AM Edition: Here are the top 10 economics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for April 2, 2026 – Full Text
Property Market – Property values not feeling war effects … for now
April 2, 2026
Property values across Aotearoa New Zealand increased by 0.2% in March, matching the same rise seen in February. While this marks a modest lift, it comes against the backdrop of the Iran conflict that began in late February and continues to weigh on business and household confidence.
Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) also shows that the national median value in March of $802,599 was -1.3% lower than a year ago and still down by -17.1% from the peak in early 2022 – which was $968,333.
Trends across the main centres were a little more divergent in March, with Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington both edging down by -0.1%, while Tauranga and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland were flat. By contrast, Ōtautahi Christchurch was up by 0.6% and Ōtepoti Dunedin by 0.7%.
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that March’s subtle rise in property values at the national level would pique the interest of those looking for early signs of a market upturn, but he also noted that uncertainty remains high.
“Coming off the back of February’s small gain, the latest rise means we’ve now had two increases in a row, potentially signalling a change in trend.”
“That being said, the increases in national values in the past two months clearly remain small and have only made a minor difference to the drop from early 2022’s peak.”
“The Iran conflict is throwing an extra layer of uncertainty over everything.”
“In the property market, values were already still proving slow to respond to the falls in mortgage rates since mid-2024 and the nascent economic recovery.”
“The missing piece has probably been a confidence factor, and now, in light of the latest conflict and sharply higher fuel prices, it’s difficult to see housing sentiment or property values lifting sharply in the near term.”
“Of course, there are always two sides to the coin, and while some sellers/owners may not be too pleased with current housing conditions, first home buyers are capitalising – provided that they feel secure about their jobs in this current uncertain environment.”
“In a nutshell, both the economy and housing market still face a testing period ahead.”
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland saw flat property values in March across the market as a whole, but this reflected ups and downs at a more granular level. For example, Manukau saw a 0.3% rise, while North Shore was up by 0.2%. Yet Rodney, Waitakere, and Franklin all dropped by -0.3% or more.
Waitakere and Franklin have also been weaker over a three-month period to start the year (down by -0.8% and -0.9% respectively), while North Shore and Manukau have both edged slightly higher since December.
Mr Davidson said, “Auckland’s housing affordability has improved significantly in recent years as more supply has become available, prices have dropped, and incomes have increased. It’s not cheap as such, but better affordability probably does still set the scene for rising house prices eventually.”
“It’s just that in the meantime, general economic confidence around Auckland still looks subdued and it doesn’t benefit as much from a booming agricultural sector as much as say the Canterbury/Christchurch or Otago/Dunedin areas – where property values lifted again in March.”
“Until we can see more of an improvement in the services sector of the economy, Auckland’s housing market may well remain slow – but favourable for buyers.”
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Variability in property values was also on show in the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area in March, with Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt for example dropping by -0.6%, but Kāpiti Coast and Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt both rising by at least 0.7% over the month.
That being said, Wellington has still broadly been one of the weakest parts of the country over a longer horizon, with all sub-markets down to some degree over the past 12 months and all by more than 20% from the peak.
Mr Davidson noted, “to a degree new housing supply will have been one factor keeping a lid on values lately, especially in the markets outside Wellington City itself. But as we also see in Auckland, economic confidence in the Wellington area remains muted and it clearly also has a lower exposure to growth sectors such as farming. In this environment, it’s no great surprise that Wellington’s property values remain patchy.”
“The Iran conflict may again push this year’s election into the background for a while, but as domestic political uncertainty rises later in 2026 this is also cause for caution around Wellington’s house prices.”
Regional results
March’s data showed a pretty consistent picture of rising property values in the next tier of markets down from the main centres, with areas such as Te Papaioea Palmerston North and Ngāmotu New Plymouth only edging higher (0.1% apiece) but Ahuriri Napier up by 0.7%, Tairāwhiti Gisborne 0.8%, and Waihōpai Invercargill by 1.7%.
“Invercargill continues to outperform most other parts of the country, rising by 7.1% over the past 12 months. Wairoa and Grey Districts are the only other areas to have growth of 7% or more since March last year,” Davidson noted.
“Invercargill also sits alongside Grey, Westland, Ashburton, Timaru, Central Otago, Southland District, and Gore as the only markets where house prices are currently at a new peak. Those are all in the South Island and with a strong farming base.”
“Of course, even in these areas, the Iran conflict puts a new level of uncertainty into the mix, especially around diesel supply for primary production. In other words, housing market activity and prices in most if not all parts of the country are vulnerable to this developing economic shock.”
Property market outlook
Mr Davidson noted that the Reserve Bank remains on high alert and although there won’t necessarily be any knee-jerk official cash rate rises in the short term, it’s important to remember that mortgage rates are driven by a broader range of factors.
“Global uncertainty stemming from the Iran conflict and concerns about wider inflationary pressure have already seen interest rates rise in world money markets, and that’s flowed through to mortgage rate lifts at some NZ banks.”
“Many households will be watching that very closely and recent data shows there’s recently been a strong shift by borrowers towards fixing longer.”
“That will give some sense of security to individuals, but for the wider housing market the risks of higher inflation, rising interest rates, and/or a softening economy both point to headwinds,” Davidson said.
“Indeed, our modelled forecast for property sales to rise from around 90,000 last year to 100,000 this year is starting to look a stretch. In the end, though, everything is a watching brief at the moment when it comes to the economy and housing market.”
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Cotality says house prices might not rise this year, after all
April 2, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
House prices might not rise this year after all, property data firm Cotality says. RNZ / Quin Tauetau
House prices might not rise this year after all, property data firm Cotality says.
It has released its latest data, which shows property values lifted 0.2 percent in March, after the same rise in February.
The median value in March was $802,599, 1.3 percent lower than a year earlier and just over 17 percent down on early 2022.
In the month, both Hamilton and Wellington were down 0.1 percent while Auckland and Tauranga were flat. Auckland’s affordability had improved in recent years as more supply had come on to the market, prices had dropped and incomes had increased.
Christchurch was up 0.6 percent and Dunedin 0.7 percent. Cotality said areas that were benefiting from a positive agricultural sector were seeing stronger growth.
Wellington remained one of the weaker parts of the country, with all of its regions down over the past 12 months and all still more than 20 percent below their peak.
Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said two months of increases in a row could signal a change in direction for the housing market, but the Iran conflict threw a layer of uncertainty over everything.
He said he had been expecting prices to rise 5 percent this year but that was not as likely any more.
“The chances that things are even weaker get greater and greater the longer this goes on.
“At the moment you’d certainly have to be pegging that back a bit. I see some of the banks are now talking about possibly small falls in average house prices this year and that wouldn’t necessarily surprise me either … we had a relatively modest house price forecast up to 5 percent – you could easily imagine that being down at zero or even slightly negative. That’s despite the fact that mortgage rates are relatively low at the moment.”
Cotality chief property economist Kelvin Davidson. SUPPLIED
He said the factor that was missing for house prices to turn around was confidence.
“There were signs that was starting to come through but now that’s hard to imagine. Your confidence would probably be going the other way, potentially the economy’s going the other way too and potentially mortgage rates are going up. All of those things that might have been falling into place for the housing market are now starting to go back in the other direction again.”
He said while some sellers might not be pleased, it was still good news for buyers provided they felt secure in their jobs.
“In a nutshell, both the economy and housing market still face a testing period ahead.”
Davidson said he did not expect “knee jerk” official cash rate rises but the Reserve Bank was on high alert.
“Global uncertainty stemming from the Iran conflict and concerns about wider inflationary pressure have already seen interest rates rise in world money markets, and that’s flowed through to mortgage rate lifts at some NZ banks.
“Many households will be watching that very closely and recent data shows there’s recently been a strong shift by borrowers towards fixing longer.
“That will give some sense of security to individuals, but for the wider housing market the risks of higher inflation, rising interest rates, and/or a softening economy both point to headwinds,” Davidson said.
“Indeed, our modelled forecast for property sales to rise from around 90,000 last year to 100,000 this year is starting to look a stretch. In the end, though, everything is a watching brief at the moment when it comes to the economy and housing market.”
He said households might not want to list their homes for sale in an uncertain environment.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Cost of living to rise 50 pct more than expected this year – economists
April 2, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
A rise in fuel costs is expected to affect the price of other goods and services. RNZ
- Household living costs about $55 a week higher this year – ASB research report
- About 50 pct higher than might have been because of Middle East conflict
- Higher fuel costs add $16.50 a week
- Flow through to other goods and services, dampening demand, growth, jobs
- Assumes conflict ends mid-year, easier costs by year end
Households face a $55 a week rise in living costs this year partly because of the Middle East conflict, according to ASB economists.
In a research report released Thursday they said the cost of living will be 50 percent higher than it might normally have been, with a direct hit from the rise in fuel costs and indirect increases in the price of other goods and services.
“Overall, the recovery in household consumption we had pencilled in for 2026 now looks to be a 2027 story,” ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley said.
He said there was much uncertainty because of the conflict.
“Our central assumption is that the conflict lasts for three months, and that the price impacts last another three months.”
The report said it expected the increase in fuel costs to add $16.50 a week directly to living costs, with rural communities feeling the pinch harder because of a greater reliance on diesel-fuelled private transport.
It expected not just a drop in spending but also a change in spending habits.
“Typically, during times of financial pressure, households prioritise essential purchases such as groceries, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals, while reducing spending in other areas.
“This shift in spending patterns is expected to partially offset the overall increase in household expenses.”
The report’s base assumption was that the conflict would last three months to about mid-year, with the biggest impact on spending would be over the next six months before the start of a rebound in the final three months of the year.
Iran has threatened to sink tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. AFP PHOTO /NASA/HANDOUT
Bigger hit to broader economy
The weaker domestic demand was also expected to affect other parts of the economy.
“Given that the conflict in the Middle East is also likely to impact economic growth, we see downside risks to household consumption via both the wealth and labour market channels as well,” Tuffley said.
That would also mean a brake on house prices and job creation.
The temporary increase in the base rate of the in-work tax credit for working about 143,000 families was expected to have only limited impact.
The report said the lift in living costs and its effect on consumer spending was a double edged sword for the Reserve Bank.
“The resultant weakness in domestic demand should help keep a lid on inflation, but it also makes the [Reserve Bank’s] job harder, as weaker growth and rising prices are pulling in opposite directions.”
It was still holding to a forecast of a 25 basis point rise in the official cash rate in December to 2.5 percent, but was watching the risk that the RBNZ may have to raise sooner and more aggressively because of medium-term inflation pressures.
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Why retailers are hoping you don’t work from home
April 2, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ
Employers might be being encouraged to let people work from home if they are struggling with fuel costs, but not everyone hopes they heed the message.
As fuel costs have risen in recent weeks, unions have called on organisations such as banks to be more flexible with staff wanting to skip the commute.
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said that should be done carefully.
“This is an economic issue, not a health issue. The work from home edict [during Covid] came about because there were concerns that ongoing engagement and connection with people could cause harm to people’s lives.
“We’re not in that situation, this is quite a different situation. The economic situation would be worse if people don’t come into towns and cities across the country. If people stop coming into town they stop buying. Eighty-five percent of sales are done in person, in store, people in town. They’re walking past shop windows, they’re seeing items they might need.”
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young. Supplied
The increased prevalence of working from home through Covid has been credited with changing the makeup of some central business districts around the country.
Young previously told RNZ that she worried that foot traffic levels might never return to where they were, for some businesses.
But Brad Olsen, chief executive at Infometrics, said consumer confidence more generally was likely to be more of a concern for retailers than whether people were working from home.
When people were at home, their spending tended to drift more to food-related items, he said. The pattern of spending could be affected, but the total amount would not be.
“I don’t think it’s a full and complete view that people only spend when they’re working in town and don’t spend otherwise.”
Brad Olsen, chief executive at Infometrics. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
But he said the wider economic environment had more potential to dent total spending. “The wider impact of having to spend more on fuel, people are more worried about the economy, that will drive overall spending down. If we see spending activity drop it won’t be because people are working from home, it will be because people are paying more for fuel and worried about their financial lives.”
Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said it would make it harder for CBD retail. “But past experience suggested that there were flows of business to suburban shops and cafes when WFH was more prominent. I would expect the same dynamics again.”
‘Big hit coming through on households’ disposable income’
BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said it would add to all the other headwinds on spending at the moment.
“Chief among them is the big hit coming through on households’ disposable income from the fuel cost spike. Cuts are being made to discretionary spending already. But there’s also a potentially weaker labour market and reduced job security to contend with, broader cost of living pressures, and reduced tourism spending. It’s shaping up as a big hit and consumers are feeling it, as we saw from last week’s slump in consumer confidence.”
But Young said going back to isolating at home would not be a solution to an economic crisis.
“That creates another beast in itself and it multiplies the impact of the inflationary measures if we get to a place where people stop coming into town and they stop buying a coffee and they stop going into the stores to buy things. More businesses will close, which creates greater, you know, demise for the New Zealand economy.”
She said she had seen some positive economic data in the early months of this year and had been hoping that 2026 would be a time of recovery.
“Then of course in March we’ve been hit by this and it feels like another blow and we just can’t seem to get a break.”
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Marsden Point to get diesel storage capacity boost
April 2, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Marsden Point. RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The government will put more than $20 million towards additional diesel storage capacity at Marsden Point.
The arrangement – funded through the Regional Infrastructure Fund – will support 90 million litres of storage at the import and storage terminal by recommissioning storage tanks that have been unused since the closure of the refinery in 2022.
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said the tanks could hold around eight days’ supply, and refurbishment work was expected to begin within days.
“This is an ambitious but do-able project which will help ensure New Zealand is well-placed to weather the fuel supply issues New Zealand faces,” he said.
He had been assured by Channel Infrastructure, which owned and operated Marsden Point, that it could get the tanks ready within two months.
“While we are acutely aware of the importance of petrol and jet fuel, it is diesel that is the lifeblood of our economy. We know we have a secure supply until the end of May,” Jones said.
“If the opportunities arise for New Zealand to secure diesel supplies over and above what we are expecting, we need to be able to store it.”
RNZ reported last week that the government had received a proposal to boost storage at Marsden Point, with Jones wanting advice back as soon as possible.
At the time, Channel Infrastructure had told him there was potential to store 350 million litres of imported oil, on top of the 300 million litres of storage already in service.
The $21.6m support has been found through projects that had been approved in principle, but were not likely to go ahead.
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Fast-track approved project could deliver New Zealand’s largest wind farm
April 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Fast-track approval has been granted for New Zealand’s largest wind farm project.
Contact Energy lodged a substantive application for the Southland Windfarm in August 2025. The proposed wind farm will be developed across 58km² of privately owned land in eastern Southland, about 30km southeast of Gore.
“Approval has taken around 5 months following the commencement of an expert panel,” Mr Bishop says.
“This project, with national benefits, will significantly increase the amount of power supplied to the national grid.
“The wind farm will generate up to 380 megawatts (MW) and provide power for up to 150,000 households and includes 55 wind turbines, each up to approximately 7MW in capacity.
Mr Jones said the project would inject $13.5 million into the local economy and create up to 300 jobs during construction. Once commissioned, it would employ about 10 to 14 full-time equivalent staff to operate the wind farm.
“The real significance of this infrastructure lies in the ability to unlock further investment and attract new industry to the region.
“The Fast Track process is about cutting through unnecessary delays to unlock the projects that matter. It gives regions the certainty and momentum they need to create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.” Mr Jones said.
Energy Minister Simon Watts says the project will make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s energy future.
“As New Zealand’s biggest windfarm to date, the Southland project will play an important part in achieving this Government’s vision of reliable, affordable and abundant energy supply for New Zealanders,” Mr Watts says.
“More generation in the system will help keep downward pressure on prices and shore up security of supply.”
“In addition to the turbines, a wind farm substation, and access roads, the project’s second major component involved grid connection work – including constructing the transmission lines needed to connect the wind farm to the Transpower National Grid,” Mr Bishop says.
“It’s worth noting this project, in an earlier form, was previously declined resource consent after years of process, largely due to concerns about landscape and visual effects on the surrounding rural environment.
“That is exactly the kind of outcome New Zealanders have been frustrated with, where projects of clear national benefit get tied up or turned down after long, uncertain processes.
“Fast-track is changing that by providing a more balanced, timely, and effects-based pathway to get critical infrastructure like renewable energy projects built.”
For more information about the project: Southland Wind Farm
Fast-track by the numbers:
• 15 projects approved by expert panels.
• 22 projects with expert panels appointed.
• 43 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
• 39 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
• 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
• On average, it has taken 128 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:
• Arataki [Housing/Land]
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
• Green Steel [Infrastructure]
• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
• Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
• Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
• Southland Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
• Sunfield [Housing/Land]
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
• Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
Expert panels have been appointed for:
• Ashbourne
• Ayrburn Screen Hub
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
• Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
• Central and Southern Block Mining Project
• Delmore
• Haldon Solar Farm
• Hananui Aquaculture Project
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
• Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
• Mahinerangi Wind Farm
• North West Rapid Transit
• Pound Road Industrial Development
• Ryans Road Industrial Development
• State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
• Stella Passage Development
• The Downtown Carpark Redevelopment – Te Pūmanawa o Tāmaki Haldon Solar Farm
• The Point Mission Bay
• The Point Solar Farm
• Waitaha Hydro
• Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
• Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal
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Government supports additional diesel storage
April 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government will enter into an agreement to support an additional 90 million litres of storage for diesel at Marsden Point in Northland to boost New Zealand’s fuel resilience as the Middle East conflict continues to impact global fuel supplies, Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.
Senior Ministers yesterday signed off on up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd.
“This financial arrangement will allow Channel Infrastructure, which owns and operates the former refinery site at Marsden Point, to increase its diesel storage by recommissioning storage tanks with a combined 90 million-litre capacity,” Mr Jones says.
“Channel Infrastructure has assured the Government it can do this within two months. This is an ambitious but do-able project which will help ensure New Zealand is well-placed to weather the fuel supply issues New Zealand faces.
“While we are acutely aware of the importance of petrol and jet fuel, it is diesel that is the lifeblood of our economy. We know we have a secure supply until the end of May. If the opportunities arise for New Zealand to secure diesel supplies over and above what we are expecting, we need to be able to store it.
“Storage of fuel supplies on a large scale is an issue, given much of what we had has been sitting idle at Marsden Point for a number of years,” Mr Jones says.
Work is expected to begin on the refurbishment of the tanks, which can hold about eight days’ supply, within days. The Government will be keeping a very close eye on progress to ensure it is ready to take diesel as quickly as possible.
The RIF financial support has been secured through funds tagged for projects that have been approved in principle but not likely to go ahead.
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Road tolls: Driving from Auckland to Northland and back could cost drivers $14.20
April 1, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
The newest section of motorway between Auckland and Northland, which opened in 2023, connects Pūhoi to Warkworth. The next stage will continue to Te Hana, north of Wellsford. Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi
A return trip between Auckland and Whangārei could cost drivers $14.20 in tolls, if a proposal for the planned Northland Expressway goes ahead.
That means commuters travelling daily between Northland and the country’s biggest city would pay around $3400 a year in tolls.
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is currently consulting on tolls for the planned Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Corridor, which is to be built as a public-private partnership (PPP) under the government’s Roads of National Significance programme.
The proposal is for two electronic toll gates on the 26km stretch of expressway, the southern one charging $3 and the northern one $1.50.
The Northern Gateway motorway, from the North Shore to Pūhoi, already charges a toll of $2.60.
Added to the new tolls, that would make a total of $7.10 each way or $14.20 return between Auckland and the Northland border.
Trucks would pay $6 and $3 on the new expressway and $5.20 on the Northern Gateway, adding up to $14.20 each way or $28.40 return.
For Anna Giddens – who lives in Mangawhai but works four days a week at the University of Auckland, it could mean around $2600 a year in tolls – if she had to pass through all three electronic gates.
If she could avoid the northernmost toll gate she would still pay $2100 a year.
“Obviously it’s an added cost. It just seems like everything keeps going up, it would be added on top of everything else.”
Giddens said she would have to absorb the extra cost herself, but it would not be “a deal breaker” that would force her to quit her Auckland job.
“It’s not ideal, but I could cope with it. But I can imagine it could affect some people more.”
She said it would also affect businesses using the highway, which would have to pass the extra costs onto customers.
The Pūhoi viaduct opened in 2023, part of the newest section of motorway linking Auckland and Northland. Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi
Giddens questioned the equity of requiring Northlanders to pay tolls while other recently completed roads – such as the Waikato Expressway and Transmission Gully, both of which cost more than $2 billion – were toll-free.
“I understand that the cost of this is incredibly high. It’s probably the highest cost for a road construction project in this country ever, and I guess we don’t have the money. But it does seem disproportionate that the North is being tolled, compared to other parts of the country.”
Giddens said the answer for her would be to find work closer to home, but that was not easy in the current job market.
In any case, she did not have to worry about paying the extra tolls anytime soon – work on the first section of the expressway was due to start at the end of this year, and was expected to open around 2034.
A map showing the planned route of the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Corridor, with the location of the two electronic toll gates. Supplied / NZTA Waka Kotahi
The consultation document showed the new tolls could be levied for either 35 or 60 years.
Automobile Association senior policy analyst Sarah Geard said equity was one of the issues members raised most often about the tolling proposal – especially given Northland’s low median income.
Only two other roads were currently tolled in New Zealand, both in Tauranga.
“A point to make here is that in 2024 the government instructed NZTA that they do need to consider tolling on every new road … so we expect that will be the norm from this point.”
Geard said the AA was open to tolling if it meant new roads would be built sooner.
“And that means people who choose to use the road will benefit earlier than they otherwise would. I also note that under legislation, there must always be a feasible, untolled alternative route available to people who don’t want to use the toll roads, so that’s always an option,” she said.
“But we’re very mindful that tolls do mean extra cost to motorists, and we recognise there is already a toll road between Auckland and Whangārei.”
Geard said the AA had yet to decide its position on the Warkworth to Te Hana proposal.
The organisation was still working through information from NZTA to understand why the proposed toll was $4.50, why it was split into two tolls of differing amounts, and how the tolls would affect the number of vehicles using the new road.
New Zealand’s trucking industry also supported tolling if it sped up roading projects – but had reservations about the details of the Warkworth to Te Hana plan.
Paula Rogers, commercial transport specialist for the National Road Carriers (NRC), said about 1000 heavy trucks travelled between Auckland and Northland every day, transporting everything from food and fuel to logs and building materials.
She said the industry was pleased the new route would bypass Dome Valley, which was notorious for crashes and delays.
If tolling brought forward the project and its safety and efficiency benefits, that was a positive for all road users, Rogers said.
However, NRC had concerns about the methodology used to arrive at a toll of $9 for heavy vehicles.
Including the existing toll, that added up to $28.40 per return trip.
“Given the high frequency of freight movements along this corridor, these cumulative costs become significant for transport operators and are ultimately passed through to customers and the wider economy.”
Rogers said NRC wanted greater transparency around how NZTA had arrived at the proposed tolls, and whether the cumulative impact of multiple tolls on freight costs had been considered.
According to the NZTA’s consultation documents, the new Warkworth-Te Hana road would shave 7-10 minutes off travel times compared to the existing road.
It would also reduce the number and severity of crashes, especially in the Dome Valley, which was known for its “safety and resilience challenges”.
NZTA said tolling would allow the PPP to get started sooner, and free up money for other roading projects.
The reason for proposing separate toll points north and south of the Wayby Valley interchange was to make it fairer – motorists would pay according to how much of the new road they used – and to prevent congestion caused by large number of drivers diverting onto free local roads.
The new road would run west of and parallel to Dome Valley, before crossing the existing State Highway 1 and passing east of the notorious summer chokepoint at Wellsford.
It would rejoin the existing highway at Te Hana, just south of the Northland border and about 20km south of the Brynderwyn Hills.
The existing section of State Highway 1 would be reclassified as a local road and would be free to use.
Eventually two more sections of Northland Expressway would be built, from Te Hana over the Brynderwyns to Port Marsden Highway, and from Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei.
Each section was expected to have its own tolls.
The tolls being consulted on are based on 2025 prices, so could be adjusted for inflation.
NZTA documents show the Northern Gateway, which opened in 2009, is expected to be tolled until about 2045.
Public consultation on the Warkworth to Te Hana proposal runs until 15 April.
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Tim Ho Wan Secures Its 17th Consecutive Michelin Recognition Under the Jollibee Group
April 1, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 -Tim Ho Wan, the dim sum brand hailing from Hong Kong under the Jollibee Group, continues to be recognized in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau, with its Sham Shui Po store receiving the Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 edition. The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer high-quality food at excellent value for money, reinforcing Tim Ho Wan’s long-standing positioning.
<figure data-width="100%" data-caption="Carrying forward a legacy of excellence. Tim Ho Wan’s culinary team upholds the brand’s signature Cantonese craftsmanship, sustaining the consistency and quality behind its 17 consecutive years of Michelin recognition— its most recent earned under the Jollibee Group.” data-caption-display=”block” data-image-width=”0″ data-image-height=”0″ class=”c6″ readability=”2.5″> Carrying forward a legacy of excellence. Tim Ho Wan’s culinary team upholds the brand’s signature Cantonese craftsmanship, sustaining the consistency and quality behind its 17 consecutive years of Michelin recognition— its most recent earned under the Jollibee Group. The recognition marks the 17th consecutive year the same store has been included in the Michelin Guide—a milestone achieved during Tim Ho Wan’s first full year under the Jollibee Group following its acquisition in January 2025. Over the past year, the brand has focused on strengthening systems, chef training, and food quality, reinforcing the consistency that has long defined Tim Ho Wan in its home market. “Tim Ho Wan’s recognition in the Michelin Guide is a reflection of the care and discipline behind the brand,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO. “At the Jollibee Group, we are committed to growing brands like this in a way that stays true to their roots while allowing more people around the world to experience what makes them special.” Founded in Hong Kong in 2009 by chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung, Tim Ho Wan quickly rose to prominence after earning a Michelin star within its first year. Its Sham Shui Po branch, opened in 2010, has since remained a consistent presence in the Michelin Guide, underscoring the brand’s enduring culinary standards. Scaling a Heritage Brand Through Operational Discipline Under the Jollibee Group, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its operating model to support consistent execution and long-term growth across markets. Ongoing investments in kitchen systems, chef training, menu development, and store operations have enhanced consistency across locations while preserving the craftsmanship rooted in its Hong Kong origins. The continued recognition in Hong Kong reinforces the market’s role as the brand’s culinary and operational benchmark. “These capabilities allow us to stay true to what makes Tim Ho Wan special, while ensuring we can deliver that same experience consistently as we grow,” said Sheng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Tim Ho Wan. “This recognition reflects the discipline of our teams in delivering consistent quality day in and day out. We remain focused on elevating our craft through rigorous training, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful service so that high-quality meals remain welcoming to guests around the world,” Lee added. A Distinct Concept for Global Expansion Tim Ho Wan’s combination of quality and value positions it as a distinctive concept in the global restaurant landscape. Supported by strengthened systems and operating discipline, the brand offers a compelling platform for growth across international markets—anchored on consistency in its home market and enabled by replicable operating standards. A Global Brand Rooted in Hong Kong From a 20-seat dim sum shop in Hong Kong to a globally recognized brand, Tim Ho Wan continues to demonstrate how culinary heritage and operational discipline can come together to create a strong and scalable business. The latest Bib Gourmand recognition reinforces Tim Ho Wan’s position as a globally relevant dim sum brand—rooted in Hong Kong and supported by the Jollibee Group’s platform for sustained and disciplined growth. Disciplined Growth Backed by the Jollibee Group The continued recognition also reflects the Jollibee Group’s approach to scaling heritage brands through operational excellence and long-term stewardship. “Tim Ho Wan’s sustained recognition reflects the strength of its heritage and the discipline behind its execution,” said Richard Shin, CEO of JFC International and Global Chief Financial and Risk Officer of the Jollibee Group. “At the Jollibee Group, we focus on strengthening the systems and platforms that allow brands like Tim Ho Wan to grow while preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship that made them successful.” System-wide sales (SWS) expanded significantly from Php1.3 billion in 2024 to Php8.1 billion in 2025, highlighting the brand’s accelerating scale and growing contribution to the Group’s global operations. In its home market, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its core Hong Kong footprint, doubling its store network to 10 locations within approximately one year. Recent store openings have delivered attractive payback periods (circa 1.5 years) and profitability, reinforcing confidence in the brand’s unit economics and disciplined growth approach. Growth has been broad-based across both company-operated and franchise markets. Sales performance strengthened across markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, while franchise markets, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan, continue to build momentum, further validating the brand’s strong international resonance and scalability. The brand also reached an important milestone in its global expansion with the opening of its first company-operated North America store in Irvine, California, marking a significant step in establishing a direct presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. This re-entry into North America reflects the transportability of the brand’s operating model and positions Tim How Wan for a new phase of long-term growth and further global brand development. Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. – Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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