National Government Moves Forward on Long-Delayed Canterbury Road Project

Canterbury continues to attract New Zealanders with its affordable housing, job opportunities, and high quality of life. The region, which is home to about 695,000 people, is the second-largest regional economy in the country, contributing $55.5 billion in GDP for the year ending in March 2025. Much of this growth is centered in North Canterbury, particularly the Waimakariri District, which has more than doubled in population since the early 1990s to around 70,000 residents.

The rapid expansion has put significant strain on the area’s infrastructure. Local roads suffer from heavy congestion during peak hours, frequent truck traffic, and safety concerns. The National-led government has announced plans to address these issues by moving forward with the long-awaited Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project, which has been discussed for over two decades. If re-elected, the next National government will allocate funding to finally build the bypass.