Urban Development News from the media | 15 September 2026 | CRL opening puts Auckland on track for the future

CRL opening puts Auckland on track for the future

rime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Ministers, Councillors and iwi have officially opened Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) today, marking a turning point in the way New Zealand’s biggest city moves and grows.

After a decade of construction, commuters will be able to travel through the heart of the city by train from Sunday 13 September, when CRL stations open and a new rail timetable begins.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the opening is a historic moment for Auckland, coming around a century after an underground city centre railway was first proposed.

“CRL is New Zealand’s biggest, and perhaps most challenging, transport project completed to date,” Mr Bishop says.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/crl-opening-puts-auckland-track-future

AIP Visa Growth Category expands to support Build to Rent

Investor migrants in the Active Investor Plus Growth category will soon be able to invest in approved managed funds supporting Build to Rent developments.

In December 2026, Growth category applicants will be able to include Build to Rent as part of their overall investment in New Zealand.

“Active Investor Plus is designed to attract experienced investors who can make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s economy,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The Growth category is particularly focused on investment that supports business growth, innovation and productivity. Adding Build to Rent gives investors another option, while keeping that focus through the managed funds model.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/aip-visa-growth-category-expands-support-build-rent

Stella Passage Development fast-tracked

The Stella Passage Development enabling a major expansion project at the Port of Tauranga has been granted fast-track approval says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

This is the 34th project approved through the Fast-track process.

Port of Tauranga Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.

The redevelopment of the Sulphur Point and Mount Maunganui wharves at the Port will enable each wharf to be extended by more than 300 metres, allow the installation of new container cranes on the Sulphur Point Wharf, and include the dredging of Stella Passage in Tauranga Harbour to provide sufficient clearance for vessels to berth at the extended wharves.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stella-passage-development-fast-tracked

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