Wellington's Transport Future Uncertain as Election Approaches

Words by Ethan Manera (he/him)

The polarising Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) initiative is on the rocks, with National campaigning to scrap the project and Labour refusing to commit its support after the election.

LGWM is a joint initiative between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and central government. It aims to revitalise Wellington through implementation of light rail throughout the city and increased pedestrianisation along the ‘Golden Mile’ of Lambton Quay, Willis and Manners Streets, and Courtenay Place. The project has hit many speed bumps since its inception in 2015, but as progress ramps up the wheels of political motivation are seemingly falling off. 

National have long criticised the project, calling it a “consultation-fest”, and last week officially derailed their support. They pledged to scrap LGWM and instead build ‘Four Lanes to the Planes’, a four-lane highway through Wellington to the airport.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has expressed disappointment in the proposed policy, saying it will “do nothing to grow the city, make it more liveable or tackle the climate crisis”.

“Ramming through a four-lane highway and tunnel won’t win the votes of Wellingtonians who have shown consistent support for light rail in the city,” Whanau told NZ Herald.  

While both National and Labour agree that LGWM has taken too long, Labour has until now supported the initiative. 

Following recent questioning, their support may be wavering, with PM Chris Hipkins stating, “For the last six years it hasn’t delivered the sort of progress on Wellington transport projects that I think Wellingtonians would expect, so what I’ve indicated is I think we need to have a good look on whether that’s the right way forward.”

When pressed, the PM wouldn't commit his support for the program, and alluded to an announcement in the near future for more details on their transport policy.

The Green Party has slammed National’s “visionless obsession” with highways as “completely nonsensical”, claiming it will “make pollution and congestion worse”.

ACT have said they too support scrapping LGWM, but joined the Greens and Labour in criticising National’s policy costs, which many say don’t add up.