Porirua faces significant cuts to its transport services and infrastructure projects following a $134 million funding shortfall in the Greater Wellington Region. The shortfall comes after the release of the National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) for 2024-2027, leaving key developments in Porirua unfunded.
Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) Chairperson Daran Ponter expressed concern about the impact on Wellington’s future. “Nearly every one of our 40-plus infrastructure, service enhancement, and community-based projects have had funding declined,” says Ponter. Among the unfunded projects are essential initiatives aimed at improving transport accessibility and safety in Porirua.
Projects at risk in Porirua include a new bus route connecting Cambourne, Plimmerton, and Pukerua Bay, seismic strengthening of the Porirua subway, and upgrades to the Porirua Bus Hub. The introduction of bus shelters, seating, and lighting at key stops used during train replacement services has also been deferred, while funding for accessibility improvements at bus stops and stations remains uncertain.
Ponter noted that while Wellington received $3.3 billion—10% of the national allocation—this still leaves many critical projects in unfunded, potentially compromising Regional transport networks. The GWRC is conducting a “line-by-line” review to determine how local projects might proceed, but Ponter warns that tough decisions are inevitable.
“We are likely to face unpopular decisions affecting communities, with cuts to low-usage routes, school services, and further fare increases,” Ponter says.