National is backing the Waikato with the infrastructure it needs to continue its strong growth, National’s Infrastructure spokesman Chris Bishop says.
“Waikato is home to some of our most productive farms, major manufacturers and exporters, fast-growing towns and cities, and the transport links that connect the upper North Island.
“National wants to build on those strengths and make Waikato an even better place to invest, grow a business, raise a family and get ahead.
“The Waikato Expressway has been a gamechanger, and the next stage will build on that critical link.
“The extension to the Waikato Expressway funded by this National Government – SH1 Cambridge to Piarere – is expected to reduce deaths and serious injuries by around 70 per cent, make journeys faster and more reliable, and strengthen one of New Zealand’s most important economic corridors. If re-elected, National will get it under construction early next year,” Mr Bishop says.
The road is just one of several major infrastructure projects National has already delivered or is planning for the Waikato.
“National has progressed Hamilton Southern Links, and backed major new investments through Fast-track, including Green Steel and the expansion of Waihi’s mining operations. Green Steel alone will process around 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel each year and create around 200 skilled jobs, while the Waihi North project is expected to generate $5.2 billion in additional exports.”
Construction is also underway on the Waikato Medical school, backed by $82.85 million from the Government and more than $150 million from the University and philanthropic partners.
“From 2028, the school is expected to take 120 additional graduate-entry medical students each year, with a strong focus on primary care and rural medicine.
“In addition, land has been secured at Drury for a future major hospital supporting South Auckland and north Waikato and we have opened more beds at Waikato Hospital.
Mr Bishop says Waikato is thriving under National.
“Some 61 classrooms are either built, under construction or in the planning stage and regular school attendance in Waikato has risen from 42.7 per cent in 2023 to 60.3 per cent in 2026. The streets are now safer as well, with a 37,000 reduction in serious crime nationwide and Police foot patrols in Waikato are up 141 per cent since 2023.”
A re-elected National Government will:
- Back Waikato’s productive economy, supporting farming, manufacturing, energy, mining and exports.
- Build the infrastructure Waikato needs to grow, improving the roads and connections that move people, freight and goods around the region and to market.
- Support fast-growing communities, making sure housing, schools, health services and essential infrastructure keep pace.
- Strengthen services closer to home, particularly for rural and regional communities.
- Keep Police visible and communities safe, with a continued focus on serious, repeat and retail offending.
“Don’t put the growth of Waikato at risk this election. The choice is clear – a Labour Government propped up by the Greens, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity with nine new taxes, or National with no new taxes and a plan to keep our regions thriving.”
Link to Waikato Policy HERE
