cancelling the $7.4b Let's Get Wellington Moving programme, disestablished in March 2024, the Government is advancing a roading-focused replacement along SH1 through the city: a second Terrace Tunnel, extra lanes on Karo Drive and Vivian Street, Basin Reserve changes separating the state highway from local traffic, a second Mt Victoria Tunnel, and widening of Ruahine Street and Wellington Road. A $3.8b package being fast-tracked, with enabling works from 2026 and tolling proposed. Mass transit was dropped.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "reduced package",
      "Labour": "would reinstate LGWM",
      "Green": "would reinstate LGWM"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Let's Get Wellington Moving programme launched"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "LGWM disestablished (March); mass-transit and mega-tunnel scrapped"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "~$3.8B roading replacement announced: second Terrace Tunnel, Karo Drive and Vivian Street lanes, Basin Reserve changes, second Mt Victoria Tunnel, and Ruahine Street / Wellington Road widening"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA lodges the fast-track consent application for the SH1 improvements (Aug); $185m approved for design, consents and early works, major construction funding not yet committed"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "The PT-heavy LGWM was cancelled; the roads-focused replacement aligns better with the transport policy, though scope is contested."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: SH1 Wellington improvements",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-wellington-improvements"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Fast-track process begins for Wellington's second Mt Victoria Tunnel project (Aug 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/1005180/fast-track-process-begins-for-wellington-s-second-mt-victoria-tunnel-project"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 9,
    "name": "New Dunedin Hospital",
    "org": "Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 2100,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -45.87285,
    "lon": 170.50789,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Replacement hospital under construction but with major cost overruns and design controversies. A government change may alter scope but would not cancel a partly-built hospital.",
    "desc": "New tertiary hospital for the southern region, built in stages on the former Cadbury factory site. The outpatients building was targeted to open in 2026, with the inpatients building reaching practical completion in 2030 and opening to patients in 2031. Cost per square metre has roughly tripled since the 2017 business case, and the Government reviewed downgrade options before committing to the inpatients build. Approved budget is $2.1b, including $174m contingency.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed (with cost controls)",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Business case approved for a new Dunedin hospital"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Government signals downgrade amid cost blowouts; public backlash"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Commitment confirmed to build the inpatients block at the Cadbury site"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Outpatients building targeted to open"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Approved budget confirmed at $2.1b (incl. $174m contingency); practical completion targeted 2030, opening to patients 2031"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "Inpatients building targeted (≈18-month delay reported)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Health-delivery priority, but cost overruns have drawn value-for-money scrutiny."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "New Dunedin Hospital",
        "url": "https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/programmes-and-initiatives/infrastructure/regional-infrastructure-projects/otago-and-southland/new-dunedin-hospital-project-whakatuputupu"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ (approved budget, Budget 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/588852/new-dunedin-hospital-s-approved-budget-higher-than-government-claimed"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 10,
    "name": "Local Water Done Well: National Programme",
    "org": "Department of Internal Affairs / Councils",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "water",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 47900,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Water reform has flip-flopped with each government (Three Waters to Local Water Done Well) and the framework remains contested, but councils' pipe renewals continue under any government. Restructure risk rather than cancellation risk.",
    "desc": "National's Local Water Done Well, successor to the repealed Three Waters, keeps water assets in local ownership through new council-controlled water organisations. Five began operating on 1 July 2026: Waikato's IAWAI and Waikato Waters, Wellington's Tiaki Wai, a joint Kaikoura-Hurunui organisation, and Selwyn Water. A further 13 are expected within a year, which would put about three-quarters of New Zealanders with an organisation established under the reform and owned by 46 councils. Auckland keeps Watercare under a rewritten charter and Christchurch keeps delivery in-house. A published forecast puts water investment at about $47.9b over the ten years to 2034: $17b drinking water, $22.5b wastewater, $8b stormwater.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "own programme",
      "Labour": "would create new entity",
      "Green": "would create new entity"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Labour’s Three Waters reform proposed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National elected; moves to repeal Three Waters"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Local Water Done Well legislation; councils choose delivery models"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "First five council-controlled water organisations begin operating (1 July): IAWAI, Waikato Waters, Tiaki Wai, the Kaikoura-Hurunui joint organisation and Selwyn Water"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "A further 13 organisations expected, covering about three-quarters of New Zealanders across 46 councils"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "The government's own Local Water Done Well framework, a core policy priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "DIA: Water Services Policy and Legislation",
        "url": "https://www.mcert.govt.nz/our-work/local-government/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive / RNZ (LWDW $47.9b forecast, 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/581531/local-water-done-well-council-plans-to-cost-9b-more-than-expected"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Major milestone reached for Local Water Done Well",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-milestone-reached-local-water-done-well"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 11,
    "name": "Wellington Water Infrastructure Renewals",
    "org": "Wellington Water / Greater Wellington RC",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "water",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -41.297,
    "lon": 174.778,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Critical aging infrastructure replacement. Bipartisan support for water safety.",
    "desc": "Multi-year programme replacing Wellington's ageing pipe network, including major trunk mains, running since 2022. The city loses about 30% of its supply to leaks and roughly a fifth of its pipes are in poor or very poor condition. No total has been published for this renewals programme, so no figure is shown. For scale, the assets passed on 1 July 2026 to the new council-owned entity Tiaki Wai, which inherited more than 6,800km of pipe and estimates about $25b over 30 years to fix the network, against roughly 13km being replaced a year; Wellington Water previously put the need at about $1b a year for a decade.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "local government led",
      "Labour": "local government led"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Wellington Water identifies critical aging infrastructure across the network; pipe failure rate increasing"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Major pipe failures cause city-wide boil water notices. Urgency recognised"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "January floods damage key infrastructure. Wellington Water plan expanded"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Multi-year renewal programme begins; trunk main replacements start"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Major work on Orongorongo trunk main and pump station renewals"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Phase 1 programme target: 30% network loss reduction goal"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Aligns with Local Water Done Well; locally led renewal of critical assets."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Wellington Water",
        "url": "https://www.tiakiwai.co.nz/water-networks/projects-2/projects"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ (Wellington water $25b/30yr, Tiaki Wai)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regions_wellington/598269/wellington-s-new-water-entity-estimates-25b-over-30-years-for-safe-water-clean-beaches"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Wellington's new water entity estimates $25b over 30 years",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regions_wellington/598269/wellington-s-new-water-entity-estimates-25b-over-30-years-for-safe-water-clean-beaches"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 12,
    "name": "Kāinga Ora Housing Development: Auckland",
    "org": "Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "housing",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -36.8679,
    "lon": 174.7625,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Labour-era state-build programme heavily curtailed by National (refocus to landlord, developments scrapped, major job cuts). The cut has largely happened; committed builds continue, and a Labour government would expand the programme.",
    "desc": "Kainga Ora's Auckland state-housing build programme. After a 2024 review and the February 2025 turnaround plan, the Government refocused Kainga Ora as a landlord rather than a developer: hundreds of developments, about 3,500 homes nationally, were scrapped, surplus land is being sold, about a third of staff were cut, and state-housing stock is set for no net increase from 2026. Remaining Auckland builds continue at a reduced pace.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "significantly reduced",
      "Labour": "would restore",
      "Green": "would restore"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Kāinga Ora established; large state-build programme underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Government review; hundreds of social-housing projects assessed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Turnaround plan (Feb): refocus as landlord, ~3,500 homes scrapped, ~1/3 of staff cut"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "No net increase in state-housing stock; reduced build pace"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Scaled back under the 2024 Crown Review of Kāinga Ora, counter to current housing priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Kāinga Ora",
        "url": "https://kaingaora.govt.nz/en_NZ/social-housing-and-build-programme/our-build-programme/urban-development-large-scale-projects/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 13,
    "name": "Lake Onslow Pumped Hydro",
    "org": "Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium (private)",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 15700,
    "completionYear": 2035,
    "lat": -45.548,
    "lon": 169.628,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "Cancelled by National in 2024, then accepted for fast-track consent in 2026 via a private consortium, highly speculative, capital-intensive and politically contested.",
    "desc": "A proposed pumped-hydro battery at Lake Onslow, Central Otago, for dry-year energy security. The figure shown is the highest official estimate, $15.7b, a P50 from the 2023 NZ Battery Project business case, for the scheme National cancelled in January 2024. It was then revived privately: the Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium, whose shareholders include ex-Meridian chief Keith Turner and former minister David Parker, entered fast-track consenting in March 2026 with a scaled-back $8-10b scheme, about 1,500 jobs, potentially operating by 2035. Its scope, cost and financing remain unconfirmed.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "cancelled",
      "Labour": "policy changed, uncertain",
      "Green": "alternative renewables preferred"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "NZ Battery Project business case; cost estimated $4–16B"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Indicative Business Case: Lake Onslow cost estimate rises to $15.7b, a P50 figure up from ~$4b (March)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "National cancels Lake Onslow (January)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium accepted into fast-track consenting (March); ~$8–10b, operating by ~2035 if it proceeds"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Cancelled. Counter to the government's fast-track-renewables energy approach."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Lake Onslow pumped hydro cost estimate rises almost 300 percent to $15.7b (2023)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/486111/lake-onslow-pumped-hydro-scheme-cost-estimate-rises-almost-300-percent-to-15-point-7b"
      },
      {
        "title": "interest.co.nz: Government puts $15.7b price tag on Lake Onslow pumped hydro",
        "url": "https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/120351/government-puts-massive-price-tag-potential-lake-onslow-pumped-hydro-scheme"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme considered for fast-track by government (2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/590781/lake-onslow-pumped-hydro-scheme-considered-for-fast-track-by-government"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 14,
    "name": "Whangārei Hospital Redevelopment",
    "org": "Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 759,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -35.7365,
    "lon": 174.303,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Budget 2026 committed funding for a new 158-bed ward tower alongside the already-approved acute services building. Construction underway with 2031 completion target.",
    "desc": "Full redevelopment of Northland's main hospital. Stage 1 (acute services building and enabling works) is budgeted at ~$759m, on track for completion 2031; Budget 2026 funded a further 158-bed ward tower (amount not separately disclosed). Northland has NZ's highest health deprivation rates.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "fully funded, under construction",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Clinical services plan identifies urgent need to replace ageing hospital buildings in Whangārei"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Redevelopment planning begins; Northland's high deprivation rates drive urgency"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Detailed business case recommends a $944m option, deemed unaffordable. Cabinet instead approves $759m for Stage 1 (24 November): Whānau House, the Tira Ora child health centre and the acute services building"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Health NZ financial restructure creates uncertainty. Design phase delayed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 commits funding for new 158-bed ward tower alongside acute services building. Construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Both the ward tower and acute services building scheduled for completion"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Funded in Budget 2026 (new 158-bed ward tower), a government health-delivery priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Health New Zealand",
        "url": "https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/programmes-and-initiatives/infrastructure/regional-infrastructure-projects/northland/whangarei-hospital-redevelopment"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: $759m approved for Stage 1 (Nov 2022)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bigger-ed-more-theatres-and-more-beds-new-whang%C4%81rei-hospital"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Infrastructure boost for hospitals (Budget 2026, 158-bed ward tower)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure-boost-hospitals"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 16,
    "name": "Transpower Grid Upgrades: National",
    "org": "Transpower NZ (state-owned enterprise)",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 4700,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Regulated transmission upgrade, funded through electricity lines charges regardless of government. Bipartisan support.",
    "desc": "Transpower's capital programme upgrading the national grid for electrification, new renewable generation and reliability: the North Island Grid Upgrade, new substations, and the Net Zero Grid Pathways programme. Funded through the regulated asset base rather than the Crown. Transpower's spending proposal sets out up to $4.7b in constant 2022/23 dollars, including $2.25b of base capital expenditure forecast across 2025 to 2030, up about a third on the previous five years. The Commerce Commission approved the $393m first stage of Net Zero Grid Pathways in February 2024, covering the HVDC link, the Central North Island circuits and the circuits between Wairakei and Whakamaru. The separate $1.1b renewal of the Cook Strait HVDC cables is tracked as its own project rather than counted here.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supportive",
      "Labour": "supportive"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Transpower Asset Management Plan identifies $4B+ investment need over 10 years"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "North Island Grid Upgrade announced: $800M+ project to connect new renewables"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Commerce Commission approves Transpower's investment programme through regulatory reset"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Commerce Commission approves the $393m first stage of Net Zero Grid Pathways (28 February): HVDC link, Central North Island circuits, and Wairakei to Whakamaru"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "North Island upgrade construction begins; major substation upgrades across NZ"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "HVDC pole 3 refurbishment milestone; North Island upgrades complete"
      },
      {
        "year": 2034,
        "event": "Full 10-year capital programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Grid upgrades enabling electrification and energy security, aligns with energy priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Transpower: our work",
        "url": "https://www.transpower.co.nz/our-work"
      },
      {
        "title": "Transpower: Net Zero Grid Pathways",
        "url": "https://www.transpower.co.nz/nzgp"
      },
      {
        "title": "Commerce Commission: Net Zero Grid Pathways proposal",
        "url": "https://www.comcom.govt.nz/regulated-industries/electricity-lines/projects/transpowers-net-zero-grid-pathways"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Herald: Transpower seeks higher charges to fund $4.7 billion grid upgrade",
        "url": "https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets/commodities/transpower-seeks-higher-charges-to-fund-47-billion-grid-upgrade/4DC7GDCPF5B5PK3NQGSNM5EECI/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 17,
    "name": "Auckland Watercare: Water Supply Upgrades",
    "org": "Watercare Services (Auckland Council)",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "water",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 2100,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -36.9383,
    "lon": 174.64,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "CCO-funded water supply infrastructure, largely insulated from government policy change.",
    "desc": "Watercare's ten-year capital programme: new water treatment capacity, trunk main replacements, wastewater upgrades and the Huia treatment plant replacement (about $1.12b, the flagship). Funded through water charges as Auckland grows past two million. In late July 2026 Watercare lifted the programme to $15.2b, its largest ever and up from $13.8b, including roughly $4b of new and accelerated investment. As both Crown Monitor and economic regulator, the Commerce Commission said it will fully scrutinise whether that spend is prioritised and efficient, and is setting Watercare's first price-quality path (PQP28) to apply when the charter ends in mid-2028. The figure shown is the indicative water-supply share, not the whole programme.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "local government led",
      "Labour": "local government led"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Watercare 30-year strategy released: identifies $17B investment need over 30 years"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Huia Water Treatment Plant Stage 2 upgrade begins construction"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Major trunk main renewal programme underway across Auckland network"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Rosedale wastewater plant upgrade completed. New Pukekohe reservoir commissioned"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Watercare unveils a $15.2b ten-year programme, up from $13.8b, including about $4b of new and accelerated investment (late July); the Commerce Commission says it will scrutinise it and will set the first price-quality path, PQP28, for when the charter ends in mid-2028"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Southern water supply network upgrades complete"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Current capital programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Aligns with locally led water delivery under Local Water Done Well; CCO-funded."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Watercare",
        "url": "https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/projects-and-updates/projects-around-auckland/western-water-supply-programme"
      },
      {
        "title": "Watercare / NZ Herald ($13.8b 10-year plan)",
        "url": "https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/about-us/latest-news-and-media/we-unveil-a-13-8-billion-plan-to-ensure-reliable-water-services"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Commerce Commission to scrutinise Watercare's $15.2b plan",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regions_auckland/950969/commerce-commission-to-scrutinise-watercare-s-15-point-2b-plan"
      },
      {
        "title": "Commerce Commission: keen to inspect Watercare's $1.5bn-a-year plans",
        "url": "https://www.comcom.govt.nz/news-and-media/news-and-events/2026/commission-keen-to-inspect-watercares-1-5bn-a-year-plans/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 18,
    "name": "Defence Estate Modernisation",
    "org": "NZ Defence Force / Ministry of Defence",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 2100,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -41.3,
    "lon": 174.8,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "Bipartisan support for defence following 2024 Defence Policy Review. AUKUS-adjacent investments may be scaled differently but core estate modernisation would continue.",
    "desc": "Multi-year regeneration of NZDF bases (Ohakea, Burnham, Linton, Devonport, Whenuapai): new facilities, accommodation and infrastructure. The Defence Estate Regeneration Programme is a ~$2.1b alliance (EY/Beca); the Defence Estate Portfolio Plan puts whole-of-life estate cost at ~$12.6b to FY40, alongside the separate ~$12b Defence Capability Plan.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "expanded programme",
      "Labour": "committed",
      "Green": "would reduce"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Defence Policy Review launched: first comprehensive review in 10+ years"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National wins election; Defence Minister signals expanded investment commitment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Defence Policy Review final report: $12B+ infrastructure deficit identified. $3.5B 10-year programme funded"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Estate programme begins: Ohakea runway upgrade, Devonport facilities"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Major base upgrades at Burnham and Linton complete"
      },
      {
        "year": 2034,
        "event": "Full estate modernisation programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Aligns with the government's expanded defence investment following the 2024 Defence Policy Review."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZ Defence Force",
        "url": "https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/story-collections/estate-regeneration/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 20,
    "name": "Nelson Tasman Regional Water",
    "org": "Nelson City Council / Tasman District Council",
    "region": "Nelson",
    "sector": "water",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -41.2706,
    "lon": 173.284,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Depends on Local Water Done Well framework. Contested between National and Labour policy approaches.",
    "desc": "Regional water resilience for Nelson and Tasman after the 2021-2022 restrictions. The flagship piece, the Waimea Community Dam, was commissioned in September 2024. The rest is a programme of council upgrades, Motueka and Takaka wastewater, Waimea Plains drinking-water treatment and network interconnections, delivered through long-term plans rather than one defined scheme. No combined budget is set; the $450m sometimes quoted is indicative only.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "local funding",
      "Labour": "crown co-investment"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Severe water restrictions across Nelson-Tasman expose supply fragility"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Waimea Community Dam construction progresses as the anchor resilience project"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Waimea Community Dam completed and commissioned (September)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Indicative horizon for the remaining wastewater and drinking-water upgrades"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Depends on the Local Water Done Well framework; funding model contested."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Tasman District Council",
        "url": "https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/projects/waimea-community-dam"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 21,
    "name": "Tauranga City Centre Refresh",
    "org": "Tauranga City Council / Crown",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 306,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -37.6879,
    "lon": 176.1671,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Community infrastructure under Commissioner-led council, near completion.",
    "desc": "Tauranga City Centre refresh including new Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct, library, art gallery, and public spaces. Crown-commissioned council delivered programme. Multiple buildings under construction 2023–2026. The ~$306m programme’s library/community hub opens October 2026, with the museum and civic whare completing around mid-2028.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Crown appoints Commissioners to lead Tauranga City Council amid governance failure"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "City Centre masterplan adopted: Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct designed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Construction begins on civic precinct including civic whare and library"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "New library and council chamber open"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Full civic precinct completion including art gallery and public realm"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "Locally led civic precinct, outside central government priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Tauranga City Council",
        "url": "https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/council-projects/te-manawataki-o-te-papa"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Herald / Tauranga CC (Te Manawataki o Te Papa)",
        "url": "https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/civic-precinct-and-new-courthouse-drive-tauranga-cbds-half-a-billion-dollar-transformation/Z2ONPSIA55HODFVTNMDGFK6NSM/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 22,
    "name": "Queenstown Lakes Transport: Programme",
    "org": "Waka Kotahi / Queenstown Lakes DC",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2033,
    "lat": -45.0312,
    "lon": 168.6626,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Tourism and growth-driven transport. Active modes component likely under review under current government.",
    "desc": "Long-term transport programme for Queenstown Lakes, tackling congestion from tourism and rapid growth: possible rapid transit, Frankton corridor upgrades and active modes. No business case is approved and no total cost is disclosed. The funded part is the ~$250m NZ Upgrade Programme package, with Arterial Stage 1 completed in September 2025 and the rest awaiting funding. In its August 2026 South Island growth plan, National backed letting the proposed Queenstown gondola draw National Land Transport Fund money, and committed $25m to four-lane the Five Mile roundabout.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "roads focus",
      "Labour": "integrated transport including rapid transit"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Queenstown Lakes growth pressure identified: transport system near capacity during peak visitor season"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Urban Form and Transport Study completed; rapid transit identified as long-term solution"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Future Development Strategy adopted; Frankton corridor transport investment confirmed as priority"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Road improvements programme advancing; rapid transit options deferred under National"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "National's South Island growth plan (14 Aug) would open the National Land Transport Fund to a proposed Queenstown gondola and put $25m toward four-laning the Five Mile roundabout roading"
      },
      {
        "year": 2033,
        "event": "Indicative programme target for major transport improvements"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "The roads component fits the transport policy, but the rapid-transit and active-mode elements are deferred under current priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Queenstown Lakes District Council",
        "url": "https://validate.perfdrive.com/?ssa=94195b14-74e2-4a72-9e9a-c1c9edc3e589&ssb=28264236045&ssc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qldc.govt.nz%2Fservices%2Ftransport-and-parking%2Fway-to-go%2F&ssi=e694e945-dif2-499c-92b2-01169953f9bf&ssk=botmanager_support@radware.com&ssm=46513120980074033109951964303283&ssn=315b29e32032da6de429b184117a8547873681ec20ee-9ac0-4ff4-9f5642&sso=7da59b0f-7f036e5e778544f5a791b4fdd0f6893e1eaab445c3ddd557&ssp=13182874941787038779178706622999260&ssq=52364953325987162778933259597562988110966&ssr=MjAyLjcuMjUxLjExMA==&sst=Mozilla/5.0%20(compatible;%20infrawatch-linkcheck/1.0)&ssu=&ssv=&ssw=&ssx=eyJ1em14IjoiN2ZjMDAwNGY5ODBkMmEtYjhhMS00Y2JmLWIxZjItM2E5MjFjOWEyZTg4MS0xNzg3MDMzMjU5MjE2MC0wMDEwMTAyZjIzZjk1NDExOTJkMTAiLCJfX3V6bWYiOiI3ZjkwMDA4MWVjMjBlZS05YWMwLTRmZjQtOWIwZi03ZjAzNmU1ZTc3ODUxLTE3ODcwMzMyNTkyMTYwLTAwMzUwOTc4MDM2M2NkMzExNzAxMCIsInJkIjoicWxkYy5nb3Z0Lm56In0="
      },
      {
        "title": "Stuff: National unveils $100b South Island growth plan (Aug 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361020170/national-unveils-100b-south-island-growth-plan-includes-funding-plan-queenstown-gondola"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA (NZ Upgrade Programme Queenstown package)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/queenstown-package"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 23,
    "name": "Hawke's Bay Cyclone Recovery: Infrastructure",
    "org": "Crown / Hawke's Bay Regional Council / Napier CC / Hastings DC",
    "region": "Hawke's Bay",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -39.4928,
    "lon": 176.912,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Emergency/resilience rebuild after Cyclone Gabrielle. Bipartisan support.",
    "desc": "Infrastructure rebuild in Hawke's Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. Damage to council roads and bridges alone was put at about $1.1b. Under the 2023 Crown and council cost-sharing agreement the Crown offered around $556m toward recovery, including about $260m for transport and $203.5m for regional flood protection, within a wider $941m regional package that included $475m for road and rail. Works include stopbank reconstruction, road and bridge rebuilds in the Esk Valley and the Tutaekuri and Ngaruroro corridors, network restoration and managed-retreat buyouts. No consolidated regional total is published.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Cyclone Gabrielle (Feb 2023): NZ's worst natural disaster in modern history. Hawke's Bay worst affected. State of national emergency declared"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Crown commits $500M+ emergency recovery funding. Recovery agency established"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Stop bank repairs begin. Road reconstruction underway across Esk Valley, Tutaekuri, and Ngaruroro corridors"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Major stop bank and flood protection reconstruction underway. Managed retreat discussions for worst-affected areas"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Community facility restoration continues. Power network resilience upgrades"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Target for core infrastructure rebuild completion (Dartmoor Bridge early 2027, remaining pump-station upgrades)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Cyclone Gabrielle resilience rebuild, strong alignment with the government resilience priority and bipartisan recovery focus."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Hawke's Bay Regional Council: Cyclone Gabrielle response",
        "url": "https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/cyclone-gabrielle-response/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Hawke's Bay Recovery: Crown/council cost-sharing agreement",
        "url": "https://www.hawkesbayrecovery.nz/news/article/12/hawkes-bay-councils-finalise-the-terms-of-a-cost-sharing-agreement-with-the-government"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 24,
    "name": "Hamilton Southern Links",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Waikato",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 2320,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -37.787,
    "lon": 175.282,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "Road of National Significance under the current government but unfunded and long-dated; would likely be deprioritised under a Labour/Green government, like other pre-construction RoNS.",
    "desc": "A network of new and upgraded roads south of Hamilton connecting SH1, SH3 and SH21 and serving the growing Peacocke area, reinstated as a Road of National Significance. The NZTA Board endorsed the investment case, which recommends tolling and reports a benefit-cost ratio of about 1.9 un-tolled and around 14 minutes saved between Tamahere and western Hamilton. The envelope is $2.32-2.72b including escalation, contingency and funding risk. To be built in stages across multiple NLTP periods as funding allows.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority",
      "Labour": "would review scope"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Southern Links route designations advanced alongside the Peacocke growth area"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Reinstated as a Road of National Significance under the new Government"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA Board endorses the investment case; tolling recommended, public consultation to follow"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Indicative start of staged delivery as construction funding is confirmed"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Roads of National Significance, a government economic-growth and housing-access priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/southern-links/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA (Hamilton Southern Links investment case)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/southern-links"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 25,
    "name": "Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 2100,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -40.75,
    "lon": 175.15,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "A National Road of National Significance with construction contracts signed and works underway, funded and largely insulated from the election.",
    "desc": "A 24km four-lane highway from Taylors Rd, Otaki to north of Levin, the northernmost section of the Wellington Northern Corridor RoNS, bypassing Otaki, Manakau and Levin. NZTA's disclosed budget is $2.1b, up from about $810m in 2020. Two alliances are building it. Main works began in late 2025 with completion targeted for the end of 2029. Tolling is under consultation.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority road upgrade",
      "Labour": "preferred rail/rapid transit"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Project estimated at ~$810m as part of the Wellington Northern Corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Confirmed as a Road of National Significance priority by the incoming government"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA discloses $2.1b budget; construction contracts signed; main works begin Q4"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "Completion targeted: 24 km of new four-lane highway"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Core Road of National Significance, a top government land-transport priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/otaki-to-north-of-levin/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 27,
    "name": "Palmerston North Hospital: Rebuild",
    "org": "Health New Zealand / MidCentral",
    "region": "Manawatū-Whanganui",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -40.3553,
    "lon": 175.6099,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Budget 2026 funded design work and early enabling works plus a temporary ICU. Full construction funding not yet committed.",
    "desc": "Rebuild/redevelopment of Palmerston North Hospital. Budget 2026 funded design, site planning and early enabling works under Tranche 2 of the Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, plus a new temporary ICU to relieve immediate pressure while the longer-term redevelopment progresses. Only design, site planning and early enabling works are funded; the full rebuild cost has not been publicly disclosed.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "design and early works funded",
      "Labour": "would accelerate"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Ageing facilities flagged for redevelopment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 funds design + enabling works (Tranche 2); temporary ICU funded"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "$14.455M ED expansion under way (funded Budget 2025), completing June 2026: +40% ED capacity"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Health-delivery priority; design and a temporary ICU funded in Budget 2026, full construction funding pending."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Health New Zealand",
        "url": "https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/programmes-and-initiatives/infrastructure/regional-infrastructure-projects/manawatu-whanganui"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive / Health NZ (Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure-boost-hospitals"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 29,
    "name": "Wellington International Airport Expansion",
    "org": "Wellington International Airport Ltd",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": 500,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -41.3272,
    "lon": 174.805,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Privately led, commercially driven expansion. Not directly affected by government change.",
    "desc": "Wellington Airport’s 2040 masterplan (~$500m): a new domestic/international jet terminal to the south, runway/taxiway and freight improvements, and more aircraft stands. The fast-tracked ~$100m+ southern seawall renewal (approved 2026) is the first major piece.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supportive",
      "Labour": "supportive"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2010,
        "event": "Wellington Airport first publicly proposes runway extension for long-haul capability"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Feasibility study confirms technical viability of 300m northern extension"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Resource consent application lodged. Environmental assessment and community consultation begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Resource consent hearing process underway. Significant opposition from Lyall Bay residents"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track consent granted (15 May) for the ~400m seawall; construction targeted from ~2029-early 2030s, only staging works meanwhile"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Target completion for the masterplan overall, contingent on funding and on construction timing following the 2026 fast-track consent"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "Privately funded airport expansion, outside government land-transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Wellington Airport",
        "url": "https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/about/our-vision/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 30,
    "name": "KiwiRail: Rail Network Upgrades",
    "org": "KiwiRail",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1075,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "National cut KiwiRail's Resilience and Decarbonisation fund. Ongoing uncertainty about long-term rail funding.",
    "desc": "KiwiRail’s national rail network programme (track, bridges, resilience renewals). Budget 2026 fully funded the network for three years at $1.075b (2027–30), plus $106.9m for Auckland and Wellington metropolitan rail renewals. National cancelled the $1.4B Rail Resilience and Decarbonisation Fund in 2023; network funding now flows through the NLTF.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "reduced Crown funding",
      "Labour": "would restore RRDF",
      "Green": "would expand rail"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Rail Network Investment Programme launched: 10-year plan for network resilience"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Labour commits $3.6B to rail over 10 years including new RRDF fund"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Cyclone Gabrielle (Feb 2023) and earlier severe weather events damage rail network; RRDF urgently needed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National wins election. RRDF ($1.4B) cancelled. Crown rail funding reduced"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Reduced NLTF rail allocation: KiwiRail capital programme scaled back"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 fully funds the network for three years: up to $1.075b for the Rail Network Investment Programme 2027-30, plus $106.9m for Auckland and Wellington metropolitan renewals in FY28. The full three-year amount was committed upfront rather than approved year by year (May)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "End of the funded Rail Network Investment Programme period (2027-30)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Freight-rail maintenance fits the government resilience priority, but decarbonisation funding (RRDF) was cut."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "KiwiRail",
        "url": "https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/our-network/funding-our-network/rail-network-investment-programme/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive / KiwiRail (Budget 2026 rail funding)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rail-infrastructure-fully-funded"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 31,
    "name": "Tairāwhiti / Gisborne Cyclone Recovery",
    "org": "Crown / Gisborne District Council",
    "region": "Gisborne",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -38.66,
    "lon": 178.02,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Emergency resilience rebuild. Bipartisan.",
    "desc": "Infrastructure rebuild in Tairawhiti after Cyclone Gabrielle: SH2 and SH35 repairs across about 170 faults on the 500km state highway network, flood protection and community rebuilding, with managed retreat facing some areas. No consolidated regional total is published. The Crown's 2023 cost-sharing agreement committed $125m for roads and resilience, $64m for category 2 flood protection and a zero-interest 10-year $30m council loan; Budget 2024 added $27.8m for woody debris. Larger figures quoted alongside these ($609.3m state highways, $330m local roads) are North Island-wide. Gisborne District Council puts restoring its local roads at about $465m, or $725m to build back stronger, against $245m received.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Multiple severe weather events damage Tairāwhiti roads and infrastructure. SH2 repeatedly closed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Cyclone Gabrielle (Feb 2023) devastates Tairāwhiti. Crown and Tairāwhiti agree cost-sharing arrangements (24 Aug): $125m for roads and resilience, $64m for flood protection, a $30m zero-interest council loan and up to $15m for category 3 buyouts"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "SH2 (Wairoa–Gisborne) and SH35 (East Coast) repairs begin"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Managed retreat discussions for most vulnerable communities. Flood protection upgrades underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Core infrastructure rebuild target: some communities may face permanent relocation"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Cyclone recovery and flood resilience, strong alignment with the government resilience priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Gisborne District Council: roads and bridges recovery",
        "url": "https://www.gdc.govt.nz/our-recovery/roads-and-bridges"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Crown and Tairāwhiti cost-sharing arrangements (Aug 2023)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-and-tair%C4%81whiti-agree-cost-sharing-arrangements-cyclone-affected-region"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: more than $1 billion for cyclone relief and resilience (Budget 2024)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-1-billion-cyclone-relief-resilience-and-emergency-preparedness"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA: North Island state highway recovery and rebuild",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/north-island-state-highway-recovery-and-rebuild"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 32,
    "name": "Waitohi: Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment",
    "org": "KiwiRail / Port Marlborough",
    "region": "Marlborough",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 400,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -41.29,
    "lon": 174,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "The South Island side of the Cook Strait ferry replacement. Port infrastructure agreements are signed within the fixed $1.86B programme; committed and under construction.",
    "desc": "Redevelopment of the Picton ferry precinct (Waitohi) for the new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries: a new terminal building, wharf and linkspan, a Dublin Street overbridge, and improved links between the precinct and town. Physical works, including demolition of the old vehicle access bridge, began in early 2026. The South Island portside half of the ~$1.86b Interislander ferry programme.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed (ferry programme)",
      "Labour": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Waitohi ferry precinct redevelopment confirmed (~$360m terminal)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Replanned alongside the new Cook Strait ferry procurement"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Physical works begin: old vehicle access bridge demolished"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "Terminal ready for the new rail-enabled ferries"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Critical inter-island freight and passenger link, core land-transport resilience."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "EPA",
        "url": "https://www.epa.govt.nz/fast-track-consenting/listed-projects/waitohi-picton-ferry-redevelopment/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 33,
    "name": "Hawke's Bay Regional Prison Expansion",
    "org": "Department of Corrections",
    "region": "Hawke's Bay",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -39.63,
    "lon": 176.83,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "First 316-bed phase is committed and self-funded; any further phases depend on future budgets and are unconfirmed.",
    "desc": "Expansion of Hawke's Bay Regional Prison at Mangaroa near Hastings. The confirmed phase is two new high-security units adding about 316 beds, a design-and-build signed with Naylor Love in October 2025 using a stripped-back no-roof design, taking the prison to about 1,071 beds when it opens in early 2027. Corrections is self-funding the units from existing budget and has not disclosed the cost. Further phases are signalled alongside Waikeria but are not confirmed or funded.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority (capacity expansion)",
      "Labour": "accepts capacity need, prefers reducing remand"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Record prison muster renews pressure for additional capacity"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Design-and-build for two 316-bed high-security units signed with Naylor Love (Oct)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Two new units due operational (early 2027), taking capacity to ~1,071"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Aligns with the government's corrections-capacity expansion priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/316-new-beds-hawke%E2%80%99s-bay-regional-prison-prison-population-hits-new-peak"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 34,
    "name": "Northland Transport: RoNS Corridor",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 18000,
    "completionYear": 2039,
    "lat": -35.727,
    "lon": 174.324,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "Four-lane expressway to Whangārei is National's Roads of National Significance priority, would be cancelled or reduced under Labour/Green.",
    "desc": "The full Northland Corridor / Expressway RoNS, ~100km from Warkworth to Whangārei in three sections (including an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills). Full delivery estimated ~NZ$15–22b by ~2039; near-term Government funding (~$187m) covers design, consenting, route protection and property for the Te Hana–Port Marsden–Whangārei stretch.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority RoNS",
      "Labour": "would cancel or significantly reduce",
      "Green": "would cancel"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Northland Corridor confirmed as a Road of National Significance"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "$187m funded for design, consenting and route protection"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Consents/designations being lodged (Brynderwyns alternative first)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA's July Major Transport Projects Pipeline confirms the Brynderwyns realignment proceeds first; sections two and three between Te Hana and Whangārei move to 'continuing more slowly' with no confirmed construction timeline"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "First section, Warkworth to Te Hana, signed as NZ's largest PPP (30 July, NZ$3.649b NPV; see that project). Sections north of Te Hana to Whangārei remain unfunded for construction"
      },
      {
        "year": 2039,
        "event": "Full corridor delivery targeted"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "RoNS four-laning of SH1 to Whangārei, a government flagship programme."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/northland-corridor/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 35,
    "name": "University of Auckland: Campus Development",
    "org": "University of Auckland",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "education",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 650,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -36.852,
    "lon": 174.769,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "University-funded capital programme. Not directly government dependent.",
    "desc": "University of Auckland capital programme 2024–2030 including the Te Wānanga/Learning Commons building, engineering precinct renewal, and residential college expansion. Self-funded through university reserves and borrowing.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "tertiary sector led",
      "Labour": "tertiary sector led"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "UoA campus masterplan 2030 adopted: identifies $650M+ of capital investment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Engineering precinct renewal design begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Construction begins on Engineering precinct stage 1"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Te Wānanga Learning Commons construction begins on city campus"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Engineering precinct stage 1 opens. Residential college expansion underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Full campus development programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "University-funded campus programme, outside central government priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "University of Auckland",
        "url": "https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/on-campus/our-campuses.html"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 36,
    "name": "Ministry of Education: School Property Programme",
    "org": "Ministry of Education",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "education",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "School property investment bipartisan in principle but National has cut the programme budget. Specific projects may be deferred.",
    "desc": "The Ministry of Education's rolling national school property programme: new schools and classrooms in growth areas, redevelopments, seismic strengthening and maintenance. Budget 2026 committed $558.5m over four years, covering 232 new classrooms, up to 10 school redevelopments and land for new schools. No single multi-year total is disclosed; National cut the school property budget by $1.4b in 2024.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "reduced scope",
      "Labour": "would restore funding"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Surge in student numbers in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga: new school builds urgently needed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Labour commits major school investment including seismic upgrades and new builds in growth areas"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Programme of 30+ new school builds nationwide underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "National Budget cuts school property by $1.4B. New school builds deferred or cancelled"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Affected communities notified of deferred schools. Capacity shortfalls in growth areas"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Reduced programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Education delivery; scope was reduced in 2024 for value-for-money, with growth-area builds retained."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Ministry of Education",
        "url": "https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/strategies-policies-and-programmes/property-and-infrastructure/school-property-group"
      },
      {
        "title": "Ministry of Education (Budget 2026 school property)",
        "url": "https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/publications/corporate-documents/budget-2026/school-property"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 37,
    "name": "Interislander: New Cook Strait Ferries",
    "org": "KiwiRail / Interislander",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1860,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -41.28,
    "lon": 174.78,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Fixed-price ferry contract signed November 2025 and port agreements locked in; ships are under construction for 2029 delivery. Both major parties accept the replacement is needed; the remaining exposure is portside works and future budget appropriations.",
    "desc": "Replacement of Interislander's ageing Cook Strait fleet. Labour's iReX rail-enabled mega-ferry project was cancelled by National in December 2023, after more than $500m in spending and cancellation costs. Through Ferry Holdings, a fixed-price $596m contract for two smaller rail-enabled hybrid ferries was signed with Guangzhou Shipyard International in November 2025, for service in 2029. The total programme, including scaled-back Wellington and Picton portside works, is about $1.86b, down from $3b+ for iReX.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "new procurement approach",
      "Labour": "committed to ferries (different contract)"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "KiwiRail signs Hyundai contract for two rail-enabled mega-ferries (iReX)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National cancels iReX (December); ~$500M+ already committed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Replacement confirmed: two smaller rail-enabled ferries, scaled-back port works"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Ferries formally named KUPE and COOK (17 July); KiwiRail confirmed as operator for 30 years from arrival, review point 2039"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "New ferries targeted to enter service (by Christmas 2029)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Critical Cook Strait link; the previous contract was cancelled and rescoped, aligns with the government value-for-money priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/cook-strait-ferries/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 40,
    "name": "Ara Tūhono: Warkworth to Te Hana",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 3649,
    "partOf": 34,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -36.3,
    "lon": 174.55,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "National RoNS now under a signed PPP: financial close was reached on 30 July 2026, which is materially harder to unwind than a project still in procurement, since cancelling a concession at financial close carries contract break costs. Labour and the Greens still say they would cancel or reduce the wider Northland RoNS programme, so it remains contested.",
    "desc": "A 26km four-lane expressway west of SH1, from north of Warkworth to north of Te Hana, bypassing the Brynderwyn Hills. Signed 30 July 2026 as New Zealand's largest public-private partnership: the Northway consortium (Acciona, Downer NZ, AECOM) will build, finance and operate it on a 25-year concession to 2058, at $251m under the $3.9b public sector comparator, with a $1.6b Crown loan. Includes 15 bridges and twin 1km tunnels through Kraack Hill. Opening targeted 2033.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "long-term RoNS priority",
      "Labour": "would cancel",
      "Green": "would cancel"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Pūhoi–Wellsford named a Road of National Significance"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Stage 1 (Pūhoi–Warkworth) opens"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Stage 2 (Warkworth–Te Hana) PPP signed and reaches financial close (30 July): the Northway consortium, led by Acciona with Downer NZ and AECOM, will design, build, finance, maintain and operate it over a 25-year operating period expiring 2058. Net present cost NZ$3.649b (about $251m below the $3.9b public sector comparator), with a $1.6b Crown loan. New Zealand's largest PPP"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Main construction begins (November); early/mobilisation works ran from August 2026"
      },
      {
        "year": 2033,
        "event": "Expressway targeted to open (full completion 2034)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "RoNS extension toward Northland, a government economic-growth priority (long-term)."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Warkworth to Te Hana PPP signed (30 Jul 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/warkworth-te-hana-ppp-signed"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Govt signs PPP to build first section of Northland Expressway",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/843742/govt-signs-ppp-to-build-first-section-of-northland-expressway"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Ara Tūhono, Warkworth to Wellsford",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/ara-tuhono-puhoi-to-wellsford/warkworth-to-wellsford/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 41,
    "name": "Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga: Māori Housing",
    "org": "Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga (HUD) / Te Puni Kōkiri",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "housing",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 730,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Māori-led housing delivery is politically contested, the dedicated fund wound up in 2025 in favour of flexible funding; Labour and Te Pāti Māori would restore/expand a dedicated programme.",
    "desc": "A $730m fund accelerating Maori-led housing, papakainga, affordable rentals and owner-occupied homes, delivered with iwi, hapu and Maori providers nationwide. The dedicated programme wound up in May 2025 and transitioned to more flexible Crown funding. Delivery continues, with about $426m approved across three tranches for roughly 1,000 homes: 117 delivered and 734 contracted as at early 2026.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "transitioned to flexible funding",
      "Labour": "would restore a dedicated fund",
      "Te Pāti Māori": "would expand"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga launched (~$730m) to accelerate Māori-led housing"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "~$426m approved across three tranches for around 1,000 homes"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Dedicated programme winds up; transitions to flexible Crown funding"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "~117 homes delivered, 734 contracted in the pipeline"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Māori-led housing delivery addressing acute need, now via flexible Crown funding."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga (HUD)",
        "url": "https://www.hud.govt.nz/our-work/whai-kainga-whai-oranga"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 42,
    "name": "Tauriko West & SH29 (Tauranga RoNS)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 3000,
    "completionYear": 2033,
    "lat": -37.7414,
    "lon": 176.092,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "Tauranga RoNS with an endorsed NZTA investment case; government-backed but pre-construction.",
    "desc": "Tauranga’s western corridor Road of National Significance: a new offline four-lane SH29 from the Redwood interchange to the Takitimu North Link, widening of the Takitimu Drive toll road and SH29A, and grade-separated interchanges, serving the Tauriko West growth area. NZTA investment envelope ~NZ$2.8–3.3b; $97.2m approved for route protection.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "planning",
      "Labour": "not prioritised"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Confirmed as a Road of National Significance (GPS 2024)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA investment case ~$2.8–3.3b; $97.2m route-protection funding"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Route protection / consenting progressing"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "RoNS planning project, a government economic-growth priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/tauriko-network-connections/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 43,
    "name": "CentrePort Wellington: Port Resilience Programme",
    "org": "CentrePort Wellington",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -41.282,
    "lon": 174.782,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercially funded port resilience work.",
    "desc": "Strengthening and rebuilding CentrePort Wellington's wharves and facilities after the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, funded by insurance and commercially rather than by the Crown. Critical for Cook Strait ferry operations and Wellington cargo. CentrePort has not published a single programme total, so no figure is shown: the disclosed pieces include a $63m resilience provision, the $38.6m Thorndon Container Wharf reinstatement, which takes the operational length for the gantry cranes from 126m to 261m, and a $15m sustainability partnership with NZ Green Investment Finance. The regeneration is underwritten by the $667.2m Kaikoura insurance settlement.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "commercial",
      "Labour": "commercial"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Kaikoura earthquake (November): CentrePort Wellington suffers significant structural damage"
      },
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Insurance assessment complete; strengthening and rebuild programme designed, with a $63m resilience provision"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Wharf reconstruction begins on the most damaged sections"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Kaikoura insurance claims finalised at $667.2m, underwriting the regeneration programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Major wharves strengthened and reopened; $38.6m Thorndon Container Wharf reinstatement progressing"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Final strengthening works complete: full port resilience restored"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Port seismic resilience, commercially funded; fits a resilience lens."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "CentrePort: creating resilience",
        "url": "https://www.centreport.co.nz/environment/resilience"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Green Investment Finance: CentrePort low carbon regeneration programme",
        "url": "https://nzgif.co.nz/news-and-events/centreports-low-carbon-regeneration-programme-a-step-closer-with-finance-from-new-zealand-green-investment-finance/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 44,
    "name": "Renewable Energy: Wind Farms (National)",
    "org": "Meridian, Contact, Genesis, Mercury (NZX-listed gentailers)",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "fundingNote": "Market-funded by the listed gentailers from their own balance sheets. The Crown holds majority stakes in Meridian, Genesis and Mercury but does not fund these projects directly; Contact is fully private.",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Market-driven renewable energy investment. Commercially funded. Fast RMA consent pathway exists.",
    "desc": "Grid-scale wind built by the listed gentailers. Operating: West Wind (142.6MW, Meridian), Turitea (222MW, Mercury), Harapaki (176MW, Meridian, $448m) and Kaiwera Downs Phase 1 (43MW, Mercury). Under construction: Kaiwera Downs Phase 2 (155MW, Mercury, $486m). Consented but uncommitted: Contact's Slopedown farm near Wyndham, about 380MW, declined in March 2025 then approved under the Fast-track Approvals Act in April 2026, with no final investment decision. The NZ Wind Energy Association counts 1,265MW operating across 21 farms at December 2025, against a pipeline of about 7.3GW.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supportive via fast-track",
      "Labour": "supportive",
      "Green": "strongly supportive"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2009,
        "event": "WestWind (142MW, Makara Wellington) opens: NZ's largest wind farm at the time"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Turitea Wind Farm (Manawatū, 222MW) consented after long legal process"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Harapaki Wind Farm (Hawke's Bay, 176MW) resource consent granted"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Turitea construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Turitea fully operational (222MW, Mercury)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Harapaki operational (176MW, Hawke's Bay, Meridian). Kaiwera Downs Phase 2 in construction (155MW, Mercury)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Contact's ~380MW Southland (Slopedown) wind farm declined in March. NZ Wind Energy Association counts 1,265MW of operating onshore wind across 21 farms at December"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Contact's Southland wind farm approved under the Fast-track Approvals Act (April); no final investment decision taken"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Fast-tracked renewable generation, a strong government energy priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Meridian Energy: West Wind",
        "url": "https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/power-stations/wind/west-wind"
      },
      {
        "title": "Meridian Energy: Harapaki",
        "url": "https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/power-stations/wind/harapaki"
      },
      {
        "title": "Mercury: Turitea Wind Farm",
        "url": "https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/wind-generation/turitea-wind-farm"
      },
      {
        "title": "Mercury: Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm",
        "url": "https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/wind-generation/kaiwera-downs-wind-farm"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Wind Energy Association: operating onshore wind farms",
        "url": "https://www.windenergy.org.nz/onshore-wind/operating-onshore-windfarm-projects/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Wind Energy Association: onshore wind farm pipeline",
        "url": "https://www.windenergy.org.nz/onshore-wind/onshore-windfarm-pipeline/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 45,
    "name": "Three Kings Quarry Development: Auckland",
    "org": "Fletcher Living",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "housing",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1200,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -36.9069,
    "lon": 174.7589,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Privately funded Fletcher Living development, now under construction, independent of the election.",
    "desc": "Redevelopment of the former Winstone quarry at Three Kings (985 Mt Eden Rd) into a ~700-home neighbourhood by Fletcher Living, with public open space, scaled down from the original ~1,500–2,800-home plan after a long consent battle. Required raising the quarry floor and replacing ageing services. First terrace homes are completing and selling. ~$1.2b.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supportive of housing",
      "Labour": "supportive of housing"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2009,
        "event": "Three Kings quarry closes. Auckland Council acquires for housing development"
      },
      {
        "year": 2014,
        "event": "Resource consent applied for: significant community opposition regarding park land"
      },
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Resource consent rejected by Environment Court. New application filed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Revised resource consent granted. Earthworks design begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Major earthworks begin to level the 39-hectare site"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Taurangi recreation hub opens (2 sports fields, playground, 1.5km walkways); around 300 homes built so far"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Target for the scaled-down neighbourhood of around 700 homes, down from the original 1,500-2,800-home plan"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Large housing-supply development, aligns with growth and RMA/fast-track reform."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Fletcher Living",
        "url": "https://www.fletcherliving.co.nz/locations/auckland/three-kings/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 47,
    "name": "Marsden Point Energy Precinct & Import Terminal",
    "org": "Channel Infrastructure NZ (NZX-listed, private; formerly Refining NZ)",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -35.841,
    "lon": 174.495,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial (Channel Infrastructure) plus government fuel-security investment, broadly bipartisan.",
    "desc": "The former Marsden Point oil refinery, closed in April 2022, now operates as Channel Infrastructure's fuel import terminal, storing about 40% of NZ's fuel and 80% of its jet fuel and piping it 170km to Auckland. Channel has not published a total for the current works, so no figure is shown. The disclosed pieces are a $30m site upgrade for the Marsden Point Energy Precinct, $17-21m across FY25 and FY26 for a new bitumen import terminal for Higgins (10,000 tonne storage, completing in the second half of 2026 on a 15-year contract worth about $45m), and a government-contracted $21.6m diesel-reserve expansion.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "commercial",
      "Labour": "commercial"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Refinery closes; site converts to a fuel import terminal"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Government contracts $21.6m diesel-reserve expansion for fuel security"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "$30m Energy Precinct upgrade; bitumen import terminal for Higgins completing in the second half of the year, built for $17-21m across FY25-FY26"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Fuel-import security infrastructure, commercially led, nationally significant."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Channel Infrastructure",
        "url": "https://channelnz.com/who-we-are/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Channel Infrastructure: bitumen import terminal milestone marked at Marsden Point",
        "url": "https://channelnz.com/channel-and-higgins-mark-major-bitumen-import-terminal-milestone-with-minister-chris-bishop/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZX: Channel signs new bitumen import terminal contract",
        "url": "https://www.nzx.com/announcements/442489"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 48,
    "name": "Greater Christchurch: Housing Programme",
    "org": "Kāinga Ora / Christchurch City Council",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "housing",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -43.532,
    "lon": 172.636,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Kāinga Ora programme cuts affect Christchurch housing development.",
    "desc": "Kāinga Ora's Christchurch programme: post-earthquake urban renewal and new social housing, redeveloping existing Kāinga Ora land and partnering with local developers. No programme total has been published, so no figure is shown. Delivery was cut back by the 2024 review of Kāinga Ora and the February 2025 turnaround plan, which refocused the agency as a landlord rather than a developer and scrapped hundreds of developments nationally.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "reduced",
      "Labour": "would restore"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Kāinga Ora expands Christchurch programme: earthquake recovery still underway"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Urban renewal programme: Linwood, New Brighton, Wainoni social housing upgrades"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Multiple sites under construction across Christchurch"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "National's Kāinga Ora cuts affect Christchurch programme. Several sites deferred"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Reduced programme target"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Reduced under the 2024 Kāinga Ora cuts, counter to current housing priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Kāinga Ora",
        "url": "https://kaingaora.govt.nz/en_NZ/social-housing-and-build-programme/our-build-programme/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 49,
    "name": "Dunedin Performing Arts: Redevelopment",
    "org": "Dunedin City Council",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -45.8742,
    "lon": 170.5039,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Feasibility-stage council aspiration with no committed scope or funding; could lapse.",
    "desc": "A long-running question over Dunedin's main performing-arts venue. Since the Fortune Theatre closed in 2018 the City Council and Creative NZ have weighed upgrading existing theatres, the Playhouse, Athenaeum and Mayfair, against a new 330-seat centre estimated at about $28m. The Council has about $17m budgeted across its 10-year plan. No scope, site or funding is confirmed.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "council led",
      "Labour": "council led"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Fortune Theatre closes, leaving a gap in Dunedin's mid-size venues"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "DCC / Creative NZ feasibility study into performing-arts venue options"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Sammy's (former His Majesty's Theatre) ruled out as a venue on redevelopment cost"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Indicative horizon: no project scope or funding yet committed"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "Local council arts project, outside central government priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Otago Daily Times",
        "url": "https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/sammys-ruled-out-as-theatre-site-bvfjq4pm"
      },
      {
        "title": "ODT / DCC (performing-arts options)",
        "url": "https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/central-venue-boost-for-performing-arts-x6ljivn4"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 50,
    "name": "Northland Broadband and Digital Infrastructure",
    "org": "Crown Infrastructure Partners / UFB",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "telecom",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -35.727,
    "lon": 174.324,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Crown-funded rural broadband, bipartisan.",
    "desc": "Extension of Ultra-Fast Broadband and the Rural Broadband Initiative to remaining Northland communities, including fixed wireless and fibre to under-served areas, funded through Crown Infrastructure Partners. No combined total is published for the two programmes in Northland, so no figure is shown. Government investment in Northland UFB connectivity is $71.2m, delivered with Northpower, which reached the Whangārei catchment by 2014 and expanded in 2017 to Ruakākā, One Tree Point, Waipū, Dargaville, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto, Ruawai, Paparoa, Kaiwaka and Hikurangi. A further 7,441 Northland households and businesses are covered by the second round of the Rural Broadband Initiative.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2011,
        "event": "Ultra-Fast Broadband programme announced: NZ-wide fibre rollout begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Rural Broadband Initiative Phase 2 announced for harder-to-reach areas"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Northland identified as priority region: significant connectivity gaps remain"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Fixed wireless and targeted fibre construction underway across Northland rural areas"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Target for UFB/RBI2 completion in Northland"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Rural digital connectivity, a committed Crown UFB/RBI programme."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "National Infrastructure Funding and Financing",
        "url": "https://nationalinfrastructure.govt.nz/our_project/ufb-programme/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: first project utilising $50 million rural broadband fund",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-project-utilising-50-million-shovel-ready-fund-rural-broadband-announced"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 51,
    "name": "East-West Link: Onehunga to Penrose",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1800,
    "completionYear": 2038,
    "lat": -36.924,
    "lon": 174.82,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "National Road of National Significance with an NZTA investment case, but route protection only and no construction funding. Labour cancelled the consented scheme in 2017; a government change would likely shelve it again.",
    "desc": "Upgrading access to the Onehunga-Penrose industrial area via SH1 and SH20, including a new Galway Link and Onehunga Harbour Rd widening: a scaled-back successor to the foreshore motorway cancelled in 2017. The current investment-case cost is redacted in the RoNS documents; broader estimates run to about $4b, and the figure shown is the indicative 2017 lower estimate. In July 2026 NZTA paused consenting, route protection and design and began withdrawing the 2017 Notice of Requirement, citing fiscal constraints, with no resumption date confirmed.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "top RoNS priority",
      "Labour": "would cancel",
      "Green": "would cancel"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Original East-West Link (Onehunga foreshore motorway) consented, then paused"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Reinstated by National as a Road of National Significance"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA investment case (Aug): staged Onehunga–Penrose scope, ~$3.7–4.1b, detailed planning"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA's July 2026 update moves East-West to the RoNS slow track: consenting, route protection and further design on the revised corridor are paused, the 2017 Notice of Requirement is being withdrawn, and pre-implementation and construction funding is uncertain with no resumption date confirmed"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Road of National Significance, a Government Policy Statement / National Infrastructure Plan road priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/east-west-link/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA / 1News (RoNS slow track, Jul 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/09/govt-pulls-flagship-roading-projects-into-the-slow-lane/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 52,
    "name": "Northern Pathway: Auckland Harbour Cycling/Walking (Cancelled)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Cancelled",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 1400,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -36.84,
    "lon": 174.745,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "Cancelled by National government in August 2024. Would require a Labour/Green government to reinstate. Was in 2021–24 NLTP; removed from 2024–27 NLTP.",
    "desc": "Proposed walking and cycling path attached to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a separate structure alongside the existing bridge. Originally scoped at $360M, cost grew to ~$1.4B before cancellation. National cancelled the project in August 2024, directing funds to the Emergency Works Programme. Reinstatable under future government.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "cancelled",
      "Labour": "would reinstate",
      "Green": "would reinstate"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Northern Pathway first proposed as an active mode connection across Auckland Harbour Bridge"
      },
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Business case approved; cost estimated at $360M. Labour includes in NLTF"
      },
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Construction preparation begins. Resource consent granted"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "Cost blowout revealed: estimate rises from $360M to $685M then $1.4B. Design reviewed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Procurement and design issues delay construction start"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National wins election. Northern Pathway under review"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "National cancels Northern Pathway in August 2024. $1.4B redirected to Emergency Works"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Cancelled. Walking and cycling were cut under the current transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-decides-not-proceed-northern-pathway"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 53,
    "name": "Cambridge to Piarere Expressway (Waikato RoNS)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Waikato",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1770,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -37.9073,
    "lon": 175.5548,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Fully funded in Budget 2026 with $1.77B committed. Construction underway. Bipartisan support as critical freight link completing the Hamilton–Tauranga expressway corridor.",
    "desc": "Budget 2026 committed $1.77B to build this 16km four-lane expressway linking Cambridge to Piarere, completing the connection between the Waikato Expressway (SH1) and the Tauranga Eastern Link (SH29). Critical freight corridor linking Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. Construction underway.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "fully funded, under construction",
      "Labour": "would continue"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2010,
        "event": "Waikato Expressway planning identifies Cambridge–Piarere as critical missing link for Tauranga freight"
      },
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "Route designation confirmed. Alignment through Cambridge and Piarere finalised"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Business case advanced. Environmental assessment complete"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "NLTP 2024–27 includes project as Roads of National Significance"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 commits $1.77B: project fully funded. Construction begins on 16km Cambridge–Piarere section"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Target completion: completing Hamilton to Tauranga expressway connection"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "RoNS, fully funded in Budget 2026, a core government transport-policy priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/cambridge-to-piarere/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 55,
    "name": "Northwest Busway (Te Ara Hauāuru): Auckland",
    "org": "Waka Kotahi / Auckland Transport",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 4900,
    "completionYear": 2032,
    "lat": -36.89,
    "lon": 174.64,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Labour's northwest rapid-transit corridor was cut from the 2024–27 NLTP, then revived by National as a busway. Now government-backed and progressing, though large, staged and long-dated.",
    "desc": "An 18km rapid-transit busway for fast-growing northwest Auckland, Brigham Creek to the city centre at Newton via Te Atatu. Originally a Labour rapid-transit corridor removed from the 2024-27 NLTP, then reinstated by National as a busway. The first station, Westgate Te Waiarohia, opened in August 2026, replacing on-street stops and serving the WX1, which carried 113,200 trips in May 2026, up almost 50% in two years. The fast-track panel issued a draft decision approving the corridor on 12 August 2026, signalling it intends to approve subject to conditions, with the final decision due 7 September. Now costed at $4.9b, with construction due to start in 2027.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2016,
        "event": "ATAP identifies northwest Auckland as a priority rapid-transit corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "NLTP 2021-24 allocates rapid-transit funding incl. the northwest corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Labour's rapid-transit version removed from the 2024-27 NLTP"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Revived as the Northwest Busway; NZTA endorses investment case and lodges fast-track approvals (Dec)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Westgate Te Waiarohia opens (August), the first completed station on the corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track panel issues a draft decision approving the 18km corridor (12 August), intending to approve subject to conditions; final decision due 7 September"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Busway construction due to start"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Government-backed busway in the government / NZTA programme; rapid transit for the northwest."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Northwest Busway - Te Ara Hauāuru",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/northwest-busway-te-ara-hauauru"
      },
      {
        "title": "Auckland Transport: Westgate Te Waiarohia Station opens",
        "url": "https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2026-media-releases/westgate-te-waiarohia-station-opens-this-sunday"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: First Northwest Busway station opens",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-northwest-busway-station-opens"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Herald: Northwest Busway $4.9b project gets provisional fast-track green light",
        "url": "https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/northwest-busway-49b-project-gets-provisional-fast-track-green-light/premium/T3GN3NG6IVBLFAVT6JWMTKQWZM/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 57,
    "name": "Accessible Streets: Cycling/Walking Programme (Cancelled)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Cancelled",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 900,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "National cut the Cycling and Walking NLTF allocation from $900M (2021–24 NLTP) to $273M in the 2024–27 NLTP, effectively cancelling most of the national programme. Would be reinstated under Labour/Green.",
    "desc": "The national cycling and walking infrastructure programme funded through the NLTF. Labour's 2021–24 NLTP allocated $900M; National's 2024–27 NLTP cut this to $273M, a 70% reduction. Hundreds of planned urban cycleway projects across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other cities were cancelled or indefinitely deferred.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "70% cut vs 2021-24",
      "Labour": "would restore full funding",
      "Green": "would expand"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Waka Kotahi establishes national urban cycleways programme across major cities"
      },
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Government of the Day commits to doubling cycling and walking investment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "NLTP 2021–24 allocates $900M to cycling and walking: record investment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Hundreds of cycleway projects underway across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "National wins election with mandate to reprioritise transport to roads"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "NLTP 2024–27 cuts cycling/walking to $273M: 70% reduction. Hundreds of projects cancelled or deferred"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "Cut ~70% in the 2024–27 NLTP, walking and cycling run counter to the current transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 59,
    "name": "Waitematā Harbour Connections: Additional Crossing",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi / Auckland Transport",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 25000,
    "completionYear": 2040,
    "lat": -36.827,
    "lon": 174.755,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "National wants a road-only tunnel under the Waitematā Harbour. Labour and Greens want a multimodal crossing including rail. The two approaches differ by $8–18B in cost, a decade in timeline, and fundamentally in transport mode. No consent, no committed funding.",
    "desc": "A second Waitemata Harbour crossing. NZTA's mid-2026 investment case recommended a tunnel, but in August 2026 the Government ordered a further Crown-led business case instead of choosing an option, pushing the decision to at least 2027. That work is half funded by Auckland Council, led by an independently recruited senior responsible owner, and reports during 2027. It will also assess a Meola Reef bridge favoured by the Auckland mayor, alongside a private consortium's pitch to upgrade the existing bridge. Treasury reviewed the earlier preferred option at ~$23-27b.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "road-only tunnel (RoNS)",
      "Labour": "multimodal with rail",
      "Green": "multimodal with rail and BRT"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Indicative business case: options $15-25b+"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Government backs a tunnels-based crossing"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA investment case recommends a tunnel, with value engineering and seabed testing completed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Government orders a further Crown-led business case instead of selecting an option, deferring the decision to at least 2027; a Meola Reef bridge route and a private consortium's bridge-upgrade pitch are also to be assessed (August)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Further business case due to report"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Road-only tunnel option chosen, aligns with the government roads priority (though unfunded)."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: Waitemata Harbour Connections",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/waitemata-harbour-connections/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Next steps on Waitemata Harbour crossing",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/next-steps-waitemat%C4%81-harbour-crossing"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Another business case for Auckland harbour crossing confirmed despite recent NZTA study",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/1029909/another-business-case-for-auckland-harbour-crossing-confirmed-despite-recent-nzta-study"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 60,
    "name": "State Highway Resilience Programme: Budget 2026",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 400,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -41.2308,
    "lon": 172.3637,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Bipartisan support for state highway resilience. $400M fully committed in Budget 2026 across six vulnerable corridors.",
    "desc": "Budget 2026 committed $400M to improve resilience on six chronically vulnerable state highway corridors: SH2 (Waioweka Gorge), SH3 (Awakino Gorge), SH25 (Coromandel Peninsula), SH60 (Takaka Hill), SH6 (Cromwell–Kingston and Haast–Hawea), and SH94 (Milford–Te Anau). All are prone to slips, flooding, and closures that isolate communities and disrupt freight.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "fully committed",
      "Labour": "would continue"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Waioweka Gorge, Awakino Gorge, and Coromandel routes repeatedly closed by weather: resilience investment identified as urgent national priority"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Waka Kotahi business cases developed for resilience improvements on six key vulnerable corridors"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 allocates $400M across SH2, SH3, SH25, SH60, SH6, and SH94. Works begin"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Replacement of the single-lane SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge north of Whiritoa confirmed (about $10m): a two-lane bridge east of the near-century-old crossing, which carries over 2,500 vehicles a day, 13% of them heavy"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Target for major resilience works complete across all six corridors"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Directly delivers the government maintenance-and-resilience priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Preparing before disaster strikes (Budget 2026, $400m, all six corridors)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/preparing-disaster-strikes"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA: South Island resilience (the South Island corridors)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/south-island-resilience/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 61,
    "name": "Tauranga Hospital Redevelopment",
    "org": "Health New Zealand",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2034,
    "lat": -37.70783,
    "lon": 176.14778,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Budget 2026 funded design and early enabling works only. Full construction funding not yet committed. Bay of Plenty is NZ's fastest-growing region, making this politically popular but expensive.",
    "desc": "Staged redevelopment of Tauranga Hospital over about 20 years. Budget 2026 funded design and initial works under Tranche 2 of the Regional Hospital Redevelopment Programme, plus the fit-out of an inpatient unit, linked to the Western Bay of Plenty regional deal. The cost has not been disclosed, withheld in Budget 2026 for commercial sensitivity, and only design and enabling works are funded so far.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "design and early works funded",
      "Labour": "would accelerate"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Te Whatu Ora flags staged Tauranga Hospital redevelopment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 funds design + initial works (Tranche 2); inpatient unit fit-out"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Health-delivery priority; design and early enabling works funded in Budget 2026."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Health New Zealand",
        "url": "https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/programmes-and-initiatives/infrastructure"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Herald (Budget 2026 Tauranga Hospital)",
        "url": "https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/tauranga-hospital-redevelopment-funding-confirmed-for-design-enabling-works-in-budget-2026/XYM67RPMZZD6HIJSY3ZNRHV4MQ/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 62,
    "name": "South Auckland Hospital: Future Site",
    "org": "Health New Zealand",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2038,
    "lat": -37.14,
    "lon": 174.97,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Land acquisition funded in Budget 2026. Full hospital construction is a long-term project requiring substantial future capital commitment. Critical for Auckland's rapidly growing southern suburbs.",
    "desc": "Budget 2026 funded the acquisition of land south of Auckland for a future new hospital serving the fast-growing Drury–Pukekohe–Franklin area, which has no major hospital and relies on Middlemore (20–40km away). Only land purchase and early planning are funded; the hospital’s construction cost has not been disclosed and depends on future budgets.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "land acquisition committed",
      "Labour": "would support and accelerate"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Population growth projections for south Auckland identify critical need for a hospital south of Middlemore"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Health New Zealand site assessments begin in the Drury–Pukekohe corridor"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 allocates funding for land acquisition south of Auckland for a future hospital"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Land secured. Preliminary design and business case for full hospital"
      },
      {
        "year": 2038,
        "event": "Aspirational opening target: requires $3B+ in future capital budgets"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Future health capacity for growing south Auckland; land acquisition funded in Budget 2026."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/land-acquisition-underway-future-south-auckland-hospital"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive (Budget 2026 South Auckland hospital land)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fixing-middlemore-hospital-priority"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 63,
    "name": "School Redevelopment Programme: Budget 2026",
    "org": "Ministry of Education",
    "region": "National / Multi-region",
    "sector": "education",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 470,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -41,
    "lon": 175,
    "manualCoords": false,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Fully funded in Budget 2026 after Budget 2024 cuts. Bipartisan support for school infrastructure.",
    "desc": "Budget 2026 funded the redevelopment of up to 10 schools, construction of up to 232 new classrooms nationwide, and acquisition of land for future school sites in high-growth areas including Queenstown. Reverses the $1.4B in school property cuts made in Budget 2024. The Budget 2026 capital allocation for this is ~$470m.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "fully funded",
      "Labour": "would continue and expand"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Budget 2024 cuts school property by $1.4B, deferring new school builds in high-growth areas including Auckland, Queenstown, and Hamilton"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Capacity shortfalls worsen in high-growth areas. Community pressure mounts in Queenstown and south Auckland"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Budget 2026 restores school capital: funds up to 10 school redevelopments, 232 new classrooms, and land acquisition in growth areas including Queenstown"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Target completion for funded school redevelopments and new classrooms"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Funded education delivery in Budget 2026, restores growth-area school capacity."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Ministry of Education",
        "url": "https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/publications/corporate-documents/budget-2026/school-property"
      },
      {
        "title": "Ministry of Education / Beehive (Budget 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/building-better-school-infrastructure-future"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 64,
    "name": "Microsoft Azure New Zealand North Region",
    "org": "Microsoft",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "telecom",
    "status": "Complete",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": 1060,
    "completionYear": 2024,
    "lat": -36.7875,
    "lon": 174.6245,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Privately funded foreign direct investment; proceeds independently of the election. Bipartisan support for digital infrastructure.",
    "desc": "New Zealand's first hyperscale cloud region, three data centres on Auckland's North Shore. First facility opened end of 2024; anchor customers include Fonterra, ASB, BNZ, ACC and Auckland Transport. Disclosed plant, property & equipment ~NZ$1.06b (Jun 2024); exact sites not publicly specified. Figures from public filings/reporting. Hyperscale data centre region on Auckland's North Shore (three availability zones).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Microsoft announces plans for a New Zealand data centre region"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Overseas Investment Office consent to buy 6.5ha on the North Shore (~NZ$180m land)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "First hyperscale data centre opens; customer workloads begin migrating to the NZ region"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "National-scale digital infrastructure, NZ's first hyperscale cloud region."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Microsoft",
        "url": "https://news.microsoft.com/aotearoa-datacenter/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 65,
    "name": "AWS Asia Pacific (Auckland) Region",
    "org": "Amazon Web Services (AWS)",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "telecom",
    "status": "Complete",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": 7500,
    "completionYear": 2025,
    "lat": -36.8035,
    "lon": 174.6025,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Privately funded foreign direct investment; election-independent. Both major parties back digital-infrastructure investment.",
    "desc": "A cluster of AWS data centres in Auckland. The AWS Asia Pacific (New Zealand) Region launched in September 2025, billed as a $7.5b investment in NZ digital infrastructure over about 15 years, with the Government projecting more than 1,000 jobs. Exact sites are undisclosed; the known location is Westgate in northwest Auckland.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2021,
        "event": "AWS announces the Asia Pacific (Auckland) Region: NZ$7.5b planned investment"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Region buildout underway; phased capacity coming online"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Major foreign investment in national digital infrastructure."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Wikipedia",
        "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Web_Services"
      },
      {
        "title": "AWS (New Zealand Region now open)",
        "url": "https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/now-open-aws-asia-pacific-new-zealand-region/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 66,
    "name": "Datagrid AI Factory: Makarewa, Southland",
    "org": "Datagrid",
    "region": "Southland",
    "sector": "telecom",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 3500,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -46.321,
    "lon": 168.349,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Privately funded and largely election-independent, but faces power-supply, grid-connection and subsea-cable hurdles. Its 280MW demand (NZ's 2nd-largest user after Tiwai) draws scrutiny.",
    "desc": "A 78,000 m2 hyperscale AI data centre campus on 49 hectares at Makarewa, north of Invercargill, consented March 2026. The campus is a NZ$3.5b investment. Earthworks began in 2026: HEB Construction is building an access road to SH98 and shaping excavated topsoil into a six-metre noise bund. The platform for the data centre, cable landing station and substation is due by the end of 2026. At about 280MW it would be the country's second-largest electricity user after Tiwai Point, fed by a dedicated Transpower grid exit point and a 140MW Mercury deal, and linked to the Tasman Ring subsea cable at Oreti Beach. Full buildout runs into the 2030s.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed",
      "Labour": "committed",
      "Green": "cautious"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Datagrid proposes a hyperscale AI data centre campus for Southland"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Consented (March); 140MW power deal signed with Mercury; subsea cable landing approved at Oreti Beach"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Horizontal works begin on the 49ha Makarewa site (HEB Construction); foundation platform for the data centre, cable landing station and substation due by year end"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Initial operations targeted"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Major digital + energy infrastructure and FDI; very large electricity demand."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Datagrid",
        "url": "https://www.datagrid.nz/"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Datagrid begins work on Southland site, completion expected this year",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1042216/datagrid-begins-work-on-southland-site-completion-expected-this-year"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 67,
    "name": "SH6 Hope Bypass: Nelson/Tasman",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Nelson",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "routeProtected": true,
    "estimatedCost": 1100,
    "completionYear": 2032,
    "lat": -41.345,
    "lon": 173.185,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "South Island Road of National Significance, a National-government priority that Labour/Green would likely deprioritise in favour of safety and public-transport spending. Tolling is proposed.",
    "desc": "A new four-lane SH6 bypass of Richmond on the railway-reserve designation set aside in 1964, from the Salisbury Road interchange to the SH6/SH60 junction at Three Brothers Corner, protected on to Eden Road in Hope. One of two South Island RoNS. The projected cost has climbed from about $500m to $1.1-1.4b. About $250m is committed from the NLTF and Crown for the first two stages, spread across several NLTP periods. Design went to Stantec and WSP in January 2026. Tolling is likely and it will be built in stages. The alignment shown follows the published designation and is indicative.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority RoNS",
      "Labour": "would review priority",
      "Green": "opposes new motorway spending"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Hope Bypass investigated under the Nelson–Tasman transport programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Included in the GPS 2024 Roads of National Significance programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Two-stage delivery plan confirmed; tolling signalled"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Design contract awarded (Stantec/WSP); early works, including site clearance and property, begin"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA's July Major Transport Projects Pipeline splits the project: Stage 1 (design contract already awarded) targets mid-2027 completion, while Stage 2 moves to 'continuing more slowly' with no confirmed timeline"
      },
      {
        "year": 2032,
        "event": "Target for the first two stages to be complete"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "South Island RoNS four-laning, a core a government economic-growth priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh6-hope-bypass/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Newswire / Stuff (Hope Bypass cost blowout, 2026)",
        "url": "https://newswire.co.nz/2026/07/nelson-hope-bypass-cost-blowout-candidates-clash/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 68,
    "name": "SH1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway & Woodend Bypass",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 800,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -43.36,
    "lon": 172.645,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "South Island Road of National Significance north of Christchurch, a National priority Labour/Green would likely deprioritise. Being consented under the Fast-track Approvals Act.",
    "desc": "Two works north of Christchurch: about 11km of SH1 widened to four lanes from Belfast to the Williams St interchange at Pineacres, and a 6km bypass around Woodend rejoining SH1 north of the Pegasus roundabout. One of two South Island RoNS. NZTA's endorsed investment case sets an envelope of $800m to $1b, with $68.1m approved for detailed design and early works and $37m for property. Detailed design is complete, fast-track consents were lodged in early 2026 and early works began that year, with about four years to build.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority RoNS",
      "Labour": "would review priority",
      "Green": "opposes new motorway spending"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Included in the GPS 2024 Roads of National Significance programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA Board approves ~$68.1m for detailed design and early works, plus ~$37m for property"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track consent applications lodged; early works begin ahead of main construction"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track approval granted (29 July): the 27th project and 2nd roading project approved under the Fast-track Approvals Act"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "Target completion (~4 years from main construction)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "South Island RoNS four-laning of SH1, a core a government economic-growth priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/woodend-bypass/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZTA / Beehive (Belfast to Pegasus investment case)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/progress-sh1-belfast-pegasus-motorway-and-woodend-bypass-project"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 69,
    "name": "SH1 Rolleston Access Improvements",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 180,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -43.595,
    "lon": 172.388,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Funded under the NZ Upgrade Programme and already under construction, low political risk and broadly continued across governments.",
    "desc": "Access improvements on SH1 at Rolleston, in New Zealand's fastest-growing district: about 7km of works centred on a flyover linking the township to its industrial area, removal of the Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North signals, a new SH1/Dunns Crossing Rd/Walkers Rd roundabout, a southbound service lane and Weedons Rd interchange improvements. Distinct from the Southern Motorway extension reaching Rolleston. Announced at $125m, now estimated $180-200m with contingencies, in two stages to late 2028.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "continuing",
      "Labour": "initiated under NZUP"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Included in the NZ Upgrade Programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Design finalised; consenting and early works progressed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Main construction underway; SH1 traffic impacts begin"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Target completion (revised from 2027 as scope grew to two delivery stages)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Regional access and safety upgrade delivered under the NZ Upgrade Programme."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: SH1 Rolleston access improvements",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-rolleston"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 70,
    "name": "LNG Import Terminal: Port Taranaki",
    "org": "Crown / MBIE (provider TBC)",
    "region": "Taranaki",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -39.055,
    "lon": 174.04,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "Highly contested fossil-gas import facility for dry-year electricity security. The proposed power-bill levy was abandoned; the cost is now to fall on the gentailers under a 'lasting obligation'. Labour and the Greens oppose it on cost and emissions grounds and would likely cancel it.",
    "desc": "A government-backed LNG import terminal at Port Taranaki for dry-year gas security. Both shortlisted proposals use a floating storage and regasification unit: a moored vessel on the Main Breakwater feeding gas into the transmission network. A preferred provider is due later in 2026. No build cost is published because it is an FSRU lease funded by an obligation on the gentailers, not Crown capital. MBIE says the prospect alone has cut 2028-29 wholesale prices by about $20/MWh, roughly $800m a year or $140 a household. Critics say it locks in fossil gas.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "backs LNG import for security",
      "Labour": "opposes",
      "Green": "opposes (fossil gas)"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Winter dry-year electricity shortage and gas shortfall expose security risk"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Government review recommends an LNG import option to manage dry years"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Two Port Taranaki floating storage and regasification proposals shortlisted; mooted power-bill levy dropped, obligation shifted to the gentailers; a preferred provider expected later in the year"
      },
      {
        "year": 2028,
        "event": "Targeted to be operational"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "counter",
      "note": "A fossil-gas import facility, at odds with the long-run renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "MBIE: LNG in New Zealand",
        "url": "https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-generation-and-markets/gas-market/lng-in-new-zealand"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 71,
    "name": "Ruakākā Energy Park: Battery & Solar",
    "org": "Meridian Energy (NZX-listed, majority state-owned)",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "fundingNote": "Market-funded by Meridian. The Crown holds a majority stake in Meridian but does not fund the project directly.",
    "estimatedCost": 480,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -35.91,
    "lon": 174.46,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial renewable investment by Meridian, under construction and not dependent on government funding.",
    "desc": "Meridian's energy park at Ruakākā, just south of Marsden Point. A 100MW grid-scale battery (commissioned 2025) plus a ~130MW solar farm under construction, together firming Northland supply and the upper North Island grid. Estimated ~$480m across both stages (indicative).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Consents secured; final investment decision on the battery"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "100MW battery commissioned; solar farm construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Solar farm targeted for completion"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Grid-scale renewable generation and storage supporting the electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Meridian Energy",
        "url": "https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/new-projects/ruakaka-energy-park"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 72,
    "name": "Te Rahui Solar Farm: Rangitāiki",
    "org": "Meridian Energy (majority state-owned) / Nova Energy (private)",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "fundingNote": "Market-funded by Meridian and Nova Energy. The Crown holds a majority stake in Meridian but does not fund the project directly.",
    "estimatedCost": 700,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -38.83,
    "lon": 176.39,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial renewable joint venture, under construction and privately funded.",
    "desc": "A 400MW solar farm at Rangitāiki on SH5, southeast of Taupō and near the Hawke’s Bay border, one of the largest in the country, jointly developed by Meridian and Nova Energy. The site is in the Taupō District, which spans three regional council areas; this part of it falls under Bay of Plenty Regional Council. A first 200MW stage is targeted for mid-2026, with full output about a year later. Estimated ~$700m (indicative).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Consents granted; joint venture confirmed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Construction begins on the first 200MW stage"
      },
      {
        "year": 2027,
        "event": "Full 400MW output targeted"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Large-scale solar generation supporting the renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Meridian Energy",
        "url": "https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/new-projects/te-rahui-solar-farm"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 73,
    "name": "Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm",
    "org": "Mercury NZ (NZX-listed, majority state-owned)",
    "region": "Northland",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "fundingNote": "Market-funded by Mercury. The Crown holds a majority stake in Mercury but does not fund the project directly.",
    "estimatedCost": 200,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -35.83,
    "lon": 173.82,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial renewable investment by Mercury, under construction and privately funded.",
    "desc": "A 77MW wind farm (12 Vestas V162 turbines, ~221 GWh/yr) being built by Mercury near Dargaville, Northland. First generation is planned for mid-2026, with full output by the end of 2026. Estimated ~$200m (indicative).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Mercury confirms the build; turbine supply contracted"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Civil works and turbine erection under way"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "First generation mid-year; full output by year end"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "New wind generation supporting the renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Mercury",
        "url": "https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/wind-generation/kaiwaikawe-wind-farm"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 74,
    "name": "Tauhei Solar Farm: Te Aroha West",
    "org": "Harmony Energy / First Renewables (Clarus), private developers",
    "region": "Waikato",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": 300,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -37.57,
    "lon": 175.63,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial renewable investment, under construction and privately funded.",
    "desc": "A 202MWp solar farm across about 182ha at Tauhei, Te Aroha West in the Waikato, on track to be the country's largest at commissioning, generating about 280 GWh a year, enough for roughly 35,000 homes. Developed by Harmony Energy and First Renewables, part of Clarus, and built by Elecnor. Construction is under way, with commissioning targeted for late 2026. Estimated ~$300m (indicative).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Consents secured; construction commitment made"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Commissioning targeted for late in the year"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Large-scale solar generation supporting the renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "EPA: Tauhei Solar Farm (fast-track consenting register)",
        "url": "https://www.epa.govt.nz/fast-track-consenting/referred-projects/tauhei-solar-farm/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Harmony Energy: Tauhei Solar Farm",
        "url": "https://harmonyenergy.co.uk/tauhei-solar-farm-helping-light-up-te-aroha-domain/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 75,
    "name": "Mahinerangi Wind Farm Stage 2 (Puke Kapo Hau)",
    "org": "Mercury NZ (NZX-listed, majority state-owned)",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 550,
    "completionYear": 2030,
    "lat": -45.84,
    "lon": 169.95,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercial renewable investment, broadly bipartisan. Fast-track approval granted July 2026; construction is not yet board-approved, so timing is uncertain.",
    "desc": "Stage 2 of the Mahinerangi wind farm west of Dunedin (Stage 1, 36MW, commissioned 2011), gifted the name Puke Kapo Hau. Up to 44 modern turbines, down from an earlier 100-turbine consent, plus a 110kV line, a substation and a 60MW battery, for up to 190MW installed. Fast-track approved on 3 July 2026, the sixth renewable energy project through that process. Construction still needs Mercury board approval. Estimated ~$550m (indicative).",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2011,
        "event": "Stage 1 (36MW) commissioned"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Fast-track application lodged for the Stage 2 expansion"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Expert panel issues draft decision and conditions (June)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track approval granted (3 July); construction subject to Mercury board approval"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "New wind generation supporting the renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Mercury",
        "url": "https://www.mercury.co.nz/about-us/renewable-energy/wind-generation/mahinerangi-wind-farm"
      },
      {
        "title": "Fast-track Approvals: Mahinerangi Wind Farm",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/mahinerangi-wind-farm"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Sixth renewable energy project fast-tracked (3 Jul 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sixth-renewable-energy-project-fast-tracked"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 76,
    "name": "South Taranaki Offshore Wind Project",
    "org": "Taranaki Offshore Partnership (CIP / NZ Super Fund)",
    "region": "Taranaki",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 5000,
    "completionYear": 2035,
    "lat": -39.8,
    "lon": 174.3,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Early-stage and dependent on NZ's still-developing offshore-wind regulatory and permitting regime; broadly supported but a change of government or policy could reshape it.",
    "desc": "A proposed ~900MW fixed-bottom offshore wind farm in the South Taranaki Bight (~230 km²) by the Taranaki Offshore Partnership, a joint venture of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and the NZ Super Fund, enough to power about 430,000 homes, with scope to expand toward 2GW later. The $5b shown is the figure reported for the plan; the partners have separately been reported as committing about US$3b, and no final cost is settled. A final investment decision is expected around 2030-31, and the project depends on New Zealand's new offshore-wind permitting regime.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports (developing offshore-wind regime)",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Taranaki Offshore Partnership begins investigating the South Taranaki Bight site"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Government progresses an offshore renewable energy permitting regime"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Offshore Renewable Energy legislation passed (early July), establishing a two-stage feasibility-permit regime with 7-year exclusive investigation rights; permit tenders to open in coming months"
      },
      {
        "year": 2035,
        "event": "Indicative earliest operation, subject to permitting and final investment decision"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Large-scale offshore renewable generation supporting decarbonisation."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Taranaki Offshore Partnership",
        "url": "https://taranakioffshorewind.co.nz/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Herald: Taranaki Offshore Partnership stays in race with $5b offshore wind plan",
        "url": "https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/energy/taranaki-offshore-partnership-stays-in-race-with-5b-offshore-wind-plan/premium/WRXIVUPHEFAPJMGAOF636J6DNU/"
      },
      {
        "title": "NZ Super Fund: next steps for offshore wind off South Taranaki",
        "url": "https://nzsuperfund.nz/news-and-media/next-steps-for-offshore-wind-off-south-taranaki/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 77,
    "name": "Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass (SH3)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Taranaki",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 280,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -38.92,
    "lon": 174.59,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Long-committed, fully funded and nearly complete, low political risk.",
    "desc": "A new 6km SH3 route in north Taranaki bypassing the steep, narrow and winding Mt Messenger, including a 235m tunnel and two bridges. ~$280m. Under construction, with opening expected around 2026.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "continuing",
      "Labour": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2018,
        "event": "Project confirmed; designation and consenting progressed"
      },
      {
        "year": 2022,
        "event": "Main construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Targeted to open to traffic"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "State highway resilience and safety on a key Taranaki freight route."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/te-ara-o-te-ata-mt-messenger-bypass/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 78,
    "name": "Auckland Airport: Terminal Redevelopment",
    "org": "Auckland International Airport Ltd",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "privateFundingPct": 100,
    "estimatedCost": 3900,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -37.008,
    "lon": 174.792,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercially funded by the airport company, independent of government, though airport charges are contested by airlines.",
    "desc": "Auckland Airport's terminal redevelopment, a new domestic jet terminal integrated with the international terminal (~$3.9b), part of a broader ~$5.7b aeronautical investment programme to 2032 that also includes a new Northern Airfield (apron and taxiways). Privately funded by the airport company. Under construction.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "commercial",
      "Labour": "commercial"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Terminal integration programme and airfield works begin"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Northern Airfield apron/taxiways open; terminal build continues"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "New domestic jet terminal targeted to open"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Major aviation gateway capacity, privately funded, outside the land-transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Auckland Airport",
        "url": "https://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/futureakl/master-plan"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 79,
    "name": "Central Interceptor: Auckland Wastewater Tunnel",
    "org": "Watercare",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "water",
    "status": "Complete",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1668,
    "completionYear": 2026,
    "lat": -36.92,
    "lon": 174.74,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Critical utility infrastructure, fully funded by Watercare and now complete.",
    "desc": "Auckland's 16.2km, 4.5m-diameter wastewater tunnel from Grey Lynn/Point Erin to the Māngere treatment plant, cutting wet-weather overflows into the Waitematā and Manukau harbours by ~80%. Cost ~$1.67b (up from $1.2b). The southern section went live in February 2025; the northern section was commissioned 20 July 2026, making the full tunnel fully operational.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2019,
        "event": "Main construction begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Southern section commissioned; 16.2km tunnel breakthrough"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Northern section commissioned (20 July); full 16.2km tunnel fully operational"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Critical three-waters infrastructure reducing harbour overflows."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Watercare: Central Interceptor",
        "url": "https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/projects-and-updates/projects-around-auckland/central-interceptor"
      },
      {
        "title": "Watercare: Central Interceptor fully live (20 Jul 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/about-us/latest-news-and-media/Central-Interceptor-fully-live-delivering-a-cleaner-future-for-Auckland"
      },
      {
        "title": "Watercare: Central Interceptor project budget increase (Dec 2023)",
        "url": "https://www.watercare.co.nz/home/about-us/latest-news-and-media/central-interceptor-project-budget-increase"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 80,
    "name": "Nelson Hospital Redevelopment (Project Whakatupuranga)",
    "org": "Health New Zealand",
    "region": "Nelson",
    "sector": "health",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1098,
    "completionYear": 2033,
    "lat": -41.285,
    "lon": 173.273,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "A ~$1.1b multi-phase rebuild with only initial funding committed; later phases depend on future budgets and could slip with fiscal or government change.",
    "desc": "A $1.098b, six-phase redevelopment of Nelson Hospital over about 10 years (Project Whakatupuranga), replacing ageing facilities. An initial $73m funded design and enabling works. The $10.6m emergency department expansion finished in April 2026, delivered in four stages over 18 months and lifting treatment spaces from 23 to 29. A new inpatient building is targeted by 2029.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "committed (staged)",
      "Labour": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "$73m committed for design and enabling works"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Emergency department expansion completed (April): $10.6m, four stages over 18 months, treatment spaces up from 23 to 29"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "New inpatient building targeted"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Major regional hospital rebuild addressing ageing health facilities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Health New Zealand",
        "url": "https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/programmes-and-initiatives/infrastructure/regional-infrastructure-projects/nelson-marlborough-and-tasman/nelson-hospital-redevelopment"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 81,
    "name": "SH1 Papakura to Drury Upgrade",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Auckland",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 423,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -37.08,
    "lon": 174.945,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "NZ Upgrade Programme project, fully funded and well under construction, low political risk.",
    "desc": "A $423m NZ Upgrade Programme widening of SH1 to three lanes each way over about 6km from Papakura to Drury South, with rebuilt Papakura and Drury interchanges, wide shoulders for future buses and a shared path. Alongside it KiwiRail has added three stations: Drury and Paerata opened on 2 August 2026, the first passenger services there since 1972, and Ngakoroa is under construction for 2027.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "continuing",
      "Labour": "initiated under NZUP"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Funded under the NZ Upgrade Programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2023,
        "event": "Construction under way"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Drury and Paerātā stations opened (2 August); Ngākōroa station targeted 2027; motorway widening progressing"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Drury and Paerata railway stations open on the Southern Line (2 August), the first passenger services there since 1972"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Growth and freight corridor upgrade with public-transport provision."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/papakura-to-bombay/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Auckland Transport: new Drury and Paerata railway stations open",
        "url": "https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2026-media-releases/new-drury-and-paerata-railway-stations-to-open-on-sunday-2-august"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 82,
    "name": "SH2 Melling Interchange",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 743,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -41.215,
    "lon": 174.908,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Funded and contracted, with construction under way as part of the wider RiverLink programme, low political risk.",
    "desc": "A new grade-separated SH2 Melling interchange and Hutt River bridge, removing the SH2 traffic lights, with the Melling train station relocated south and a new park-and-ride. The ~$743m Melling transport improvements are part of the ~$1.5b RiverLink programme (flood protection plus Hutt city-centre revitalisation). Alliance contract (AECOM/Fletcher) signed in 2025; main construction from 2026, completion 2031.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2020,
        "event": "Funding confirmed alongside the RiverLink flood-protection programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Alliance delivery contract signed; site establishment begins"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Targeted completion (aligned with the interchange/bridge completion date; old bridge demolition follows in 2032)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Resilience, safety and multi-modal access integrated with flood protection."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh2-melling-transport-improvements"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive (Melling construction begins)",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sh2-melling-interchange-construction-begins"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 83,
    "name": "Petone to Grenada Link Road (Wellington RoNS)",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 1800,
    "completionYear": 2035,
    "lat": -41.205,
    "lon": 174.85,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "nltp": true,
    "electionRisk": "extreme",
    "riskRationale": "A revived Wellington Road of National Significance still at the route-protection / consenting stage with no construction funding committed. A National-government priority that Labour and the Greens would likely deprioritise, and the route is contested locally over property takings in the northern suburbs.",
    "desc": "A proposed 6km four-lane Road of National Significance from SH2 north of Petone to SH1 north of Grenada, with tunnels under Woodridge Drive and Mark Avenue and a connection into Petone at Hutt Road. Revived from the link road shelved in 2017. NZTA's board approved the tunnelled alignment and route-protection funding in October 2025; investigations and design run through 2026, with a consent application expected late in the year. It would affect about 85 houses, and up to 200 properties. Last formally costed at $1.8b in 2018 and being re-estimated.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "priority RoNS",
      "Labour": "would deprioritise",
      "Green": "opposes new motorway spending"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2017,
        "event": "Original Petone to Grenada link road shelved; NZTA shifts to SH58 and Petone–Melling safety improvements"
      },
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Revived in the GPS 2024 Roads of National Significance programme"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "NZTA Board approves the preferred (tunnelled) route and funding to seek route protection"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Ground / environmental investigations and community sessions (Newlands, Petone); substantive consent application expected late 2026"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "NZTA's July Major Transport Projects Pipeline confirms the project remains in the slow lane with no construction timeframe, continuing route-protection preparation only"
      },
      {
        "year": 2035,
        "event": "Indicative completion: construction not yet funded"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Roads of National Significance four-laning, a core government economic-growth and resilience priority."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/petone-to-grenada/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "manualCoords": true,
    "sector": "mining",
    "id": 84,
    "name": "Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project",
    "org": "Santana Minerals",
    "region": "Otago",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 300,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -44.92,
    "lon": 169.34,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "Prospective open-pit and underground gold mine in Central Otago, consented through the Fast-track Approvals Act. A coalition flagship for the minerals strategy, but new large-scale mining is opposed by Labour and the Greens, and the project is not yet built.",
    "desc": "Proposed open-pit and underground gold mine at Bendigo, Central Otago, targeting about 120,000 ounces a year over a 30-year permit. Capital cost around A$277m (NZ~$300m). Consented via the Fast-track Approvals Act with a decision due in October 2026; capital raising underway. Controversial locally.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports via fast-track",
      "Labour": "opposes fast-track mining",
      "Green": "opposes"
    },
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Central to the government minerals strategy (double minerals exports by 2035) and the Fast-track regime."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Fast-track: Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/bendigoophir-gold-project"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Major Fast-track mining project approved",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-fast-track-mining-project-approved"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "manualCoords": true,
    "sector": "mining",
    "id": 85,
    "name": "Waihi North Project",
    "org": "OceanaGold",
    "region": "Waikato",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1000,
    "completionYear": 2032,
    "lat": -37.352,
    "lon": 175.843,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Consented and funded gold-mine expansion at Waihi, so delivery risk is lower, but part of the works sits near conservation land and mining policy would cool under a Labour-led government.",
    "desc": "OceanaGold expansion of the Waihi gold operation, including the Wharekirauponga underground deposit north of Waihi. Around NZ$1b of investment, consented through the Fast-track process, extending Waihi mining to 2043 with production from about 2032. Fast-track approvals were granted in 2026 (the first major mining project consented under the Act) and OceanaGold is progressing the next phase.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "cautious on mining near conservation land",
      "Green": "opposes"
    },
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Aligns with the minerals strategy and was a nationally significant Fast-track approval."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "OceanaGold: Waihi North Project",
        "url": "https://oceanagold.com/operations/waihi"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Large-scale mining on track for 2026",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/large-scale-mining-track-2026"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ / Beehive (Waihi North fast-track approval, 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/582228/first-mining-project-gains-fast-track-approval"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "manualCoords": true,
    "sector": "mining",
    "id": 86,
    "name": "Snowy River Gold Project (Reefton)",
    "org": "Endura Mining",
    "region": "West Coast",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 200,
    "completionYear": 2027,
    "lat": -42.118,
    "lon": 171.862,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Underground gold mine already in construction on the West Coast with first gold due late 2026 and more than NZ$200m raised, so it is well advanced and largely insulated from a change of government.",
    "desc": "Endura Mining (formerly Federation Mining) underground gold mine at Reefton on the West Coast, redeveloping the historic Blackwater/Snowy River field. More than NZ$200m raised; first gold expected December 2026, targeting around 60,000 ounces a year over a 10-year-plus mine life and about 250 jobs.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "accepts existing consented mining",
      "Green": "opposes new mining"
    },
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Part of the minerals-strategy growth in regional gold production."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Large-scale mining on track for 2026",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/large-scale-mining-track-2026"
      },
      {
        "title": "West Coast NZ: Gold struck at Snowy River Mine",
        "url": "https://westcoast.co.nz/news/gold-struck-at-snowy-river-mine/"
      },
      {
        "title": "Endura Mining (formerly Federation Mining, renamed Sept 2025)",
        "url": "https://enduramining.com/our-story/about-endura-mining/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 87,
    "name": "2nd Mt Victoria Tunnel",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41.3013,
    "lon": 174.7918,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "One of three components of the $3.8B SH1 Wellington Improvements package (see 'Wellington Transport Package'); Labour and the Greens have said they would reinstate a mass-transit-focused programme instead of the roading-led replacement for LGWM.",
    "desc": "A new eastbound tunnel through Mt Victoria (2 lanes, plus a 3.6m walking and cycling path separated from traffic); the existing 1931 tunnel is retrofitted to carry 2 lanes westbound. Not separately costed: see the combined $3.8B package entry for the disclosed figure.",
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "NZTA Board endorses the preferred option (Oct): a duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Investment case endorsed and pre-implementation funding approved (Aug); community engagement on the design runs Nov-Dec"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track consent application lodged (Aug 2026); main construction not expected to start until 2029, estimated 6-8 years to build"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Part of the roads-focused replacement for the cancelled, PT-heavy LGWM; aligns with the current transport policy statement, though scope remains contested."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "SH1 Wellington Improvements: Basin Reserve and Mount Victoria Tunnel",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/basin-reserve-and-mount-victoria-tunnel-improvements"
      }
    ],
    "partOf": 8
  },
  {
    "id": 88,
    "name": "Basin Reserve Transport Improvements",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41.298,
    "lon": 174.7818,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "One of three components of the $3.8B SH1 Wellington Improvements package (see 'Wellington Transport Package'); Labour and the Greens have said they would reinstate a mass-transit-focused programme instead of the roading-led replacement for LGWM.",
    "desc": "A major roading upgrade around the Basin Reserve, the long-standing bottleneck between the Mt Victoria and Terrace tunnels. Not separately costed: see the combined $3.8B package entry for the disclosed figure. Property acquisition (willing seller/willing buyer) began late 2025.",
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "NZTA Board endorses the preferred option (Oct), including a Basin Reserve upgrade alongside the two tunnel duplications"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Investment case endorsed (Aug); property acquisition on a willing seller/willing buyer basis begins (late 2025), targeted for completion by end of 2028"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track consent application lodged (Aug 2026)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Part of the roads-focused replacement for the cancelled, PT-heavy LGWM; aligns with the current transport policy statement, though scope remains contested."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Transportation improvements around the Basin Reserve (NZTA)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/transportation-improvements-around-the-basin-reserve/"
      }
    ],
    "partOf": 8
  },
  {
    "id": 89,
    "name": "2nd Terrace Tunnel",
    "org": "NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Part Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41.2908,
    "lon": 174.7708,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "One of three components of the $3.8B SH1 Wellington Improvements package (see 'Wellington Transport Package'); Labour and the Greens have said they would reinstate a mass-transit-focused programme instead of the roading-led replacement for LGWM.",
    "desc": "A new ~0.5km southbound tunnel duplicating the existing Terrace Tunnel; the existing tunnel (opened 1978) is retrofitted to carry 2 lanes northbound with fire and life-safety upgrades. Not separately costed: see the combined $3.8B package entry for the disclosed figure.",
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "NZTA Board endorses the preferred option (Oct): a duplicate Terrace Tunnel"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Investment case endorsed (Aug); community engagement on the design runs Nov-Dec"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Early geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations complete; fast-track consent application lodged (Aug 2026)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Part of the roads-focused replacement for the cancelled, PT-heavy LGWM; aligns with the current transport policy statement, though scope remains contested."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "SH1 Wellington Improvements (NZTA)",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-wellington-improvements"
      }
    ],
    "partOf": 8
  },
  {
    "id": 90,
    "name": "Cook Strait HVDC Cable Replacement",
    "org": "Transpower NZ (state-owned enterprise)",
    "region": "Wellington",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 1100,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -41.2936,
    "lon": 174.63,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "A regulated transmission investment recovered through electricity transmission charges under the Commerce Commission framework, not Crown appropriations, so it is insulated from the election outcome.",
    "desc": "Replacement of the four undersea HVDC cables and the termination stations on each side of Cook Strait, on the inter-island link between Benmore and Haywards. The existing cables are near the end of their 40-year design life. The Commerce Commission approved the $1.1b investment on 18 June 2026, with installation planned for the early 2030s. The link lets the two islands share generation, supporting energy resilience and access to cheaper electricity.",
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Commerce Commission approved; HVDC resilience and energy security have broad cross-party support."
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Commerce Commission issues final approval for Transpower's $1.1b Cook Strait HVDC cable replacement (18 June); installation planned for the early 2030s before the existing cables reach the end of their 40-year life"
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Transpower: Commerce Commission approval, Cook Strait cable investment",
        "url": "https://www.transpower.co.nz/news/transpower-welcomes-commerce-commission-approval-cook-strait-cable-investment"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 91,
    "name": "Queenstown Cable Car (Gondola)",
    "org": "Southern Infrastructure",
    "region": "Otago",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": 400,
    "completionYear": 2028,
    "lat": -45.0195,
    "lon": 168.73,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "high",
    "riskRationale": "Privately proposed and in fast-track consenting, but unfunded: its case leans on drawing National Land Transport Fund support under National's 2026 policy to fund the scheme as public transport, a mechanism a change of government could withdraw. Route, cost and financing are not yet consented.",
    "desc": "A proposed aerial cable car network for Queenstown from Southern Infrastructure, a private consortium led by former Coronet Peak manager Ross Copland and Xero founder Rod Drury. Two lines: Airport to Town Centre via Queenstown Hill, Lake Johnson and the Frankton hub, and Frankton to Ladies Mile. It is pitched as offline mass transit carrying commuters above congested roads. Lodged on 5 November 2025 and referred into fast-track consenting on 2 April 2026. Not yet consented or funded.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "backs; would enable Land Transport Fund support",
      "Labour": "would review Land Transport Fund support for the gondola",
      "Green": "prefers public transport investment over a tourist gondola"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Southern Infrastructure lodges fast-track application (5 November)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Referred into the fast-track consenting process (2 April); ~$400m, targeted operation by ~2028 if it proceeds"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "low",
      "note": "National's 2026 South Island plan backs the scheme, but as private mass transit it sits outside the GPS's core road-investment priorities."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Fast-track Approvals: Queenstown Cable Car project",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/queenstown-cable-car"
      },
      {
        "title": "Otago Daily Times: $400m airport to CBD cable car route outlined",
        "url": "https://www.odt.co.nz/otago/queenstown/400m-airport-to-cbd-cable-car-route-revealed-vr29swd2"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: cable car companies target resort town",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/562324/we-want-to-get-queenstown-moving-again-cable-car-companies-target-resort-town"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 92,
    "name": "SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade",
    "org": "NZTA",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "transport",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 40,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -43.5484,
    "lon": 172.6385,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Under construction and Cabinet-funded from a Budget 2024 tagged contingency; a committed NZTA state highway upgrade with safety, bus and cycling components, so limited exposure to a change of government. Stage two timing depends on property acquisition and consenting.",
    "desc": "Upgrade of SH76 Brougham Street, Christchurch's main southern arterial between the Southern Motorway and the central city, delivered by NZTA in two stages for about $40m. Stage one, Barrington Street to west of Selwyn Street, adds a separated walking and cycling bridge (lifted into place in June 2026) and changes at the Barrington ramps to cut queue-jumping; Fulton Hogan is building it for completion around 2027. Stage two adds T2 lanes once property acquisition and consenting are complete.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "backs; prioritised as a Road of Regional Significance",
      "Labour": "supports the corridor safety and bus/cycling improvements"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Prioritised as a Road of Regional Significance; funding confirmed from a Budget 2024 tagged contingency"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Construction begins (mid-July); Fulton Hogan delivering stage one over about two years"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "New separated walking and cycling bridge lifted into place over Brougham Street (June)"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "A state highway safety and capacity upgrade prioritised as a Road of Regional Significance, aligned with the roads-focused transport policy."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "NZTA: SH76 Brougham Street upgrade",
        "url": "https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh76-brougham-street-upgrade"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: SH76 Brougham Street construction begins",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/sh76-brougham-street-construction-begins"
      },
      {
        "title": "1News: New cycling, pedestrian bridge lifted into place in Christchurch (June 2026)",
        "url": "https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/27/new-cycling-pedestrian-bridge-lifted-into-place-in-christchurch/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 93,
    "name": "Waikeria Prison Expansion",
    "org": "Department of Corrections",
    "region": "Waikato",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -38.0847,
    "lon": 175.332,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "medium",
    "riskRationale": "Under construction and funded within Budget 2024's Corrections capital, but prison expansion is ideologically contested: the Greens and Te Pati Maori favour reducing the prison population rather than adding beds, so a change of government could slow the later stages.",
    "desc": "Expansion of Waikeria Prison in Waikato, set to become New Zealand's largest corrections facility. A 596-bed high-security development, including a 96-bed Mental Health and Addiction Service, opened in 2025. A further 810-bed extension, funded within Budget 2024's $1.9b four-year Corrections capital allocation, is due by late 2029, taking the site toward roughly 1,900 beds. Corrections has not published a standalone cost for the extension.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "backs; part of the $1.9b Budget 2024 Corrections investment",
      "Labour": "accepts the capacity need but critical of cost and the mega-prison model",
      "Green": "opposes prison expansion; would invest in reducing the prison population"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2024,
        "event": "Budget 2024: $1.9b over four years for Corrections announced (May), including a further 810-bed high-security extension at Waikeria"
      },
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "New 596-bed high-security development opens (500 beds plus a 96-bed Mental Health and Addiction Service)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "810-bed extension targeted for completion (late 2029), taking the site toward roughly 1,900 beds"
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Department of Corrections: New 596-bed development opens at Waikeria Prison",
        "url": "https://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/2025/new_596-bed_development_opens_at_waikeria_prison"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Prison spending: Waikeria to have capacity for nearly 2000 beds",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/516236/prison-spending-waikeria-to-have-capacity-for-nearly-2000-beds"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Government quiet on costs, building plan for Waikato prison expansion",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/516274/government-quiet-on-costs-building-plan-for-waikato-prison-expansion"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 94,
    "name": "Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion: Lyttelton Port",
    "org": "Lyttelton Port Company (Christchurch City Holdings)",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 821,
    "completionYear": 2031,
    "lat": -43.60554,
    "lon": 172.7365,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercially funded port expansion, financed by debt and council-holding equity rather than the Crown, so it does not depend on a government decision.",
    "desc": "A 388m deepwater wharf and 5-hectare container terminal at Te Awaparahi Bay, east of the existing Lyttelton container berths, announced in August 2026. Four new ship-to-shore cranes and semi-automated gantry yard cranes lift annual berth capacity to about 850,000 TEU. The driver is resilience: building here removes the need to rebuild the ageing container berths and lets the port keep operating at full capacity meanwhile. Funded by debt plus about $300m of equity from Christchurch City Holdings.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "commercial",
      "Labour": "commercial"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Lyttelton Port Company commits NZ$821m to the Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion and Resilience Project: a 388m deepwater wharf, 5ha container terminal and four ship-to-shore cranes, with about $300m equity from Christchurch City Holdings (August)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2031,
        "event": "Target completion; annual berth capacity about 850,000 TEU"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Commercially funded port capacity and resilience; outside the land transport GPS but consistent with its freight-resilience lens."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Lyttelton Port announces $821m expansion",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1029830/lyttelton-port-announces-821m-expansion"
      },
      {
        "title": "ODT: Lyttelton Port to invest $821m in expansion project",
        "url": "https://www.odt.co.nz/canterbury/christchurch/lyttelton-port-to-invest-821m-in-expansion-project-bdcmagoo"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 95,
    "name": "Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment (PPP)",
    "org": "Department of Corrections / Southern Renewal Partners",
    "region": "Canterbury",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Under Construction",
    "fundingStatus": "Fully Funded",
    "estimatedCost": 800,
    "completionYear": 2029,
    "lat": -43.5247,
    "lon": 172.46634,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "low",
    "riskRationale": "Contracted under a signed PPP at financial close, so the build is locked in regardless of a change of government; a future government could still change how the prison is used.",
    "desc": "Phase 1 of the Christchurch Men's Prison rebuild, contracted as a public-private partnership. The Crown signed with Southern Renewal Partners in July 2026 and reached financial close. It adds a 240-bed high-security unit, an Intervention and Support Building with 52 specialist mental health beds, a health centre and a receiving office. Budget 2025 set Phase 1 capital at $700-800m; the SRP construction contract is $440m. The partners build and maintain it while Corrections keeps running the prison. Facilities operational by mid-2030. The expansion has drawn protest, including a planned hikoi to Parliament.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "support",
      "Labour": "oppose"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Budget 2025: Cabinet agrees Phase 1 capital funding, estimated $700-800m"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "PPP tender attracts four bid groups; Project Agreement signed with Southern Renewal Partners and financial close reached (July), construction to begin later in the year"
      },
      {
        "year": 2029,
        "event": "Construction due to complete (late 2029)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2030,
        "event": "New facilities expected operational by mid-2030"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Justice-sector capital, outside the land transport GPS."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Christchurch Men's Prison PPP deal signed",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/christchurch-mens-prison-ppp-deal-signed"
      },
      {
        "title": "The Press: Public-private partnership to fund $800m Christchurch prison upgrade",
        "url": "https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360614431/public-private-partnership-fund-800m-christchurch-prison-upgrade"
      },
      {
        "title": "Infrastructure Pipeline: Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Programme",
        "url": "https://infrastructurepipeline.org/project/christchurch-mens-prison-redevelopment-programme"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 97,
    "name": "Stella Passage Development: Port of Tauranga",
    "org": "Port of Tauranga",
    "region": "Bay of Plenty",
    "sector": "other",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -37.66498,
    "lon": 176.17151,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercially funded port expansion consented through fast-track, so it does not depend on a government funding decision.",
    "desc": "Extension of Port of Tauranga's wharves: the Sulphur Point container berth by 385m in two stages and the Mount Maunganui wharves by a further 315m, with reclamation behind the new wharves and dredging of the Stella Passage. It uses existing cargo storage land inside the port's current footprint. The fast-track panel issued a draft decision in August 2026 proposing to grant every approval sought, subject to conditions, with a final decision expected in early September. No build cost or funding has been published, so no figure is shown.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "commercial",
      "Labour": "commercial"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2025,
        "event": "Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act (December) corrects a drafting error in the project description"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Original fast-track application withdrawn on 16 January and relodged on 22 January"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Fast-track panel issues a draft decision proposing to grant all approvals subject to conditions (August); final decision expected early September"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "medium",
      "note": "Commercially funded port capacity, outside the land transport GPS but consistent with its freight-resilience lens."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Fast-track Approvals: Stella Passage Development",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/stella-passage-development"
      },
      {
        "title": "RNZ: Port of Tauranga nears finish-line in Stella Passage consent battle",
        "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1031813/port-of-tauranga-nears-finish-line-in-stella-passage-consent-battle"
      },
      {
        "title": "Port of Tauranga: news",
        "url": "https://www.port-tauranga.co.nz/news/"
      }
    ]
  },
  {
    "id": 96,
    "name": "Foxton Solar Farm",
    "org": "Genesis Energy",
    "region": "Manawatū-Whanganui",
    "sector": "energy",
    "status": "Planning",
    "fundingStatus": "No Source",
    "estimatedCost": null,
    "completionYear": null,
    "lat": -40.45631,
    "lon": 175.33408,
    "manualCoords": true,
    "electionRisk": "safe",
    "riskRationale": "Commercially developed renewable generation with approvals already granted, so it does not depend on a government funding decision.",
    "desc": "A solar farm across approximately 400 hectares on Walls Road and Motuiti Road at Foxton, developed by Genesis Energy and connecting to the national grid. Genesis puts it at 220MWp, roughly 345 GWh a year, enough for about 47,000 homes, with around 100 jobs during construction. Lodged under the Fast-track Approvals Act on 23 February 2026 and granted approvals subject to conditions on 14 August 2026, the eighth renewable energy project approved under the Act. The decision can be appealed to the High Court on questions of law only. Genesis has not published a build cost, a final investment decision or a construction start date, so no figure is shown.",
    "partyStance": {
      "National": "supports",
      "Labour": "supports",
      "Green": "supports"
    },
    "chronology": [
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Substantive application lodged by Genesis Energy under the Fast-track Approvals Act (23 February) and deemed complete on 16 March"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Found to have no competing applications (30 March); expert panel appointed and decision timeframe set by the convener (24 April)"
      },
      {
        "year": 2026,
        "event": "Expert panel grants approvals subject to conditions (14 August): a solar farm across about 400 hectares connecting to the national grid"
      }
    ],
    "gpsAlignment": {
      "rating": "high",
      "note": "Large-scale solar generation supporting the renewable-electricity transition."
    },
    "sources": [
      {
        "title": "Fast-track Approvals: Foxton Solar Farm",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/foxton-solar-farm"
      },
      {
        "title": "Fast-track Approvals: Foxton Solar Farm, the decision",
        "url": "https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/projects/foxton-solar-farm/the-decision"
      },
      {
        "title": "Beehive: Foxton Solar Farm fast-tracked",
        "url": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/foxton-solar-farm-fast-tracked"
      }
    ]
  }
]