QTS-139 · Statutory plan · 2026

Otago Central Lakes Deal – Final Deal Agreement and Schedule (signed)

The signed Otago Central Lakes Deal, 6 October 2026. Outcome 7 covers reliable transport, including the Whakatipu network plan, public transport and local road projects.

What the document says

Outcome 7 says NZTA will progress Whakatipu Strategic Network Plan initiatives, including offline mass rapid transit alongside bus, further river crossings, and demand management. QLDC is to consult on high-priority local roads and fund a Frankton structure plan. ORC is to consult on high-priority public transport and prepare a business case for connections between Whakatipu, Wānaka, Cromwell and Alexandra. The agreement says no additional Crown budget funding is expected in the first three years.

Key figures

No additional Crown budget funding expected in the first three years

Rapid transit

Mass rapid transit means light rail, gondola/cable car, bus rapid transit and similar dedicated rapid-transit technologies. It does not include ordinary bus services or ferries.

Substantive. Discusses, assesses, recommends or programmes mass rapid transit.

Programmes offline mass rapid transit alongside bus, and says GPS 2027 public transport definitions will not exclude offline mass rapid transit or ropeways.

The deal commits NZTA to progress offline mass rapid transit alongside bus. It also says the GPS 2027 public transport activity class will not exclude offline mass rapid transit or passenger ropeways, and that ORC will update the regional public transport plan to include them if deemed necessary. It does not identify a route or alignment.