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The Government has extended the employee support subsidy for quake-affected businesses inWellington and Hurunui District, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Social Development Minister Anne Tolley have announced.

“While Wellington is mostly open for business, a small number of employers are still unable to open their doors and we’re still seeing new applications come in,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency’s announcement that it has awarded the contract for the replacement of the Whirokino Trestle and Manawatu River Bridge to Fletcher Construction.

The project is a key component of the Government’s $212 million Accelerated Regional Roading Package, aimed at speeding up the delivery of transport projects considered important to regions.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says Auckland’s Northern Corridor transport project has taken a significant step forward today.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has accepted the NZ Transport Agency’s application for the construction of the Northern Corridor Improvements project.

“This is one of the Government’s top priority transport projects for Auckland and will make a noticeable difference to the city’s transport network,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff have  announced the appointment of Brian Roche as Chair Designate of City Rail Link Limited.

Under the Heads of Agreement signed by the Crown and Auckland Council, City Rail Link Limited will be an independent company, created to deliver Auckland’s CRL.

“CRL is a significant infrastructure project, which will enhance the capacity and performance of Auckland rail services, and improve transport outcomes across Auckland,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced a funding boost for search and rescue activity in the lead-up to the busy summer season.

The Government will provide more than $35.7 million to search and rescue agencies over the next four financial years, an increase of $8.4 million.

“New Zealand’s search and rescue work relies on the efforts of more than 12,000 volunteers who risk their own lives to save others. Government funding is designed to support the valuable contribution these people make,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced the establishment of a new alliance to repair State Highway 1 and the rail line north and south of Kaikoura.

The alliance, known as the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR), is being led by Duncan Gibb, formerly of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT). 

The alliance is made up of the NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Fulton Hogan, Downer, Higgins and HEB Construction.

An Order in Council will accelerate the reinstatement of State Highway 1 north of Kaikōura, says Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

The Governor-General signed the Order into force yesterday, ensuring work to restore the coastal road and rail route can progress in a timely fashion.

“We’re focused on reconnecting the communities of Kaikōura and the region as quickly as possible. The progress already being made can be accelerated further by recognising this as an emergency situation, and by cutting through red tape,” Mr Bridges says.

State Highway 1 to the south of Kaikoura is now open to all traffic for daytime travel restoring direct state highway access to Kaikoura, Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced.

“Re-establishing access to Kaikoura remains our number one priority. Road crews have been working 12 hour days, seven days a week to get the highway south of Kaikoura re-opened in time for the busy holiday period,” Mr Bridges says.

The Kaikoura inland road (route 70) will open for unrestricted use next week, providing a two-way road link in and out of Kaikoura for the first time since the earthquakes, Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced.

Crews have worked relentlessly for the past five weeks to make the severely damaged road safe for general use. This includes clearing the road of more than 50 slips, stabilising slopes, repairing damage and building an entirely new diversion road around the highly unstable Whalesback section of route 70.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced that while Block Offer 2016 received a low number of bids in comparison to previous years, exploration activity is continuing.

As a result of Block Offer 2016, one onshore Taranaki permit will be granted to Todd Energy.

“The global downturn in the petroleum industry that began in late 2014 has had a profound effect on exploration expenditure worldwide”, Minister Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has turned the sod to mark the start of construction on the West Coast’s new Taramakau Bridge, a $25.8 million investment in the region.

The new bridge, between Greymouth and Kumara Junction on State Highway 6, is part of the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package, announced in 2014 to speed up the delivery of transport projects considered important to regions.

Cabinet has agreed to reinstate the coastal route to Kaikoura and will provide additional funding to speed up the process, Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced.

The existing State Highway 1 and rail corridor along the coastal route to the north and south of Kaikoura will be rebuilt, with additional improvements to increase safety and resilience.

A $1 million upgrade of Whangarei Airport is now complete, allowing the airport to host more passengers and accommodate larger aircraft, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

Inside the terminal, upgrades include additional seating space for passengers, new bathrooms, and a larger internal baggage claim area.

Outside, there are more taxi ranks and footpaths, and the pathways have been upgraded to ensure pedestrians and motorists stay safe. There is also a second airport entry and a car park extension.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has made some appointments to the Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) Board.

Commercial law partner, Kylie van Heerden, has been appointed as a new member.

“Ms van Heerden has experience advising clients on corporate and commercial matters, including company compliance and governance. Her appointment will bring commercial legal skills and an injection of fresh energy to this Board,” Mr Bridges says.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today opened public consultation on a new national renewable energy strategy.

The draft replacement of the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy proposes actions that will help New Zealand make the most of its clean, renewable energy sources.

“Energy efficiency and increased use of our renewables are critical for our environment and our economy,” Mr Bridges says.

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges today announced two new appointments and a reappointment to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.

Catherine Taylor has been appointed as the new Deputy Chair of the Board and Karen Sherry has been appointed as a member. David Coull has been reappointed as a member.  The appointments are for three years, effective 1 February 2017.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has officially opened the first section of Auckland’s largest cycling and walking route. 

The Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive cycleway is a four-metre-wide, shared path that provides a safe and convenient route between Glen Innes and St Heliers and connects the community to different public transport options.

Prime Minister John Key and Transport Minister Simon Bridges have turned the sod on the first section of the long awaited Pūhoi to Wellsford Road.

The Puhoi to Warkworth road will be a new 18.5km motorway between Auckland and Northland. It is the first section of the Pūhoi to Wellsford Road to get underway, one of the Government’s Roads of National Significance.

Prime Minister John Key and Transport Minister Simon Bridges have helped celebrate the start of construction on a long sought intersection upgrade in Auckland’s Northwest.

A new roundabout in the township of Waimauku will replace the current intersection on State Highway 16 and Muriwai Road, making it a safer environment for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists.

Changes to petrol and diesel specifications will support the growth of lower-emission fuels, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges says.

Amendments are being made to the Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011, which set out minimum standards for fuel performance.

The changes include reducing the sulphur level allowed in petrol from 50 to 10 parts per million; introducing a total oxygen limit, which potentially allows a wider range of fuel blends; and raising the biodiesel blend limit in diesel from five to seven per cent.

The first of four safety improvement projects on State Highway 3 between Hamilton and Te Kuiti is now underway, Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced today.

The $4.8 million project between Ohaupo and Te Awamutu will include road flexible road safety barriers, wide centrelines, widened shoulders, rumble strips and turnaround bays. It will also include improvements to intersections and access to properties.

The Government has welcomed news that milk tankers and other essential freight will be given priority access in and out of Kaikoura on the inland road (route 70) from next week.

The NZ Transport Agency established a schedule of controlled access this week after control of the road was formally transferred to the Transport Agency by the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Weather depending, the first trip by full milk tankers will take place next Monday.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has officially opened Coda’s new Intermodal Freight Hub in Otahuhu, one of the largest of its type in New Zealand.

The new facility will take containers of Fonterra products from plants in Whareroa and Pahiatua, and in return, send general freight from the Auckland region to Palmerston North.

“This new hub will help manage import, export and domestic freight in an efficient, safe and sustainable way,” Mr Bridges says.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says the first birthday celebrations for Auckland’s Lightpath cycleway shows the huge popularity and impact cycling is having in the city.

The $18 million cycleway was officially opened a year ago, transforming cycling infrastructure in the city centre.

It provides a vital link in the Auckland Cycle Network, from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street and connects directly to the Northwestern and Grafton Gully cycleways.

Cyclists are celebrating its anniversary during a special evening ride tonight.