Key Takeaways
- A public transport advocate’s submission for light rail in Auckland has been endorsed by the NZ Infrastructure Commission’s Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) at stage 1.
- The endorsement identifies the project as a nationally significant issue, but does not guarantee funding.
- The advocate, Connor Sharp, believes that light rail and mass transit need to be part of Auckland’s long-term transport plan.
- Sharp’s proposal for a surface light rail from the city centre to Mount Roskill via Dominion Road was declined for stage 2 of the IPP.
- The Auckland mayor, Wayne Brown, declined to comment on the endorsement and the future of light rail in Auckland.
Introduction to the Light Rail Project
The Auckland Light Rail project, which was scrapped by the coalition in early 2024, has been given new life with the endorsement of a public transport advocate’s submission by the NZ Infrastructure Commission’s Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP). The project, which was initially estimated to cost multibillions of dollars, was put on hold after over $200 million had been spent on planning and investigating options without achieving any real results. However, Connor Sharp, a contributor to the transport advocacy blog Greater Auckland, has kept the project alive with his submission, which was endorsed at stage 1 of the IPP in December 2025.
The Advocate’s Proposal
Sharp’s proposal for ‘mass rapid transit in the city centre to Mangere corridor’ was endorsed by the IPP, which means it has been identified as a nationally significant issue. Sharp is pleased with the endorsement, especially since he made the submission as an individual, unlike other proposals which were made by organizations. He believes that the project has become a "hot potato" and has been over-politicized over the years, particularly at a national level. Sharp hopes that Auckland Council can take up the reins to advocate for the project and avoid the politicization issues that have plagued it in the past.
The Proposed Light Rail Route
Sharp’s proposal for a surface light rail to run from the city centre to Mount Roskill via Dominion Road was declined for stage 2 of the IPP, which called for specific solutions. However, Sharp still believes that this section of light rail needs to be built first to fill the void of rapid transit connections through the central isthmus, which is leading to congestion. He hopes that this section can be built first, regardless of what the extension to Mangere and the Airport looks like. Sharp believes that the project fell through previously because decision-makers were trying to do something really big within a limited time they had in government, rather than working through it incrementally.
Future Prospects for the Project
The upcoming transport reforms in 2026 and the development of a 30-year Integrated Transport Plan provide opportunities to progress work on light rail. The opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) in 2026 is also expected to spur people’s expectations of more transit options, according to Sharp. He believes that once people experience the benefits of the CRL, they will naturally start thinking about what’s next, and light rail should be one of the big projects that come into conversation. Sharp’s endorsement by the IPP has given new hope to the project, and it remains to be seen whether Auckland Council will take up the reins to advocate for it.
Reaction from Auckland Mayor and Councillor
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown declined to comment on the endorsement and the future of light rail in Auckland. His office stated that the mayor had nothing further to add at this time. However, Councillor Shane Henderson was delighted with the endorsement, saying that it recognizes the huge issue of moving people along the corridor. Henderson believes that the council should keep light rail in the front of their minds as they work through the city’s long-term transport plans. He notes that it has not been discussed much at the council table since it was canned by the government.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Connor Sharp’s submission by the NZ Infrastructure Commission’s Infrastructure Priorities Programme has given new life to the Auckland Light Rail project. While there are still many hurdles to overcome, the project has been identified as a nationally significant issue, and Sharp’s proposal has provided a new perspective on how to move forward. The upcoming transport reforms and the development of a 30-year Integrated Transport Plan provide opportunities to progress work on light rail, and it remains to be seen whether Auckland Council will take up the reins to advocate for the project.