ACCIONA, alongside partner Aberdeen Investments, comprises the Northway Consortium which has reached Financial Close with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) for the Warkworth to Te Hana project. The Warkworth to Te Hana project is a section of Ara Tūhono, which forms part of the Northland Corridor.

This marks the successful completion of the procurement process enabling the delivery of New Zealand's largest public private partnership infrastructure project with a total overall project cost of approximately NZ$3.649 billion net present value (NPV) during its 32-year construction and operating duration. This includes a nominal cost of around NZ$3 billion to design and build the road.

A transformational transport corridor

The milestone represents a major step forward in the delivery of a transformational transport corridor that will provide a safer, more resilient and more efficient connection between Auckland and Northland. It will improve freight efficiency, support regional growth and strengthen transport reliability for communities and businesses.

A long-term partnership for New Zealand

Northway is responsible for financing, delivering and operating the Warkworth to Te Hana project under a long-term concession arrangement with NZTA. This brings together the combined and proven capability of ACCIONA and Aberdeen Investments in the financing, development and operation of transport infrastructure projects locally and globally.

ACCIONA will also undertake the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project, drawing on its extensive experience delivering complex transport infrastructure. Self-performing critical elements of the works including major earthworks, tunnelling, civil works and systems.

José Angel Andrés López, ACCIONA’s Managing Director Construction for Australia and New Zealand, said ACCIONA was proud to continue contributing to nationally significant infrastructure in New Zealand, having delivered and now maintaining the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and currently delivering the Eastern Busway project.

“ACCIONA invests in, develops and operates infrastructure assets that create lasting value for communities. We are proud to bring together local capability and international expertise to deliver this transformational project for New Zealand providing long-term benefits through improved connectivity, economic growth and enhanced transport outcomes,” said Mr Andrés López.

An important milestone in a long-term commitment

James Bramley, Head of Concessions, ACCIONA Australia and New Zealand, said Financial Close marks an important milestone in ACCIONA's long-term commitment to investing in and operating critical infrastructure in New Zealand.

"Financial Close demonstrates our confidence in the long-term importance of this corridor and our commitment to New Zealand as a market. Together with our partners NZTA, Aberdeen Investments and Hōkai Nuku, we look forward to delivering a project that will create enduring value for Northland's communities, businesses and future generations," said Mr Bramley.

Derek Robertson, NZTA’s Northland Corridor Programme Director thanked everyone involved in the project and all the work undertaken to reach this point.

“The project is a key connector and of strategic importance to the regional and national economy and it is good to see this work get underway.”