5. Question No. 5—TransportHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 5—Transport5. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Minister of Transport: Does the Auckland Transport Alignment Project 2021-31 investment programme include funding to accelerate planning for an additional Auckland harbour crossing; if not why not?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): Yes. The planning work continues at pace and the updated Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) package funds this work into the future and includes investment for the associated land acquisition. Waka Kotahi will engage with stakeholders later in the year. This is in contrast to the ATAP released under the previous Government which didn't have the work on the Harbour Bridge starting until the 2040s.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Where specifically in the programme document can he point to that constitutes that funding?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I think the member will understand that I can't provide a page reference at the moment but I can give the member an assurance that within the ATAP package $20 million is allocated for the business case work and $40 million is allocated for land acquisition in support of this project.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does he agree with the key finding of the Additional Waitematā Harbour Connections business case that The high level of reliance on a single corridor and bridge means that various vulnerabilities could have significant impacts on Auckland and New Zealand if service levels were compromised."?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I do note the strategic importance of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I am a local in Auckland unlike the member so I am aware that there is actually a second crossing across the Waitematā at the moment but nonetheless the Government takes the strategic issues very seriously. That's why this work is progressing and why an initial business case was released late last year and further work will continue this year.Shanan Halbert: Does the Minister think the Auckland Transport Alignment Project 2021 - 2031 plan is comprehensive?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Well within ATAP 2021 - 2031 we have included a full breakdown of all projects as a part of this plan. This is in contrast to when I was looking for the member opposite's plan—SPEAKER: No no—order! [Interruption] Order! Now the member will stand withdraw and apologise. When I stand up and call him to order he stops.Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Withdraw and apologise.SPEAKER: And I want to apologise to the House—that question was out of order. Mere reference to a plan doesn't open it up for general comment. This was about a very specific part of the plan.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Why has ATAP 2021 provided $360 million for a SkyPath when the New Zealand Transport Agency has told Parliament's Transport and Infrastructure Committee that adding more weight to the bridge would mean it could accept fewer vehicles?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The Government has confirmed its intentions to invest in a safe accessible walking and cycling crossing across the Waitematā Harbour because it's a key priority for our Government to make sure that Aucklanders do have safe walking and cycling access around our city. It's one of the core contrasts between this side of the House and that side of the House. As we develop that project we will of course put absolute focus on ensuring the structural integrity of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. No one would wish to compromise that.Hon Michael Woodhouse: On that point to the Minister has he sought further advice on the 13 different risks identified in the Harbour Bridge asset management plan that could lead to partial or full closure of the bridge including "failure of the pier bracket could cause a collapse in the bridge if not replaced."?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: As part of their stewardship of this critical asset Waka Kotahi are constantly engaged in managing and assessing possible risks around the Auckland Harbour Bridge. They report to me regularly. This has been going on for some time. I note for example that back in 2013 the Prime Minister at the time Sir John Key commented on a number of these issues. We have a strong stewardship role over that asset. We continue to monitor it and we continue to ensure that there are contingencies in place as we progress work for an additional crossing."